PIC16LF1509-E/P - 8-Bit 20MHz 14KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1509-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.83 | $1.83 |
| 10 | $1.65 | $16.50 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16LF1509-E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and configurable peripheral interfaces into one device. PIC16F-series MCUs use a Harvard-architecture RISC instruction set, where separate program and data buses allow single-cycle instruction fetch and execution. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16LF1509 sits as: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F1509 sub-family -> low-power ('L') and low-voltage ('LF') variant. Its small footprint, low active current, and rich peripheral set place it in the entry-level signal-conditioning and control segment, well below 32-bit Cortex-M class parts in complexity but with proportionally lower cost and power.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with multiple internal reference voltages, enhanced PWM (10-bit resolution) on multiple channels, an 8-bit DAC, configurable logic cells (CLC), numerically-controlled oscillator (NCO), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for dead-band control, and zero-cross detection. Communication interfaces include I2C, SPI, and EUSART (enhanced USART). The integrated capacitive touch sensor support (via mTouch technology) and peripheral pin select (PPS) simplify IO mapping on the 18-pin budget.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1509 implements a modified Harvard layout with a 14-bit instruction word, runs from an internal 32 MHz HFINTOSC trimmed to +/-1 percent, and supports nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 1 uA. The 20-pin PDIP package is selected for breadboard-friendly prototyping, hand-soldered designs, and educational use; surface-mount variants (SOIC, SSOP, QFN) exist in the same die family.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered handheld instruments, LED lighting controllers, and small motor/relay control boards. Design considerations center on decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF near VDD), unused-pin configuration (set as outputs or inputs with weak pull-ups), and in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) using PGED1/PGEC1 on dedicated pins.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1509-E/P — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC16LF1509-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Maximum CPU Speed, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1509-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1509-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.43 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1509-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1508-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1507-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1503-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1509-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 RISC, 8-bit |
| Instruction Word | 14-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes (none on this part) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| DAC | 8-bit, 1 channel |
| PWM | 10-bit enhanced, multiple channels |
| Communication Interfaces | I2C, SPI, EUSART |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (0.300 in / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Pb-free) |
| Low-Power Feature | XLP nanoWatt (sleep current <1 uA) |
PIC16LF1509-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply (2.5V-3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input / Timer0 clock |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Digital I/O or Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input / SCL |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input / SDA |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RA1/ICSPDAT/PGED1 — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 13 | RA0/ICSPCLK/PGEC1 — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal output or digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal input or digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Digital I/O / analog input / PWM |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Digital I/O / analog input / PWM |
| Pin 18 | RB5 — Digital I/O / analog input / PWM |
| Pin 19 | RB4 — Digital I/O / analog input / PWM |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1509-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting Controller, Educational Microcontroller Trainer, Handheld Test Instrument, Small Motor and Relay Control.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1509-E/P suits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its 2.5-3.6 V supply range aligns directly with 3V3 lithium coin cells and its XLP nanoWatt sleep current stays below 1 uA in deep sleep. The 10-bit ADC with internal reference handles analog sensor conditioning, while the CLC peripheral lets peripheral triggers wake the CPU only on real events, extending battery life to multi-year horizons. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor adjacent to VDD and use the internal 32 MHz HFINTOSC for clock generation. Add an external EEPROM for non-volatile data logging if the 14 KB Flash is dedicated to firmware.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
Consumer appliance controllers benefit from the PIC16LF1509-E/P's 18 I/O pins, 10-bit PWM channels, and integrated 8-bit DAC for motor and valve actuation. Its -40 C to +125 C extended temperature grade handles the under-cabinet thermal environment of ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines. The CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) provides dead-band control for half-bridge drivers, while mTouch capacitive touch input replaces mechanical buttons without external ICs. Designers should reserve one I/O as a hardware watchdog enable pin and use the BOR (brown-out reset) to recover from supply brown-outs during compressor inrush.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
LED lighting controllers leverage the PIC16LF1509-E/P's 10-bit PWM with multiple independent channels for color-mixing RGB or tunable-white fixtures, and the NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator) generates precise PWM frequencies to avoid visible flicker. The 14 KB Flash holds lookup-table-driven dimming curves and DMX-512 or DALI protocol state machines. Low-voltage (LF) operation matches LED driver ICs such as the HV9910 and CL8800. Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on VDD to handle inrush from hot-pluggable LED arrays, and route the PWM outputs away from the HFINTOSC oscillator traces to avoid beat-frequency artifacts.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer
The PIC16LF1509-E/P's 20-pin PDIP through-hole package and breadboard-compatible 0.300 inch pin spacing make it an ideal educational microcontroller. Students can hand-solder, swap units without rework, and debug via ICSP (PGED1/PGEC1 on RA0/RA1) without removing the chip from the breadboard. The PIC16 instruction set is small (35 instructions) and well documented, easing the learning curve for first-time embedded developers. Combined with the MPLAB X IDE and Snap debugger, a complete educational kit can be assembled for under $20 per station.
Recommended
Handheld Test Instrument
Handheld test and measurement instruments use the PIC16LF1509-E/P as the central controller because its 10-bit ADC and 8-bit DAC provide stimulus and measurement channels for simple DMM, capacitance, and signal-tracer functions. The XLP sleep mode extends battery life between measurement cycles, and the extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade handles field environments. Use the EUSART for UART communication to a host PC or BLE bridge. Add an I2C EEPROM for measurement-log retention across power cycles, since the LF1509 has no internal data EEPROM.
Recommended
Small Motor and Relay Control
Small DC motor, stepper, and relay control boards leverage the PIC16LF1509-E/P's 18 I/O pins for H-bridge enable signals, end-stop inputs, and encoder feedback. The CWG peripheral generates complementary PWM with programmable dead time for safe half-bridge switching. The 2.5-3.6 V supply range supports direct operation from 2x AA cells or 1S Li-ion packs. Implement hardware current-limit feedback via the ADC to fold back PWM duty cycle on stall conditions, and use the BOR to gracefully reset on motor-induced supply dips.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1509-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1509-I/P | PIC16F1509-I/P | PIC16LF1508-E/P | PIC16LF1507-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-PDIP (0.300 in) | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same | 20-PDIP - same |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 3.6 V |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB (8K x 14) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) | 3.5 KB (-75%) |
| SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 256 bytes (-50%) | 128 bytes (-75%) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature range up to +125 C (vs PIC16LF1509-I/P)
- Half the Flash and SRAM of LF1509 (vs PIC16LF1508-E/P)
- Low-voltage LF variant optimizes active current (vs PIC16F1509-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) and a bulk 10 uF capacitor on the same rail. The PIC16LF1509-E/P operates from 2.5 V to 3.6 V; exceeding 3.6 V (such as direct connection to a Li-ion cell at 4.2 V) will damage the part. For battery-powered designs, use the internal 32 MHz HFINTOSC for normal operation and switch to the 31 kHz LFINTOSC during sleep. Brown-out reset (BOR) should always be enabled to recover from supply dips during motor or relay switching transients.
Route the ICSP pair (PGED1/PGEC1 on RA0/RA1) with short, parallel traces and a ground guard trace to minimize programming glitches. The crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2/RA7/RA6) should be short, symmetric, and surrounded by a grounded keep-out zone to reduce EMI pickup. Avoid routing PWM outputs near the ICSP or HFINTOSC oscillator traces - beat-frequency artifacts can degrade ADC readings and PWM linearity. For breadboard prototyping the PDIP-20 footprint is ideal; for production, switch to SSOP-20 or QFN-20 for area savings.
Do not leave unused I/O pins floating - configure them as outputs (driving low) or as inputs with the internal weak pull-up enabled, otherwise supply current rises and spurious interrupts may occur. The PIC16LF1509-E/P has NO data EEPROM, so applications that need non-volatile data storage must add an external I2C or SPI EEPROM chip, or migrate to a PIC16F1xx family with on-chip data EEPROM. When migrating code between PIC16LF1509-E/P and PIC16F1509 variants, double-check the configuration words - LF and F variants use different voltage-range bits that can brick the part if misconfigured.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free (Pb-free) PDIP package. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications use PIC16F1509-E/P or migrate to PIC18F-Q1 family members.
