PIC16LF1509-I/GZ - 8-Bit 20MHz 14KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1509-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.45 | $14.50 |
| 100 | $1.21 | $121.00 |
| 500 | $1.04 | $520.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.81 | $2,430.00 |
PIC16LF1509-I/GZ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (SRAM), non-volatile user storage (EEPROM), digital I/O, and on-chip peripherals. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16LF1509 belongs to the hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F/LF150x sub-family. The 'LF' suffix specifically selects low-voltage XLP silicon, optimized for sub-1 uA sleep currents that extend battery life in IoT endpoints, remote sensors, and wearables.
Key features include 18 general-purpose I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with multiple input channels, four 8-bit timers (plus 1 x 16-bit timer), Configurable Logic Cells (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO). The XLP technology provides multiple low-power sleep modes (Doze, Idle, Sleep), a watchdog timer, and on-chip debugging via MPLAB ICD. The instruction set is fully upward-compatible with previous PIC16 mid-range cores.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1509 uses a Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, separate program and data buses, and a hardware stack. Internal peripherals are clock-gated and individually software-controllable for granular power savings. Compared to the PIC16F1509 (F-only, 2.0-5.5 V), the LF variant trades the upper voltage range for lower active/sleep power, making it preferable when the supply rail is fixed at 1.8-3.6 V (single Li-ion or 2x AA). All four variants (F/LF, I/E speed grades) share the same UQFN-20 (4 x 4 mm) footprint, enabling PCB reuse across designs with differing voltage and temperature budgets.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, low-energy wireless remote controls, portable medical accessories, consumer appliances with always-on capacitive touch wake, LED lighting controllers, and small home-automation end-devices. The 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference supports direct connection to thermistors, photodiodes, and low-bandwidth analog signals.
When designing with this part, ensure that the supply rail stays within 1.8-3.6 V under all load transients, and that decoupling capacitors are placed within 2 mm of the VDD/VSS pins. If your system runs from a 5 V rail, select the PIC16F1509 (non-LF) instead; if it runs from a 1.5 V rail with a boost converter, validate that boost-converter ripple does not exceed 200 mVpp to preserve ADC accuracy. The MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler provides the recommended firmware toolchain.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and engineering design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet. Information sources include Microchip PIC16LF1509 datasheet, DigiKey, Mouser, Octopart, and RS-Online listings.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1509-I/GZ — 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-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1509-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1509-I/GZ-Q1
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1509-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1508T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1509-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16F/LF150x (PIC16 mid-range, 8-bit) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit Harvard RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8192 x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 512 B |
| Non-Volatile Storage (EEPROM) | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF/XLP) |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| Timers | 4 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Special Peripherals | CLC, CWG, NCO |
| Low-Power Modes | Sleep / Idle / Doze (XLP technology) |
| Package | 20-UQFN (4 x 4 mm), GZ suffix |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial 'I' suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming/Debug Interface | MPLAB ICD via ICSP |
| Speed Grade | 20 MIPS at 20 MHz / 3.3 V |
PIC16LF1509-I/GZ 20-uqfn (4 x 4 mm), gz suffix Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LF1509-I/GZ (20-uqfn (4 x 4 mm), gz suffix package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16LF1509-I/GZ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1509-I/GZ is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wireless Remote Controls (Sub-GHz / IR), Portable Medical Accessories, Home Automation End-Devices, LED Lighting Controllers, Consumer Appliance User Interface, Capacitive Touch Interface Modules.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1509-I/GZ is well matched to wireless sensor nodes because its 1.8-3.6 V XLP operating range directly accommodates single-cell Li-ion (3.0-3.6 V) or 2x AA alkaline (3.0 V) chemistries without a boost regulator. The LF silicon typically achieves sub-1 uA sleep currents in the datasheet DC characteristics, letting a sensor node duty-cycling 0.1% of the time run for multiple years on a 2400 mAh AA cell. The 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference interfaces directly with thermistors, photodiodes, soil-moisture probes, and PIR motion sensors, while the 14 KB Flash holds a small wireless protocol stack (BLE beacon, sub-GHz proprietary, LoRaWAN MAC) plus user application code. Real-world deployments include agricultural soil monitors and HVAC wireless thermostats.
Recommended
Wireless Remote Controls (Sub-GHz / IR)
Handheld remote controls for consumer electronics, garage-door openers, and industrial cranes benefit from the PIC16LF1509-I/GZ because of its ultra-low sleep current (a remote control sits idle for 99% of its lifetime) and its on-chip peripherals like the Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) that generates precise sub-GHz carrier frequencies without an external crystal. The CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) drives IR LEDs directly with no external MOSFETs, and the 18 GPIO pins easily service a 4x4 button matrix plus status LED feedback. A typical 2x AA-powered remote drawing 30 mA only on transmit and 0.5 uA in sleep achieves roughly 5 years of battery life. Firmware can be locked in Flash to prevent unauthorized cloning.
Recommended
Portable Medical Accessories
Portable medical devices such as pulse-oximeter finger probes, single-use infrared thermometers, and pill-bottle adherence sensors fit the PIC16LF1509-I/GZ profile: battery-powered, low-duty-cycle, small form factor, with analog measurement capability. The 1.8-3.6 V supply range supports direct operation from a single CR2032 coin cell (3.0 V) with no boost converter, shrinking the BOM. The 10-bit ADC measures photodiode current in a pulse-oximetry circuit, and the CWG generates the IR/Red LED driver waveforms. Medical designs must follow IEC 60601-1 isolation and firmware-lifecycle (FDA / IEC 62304) processes - the PIC16LF1509's WDT and BOR features provide hardware fault recovery required for medical safety class II applications.
Recommended
Home Automation End-Devices
Smart-home endpoint devices such as battery-powered door/window sensors, occupancy detectors, and water-leak alarms are classic PIC16LF1509-I/GZ use cases because the LF silicon's deep-sleep current and the MCU's small 4 x 4 mm UQFN footprint let designers fit the entire node inside a CR2 battery compartment. The 10-bit ADC reads multiple analog sensors (temperature, light, moisture) while the on-chip CLC module implements a simple capacitive proximity wake circuit that wakes the MCU only when a user approaches - extending battery life. The MPLAB X IDE with MCC code generator reduces firmware development time, and the part's industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) handles unheated garages and outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
Constant-current LED drivers and decorative RGB lighting controllers benefit from the PIC16LF1509-I/GZ's CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), which produces dead-band-corrected complementary PWM outputs to drive high-side and low-side FETs in a synchronous buck topology. The 16-bit timer enables flicker-free dimming at 16-bit PWM resolution (well above the 10-bit threshold for human-perceptible smoothness), and the NCO generates precise DALI or DMX-512 timing protocols without burdening the core. Operating from a single-cell Li-ion (3.0-3.6 V) or a 24 V buck-derived 3.3 V rail, the PIC16LF1509-I/GZ fits both battery-powered decorative strips and AC-line-powered commercial luminaires.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
User-interface panels for coffee machines, washing machines, ovens, and air-conditioner remotes are dominated by 8-bit MCUs because the workloads are limited to button scanning, LCD/LED display driving, and small state machines. The PIC16LF1509-I/GZ brings 18 GPIO to drive a 4x4 button matrix plus a 14-segment LCD-style LED display, while the CLC module debounces and routes interrupts from mechanical keys without CPU overhead. Designers who want 5 V tolerance for line-powered appliance mains choose the pin-to-pin compatible PIC16F1509 (F-only) variant, sharing firmware and PCB layout between the two SKUs - a common practice in consumer appliance product families.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch Interface Modules
The PIC16LF1509-I/GZ supports mTouch capacitive-touch sensing through its on-chip ADC and the CVD (Charge-Voltage Division) acquisition method documented in Microchip application notes AN1478 and AN1525. This enables designers to add touch buttons, sliders, and proximity wake-up to consumer products without external touch ICs, saving roughly $0.30-0.50 per board. The 4 x 4 mm UQFN package and 1.8-3.6 V operation fit behind thin plastic overlays in small handheld devices like electric toothbrushes, hearing-aid remote controls, and wearable fitness bands. Combined with the XLP deep-sleep modes, a touch-wake interface consumes negligible standby power.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1509-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1509-I/GZ | PIC16LF1508-I/GZ | PIC16F1509-I/GZ-Q1 | PIC16LF1509-E/GZ | PIC16LF1508T-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - GZ | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - GZ (same) | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - GZ (same) | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - GZ (same) | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - GZ (same) | 20-UQFN (4x4 mm) - GZ (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC, 20 MHz | PIC16 8-bit RISC, 20 MHz | PIC16 8-bit RISC, 20 MHz | PIC16 8-bit RISC, 20 MHz | PIC16 8-bit RISC, 20 MHz | PIC16 8-bit RISC, 20 MHz |
| Flash / SRAM / EEPROM | 14 KB / 512 B / 256 B | 14 KB / 512 B / 256 B | 7 KB / 256 B / 256 B | 14 KB / 512 B / 256 B | 14 KB / 512 B / 256 B | 7 KB / 256 B / 256 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (XLP) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (XLP) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (XLP) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (XLP) |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Automotive AEC-Q100) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | No | No | Yes (Automotive) | No | No |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Special Peripherals (CLC/CWG/NCO) | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes / Yes |
Key Differentiators
- XLP low-voltage (1.8-3.6 V) variant with sub-1 uA sleep (vs PIC16F1509-I/GZ)
- AEC-Q100 qualified option in same package (vs PIC16F1509-I/GZ (non-automotive))
- Maximum 14 KB Flash + 512 B SRAM in UQFN-20 family (vs PIC16LF1508-I/GZ)
- Extended temperature grade available (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC16LF1509-I/GZ (industrial -40C to +85C))
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 3.3 V, the PIC16LF1509 typical active current is approximately 1.5-2.5 mA per the PIC16LF1509 datasheet DC characteristics. In Sleep mode (XLP), the supply current drops to sub-1 uA typical. For battery-powered designs, ensure your DC/DC regulator or LDO has a quiescent current under 1 uA to preserve the XLP sleep advantage - Microchip's MCP1700 LDO is a typical choice. Add a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of the VDD pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail.
The 20-UQFN (GZ) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a copper pad on the PCB for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Route all signal traces on the top layer if possible, with a continuous ground pour on layer 2 stitched with vias around the EP pad. Keep high-frequency traces (crystal, ICSP clock) short to avoid EMI - place the 20 MHz crystal or external resonator within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins with a grounded guard ring.
Common pitfalls when designing with the PIC16LF1509: (1) Confusing the LF (1.8-3.6 V) with the F (2.0-5.5 V) variant on a 5 V rail - the LF will be damaged. (2) Forgetting to configure the Configuration Words (CONFIG) for the intended oscillator mode and watchdog setting - brown-out detect (BOR) should always be enabled for production. (3) Using the ICSP/PGD/PGC pins as general-purpose I/O without isolating them in firmware (the programmer needs these pins). (4) Not enabling the WDT in long-running unattended systems - watchdog reset is required for IEC 60730 safety-class compliance in appliance designs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip PIC16LF1509 product page. AEC-Q100 not qualified for this 'I' industrial variant - choose PIC16F1509-I/GZ-Q1 for automotive AEC-Q100. Lead-free (Pb-free) confirmed by Microchip packaging marking. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data.
