PIC16LF1512-E/SO - 8-bit 20MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1512-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.35 | $1.35 |
| 10 | $1.21 | $12.10 |
| 100 | $1.07 | $107.00 |
| 500 | $0.94 | $470.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.82 | $820.00 |
PIC16LF1512-E/SO Overview
What is a microcontroller IC? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM/EEPROM), and peripherals such as ADC, timers, and communication interfaces. MCUs sit in the embedded-semiconductor hierarchy: microcontroller -> microprocessor -> semiconductor device -> integrated circuit. The PIC16 family uses a RISC Harvard architecture and is a long-standing workhorse in industrial, automotive, and consumer embedded systems.
Key features of the PIC16LF1512-E/SO include 17 source-selectable I/O pins, an internal 16 MHz high-speed oscillator (HFINTOSC, software tunable), two analog comparators, Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) and Enhanced CCP modules, EUSART with auto-baud, MSSP for SPI/I2C, an 8-bit TMR2 and 16-bit Timer1, and on-chip debug support via ICD. The XLP feature delivers typical sleep currents in the microampere range, enabling multi-year battery life in sensor and metering nodes.
The internal oscillator and digital peripherals are designed around a 20 MHz instruction rate at 3.3 V, with brown-out reset (BOR) selectable by software. An integrated 10-bit ADC reaches up to 30 ksps when sourced from the internal FRC oscillator for zero-latency sampling.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensors, IoT edge nodes, low-power wireless sensor interfaces (as the host MCU), consumer appliances, automotive body modules (sub-systems), HVAC controllers, and industrial control boards where small footprint, low quiescent current, and deterministic 8-bit performance are priorities. Designers choose this part when migrating legacy PIC16F code to a lower-power yet familiar platform.
When designing with the PIC16LF1512-E/SO, ensure that decoupling is placed within 5 mm of VDD and that the analog and digital grounds share a single tie point to the SOIC thermal pad (where fitted). Selecting the HS or HFINTOSC clocking mode must match the application's EMI and timing budget; use the Power-Saved Sleep mode with WDT and timer wake-ups for nano-ampere standby averages.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1512-E/SO — 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 PIC16LF1512-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1512-I/SO
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF1512T-I/SO
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-E/P
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-E/SS
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF1509-I/SS
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF1512-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC XLP 16F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) Flash |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| EEPROM Size | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| I/O Pins | 17 |
| Package / Case | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Oscillator | Internal HFINTOSC 16 MHz + LFINTOSC 31 kHz |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Reset, POR, PWM, WDT, CCP/ECCP, Comparators |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1512-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Digital power supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5; analog / digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4; digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — PORTA bit 3 / Master Clear / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (analog) |
| Pin 6 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (analog) |
| Pin 7 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (analog) |
| Pin 8 | RE3 — PORTE bit 3 / digital only (MCLR disabled) |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — PORTA bit 7 / oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — PORTA bit 6 / oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 / ECCP1 output |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 15 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 / SCL (MSSP) |
| Pin 16 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 / SDA (MSSP) |
| Pin 17 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RC6/TX — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART TX |
| Pin 19 | RC7/RX — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART RX |
| Pin 20 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 21 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 / CCP1 |
| Pin 26 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 / ECCP2 |
| Pin 27 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Secondary digital ground |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1512-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Wireless Sensor Host MCU, Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Control, Automotive Body and Sub-Module Controllers, Consumer Appliance User Interface, HVAC and Smart Building Controllers, Portable Test and Measurement Instruments.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1512-E/SO's 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD range and XLP nano-amp Sleep current make it ideal for two-AA or coin-cell IoT nodes that report temperature, humidity, or occupancy. With a 20 MHz CPU, 3.5 KB Flash for over-the-air firmware, and 128 B RAM for protocol stacks, the MCU polls a sensor every few seconds and returns to microampere Sleep between events. Its 10-bit ADC and on-chip comparators let the device wake on analog thresholds without external parts, further reducing system energy and BOM cost.
Recommended
Wireless Sensor Host MCU
As the host controller for sub-GHz or BLE transceivers, the PIC16LF1512-E/SO provides the SPI/UCART interface and PWM timers needed for radio control and wake-up duty cycling. Its wide VDD range supports direct battery operation, while the integrated EUSART and MSSP ease driver writing for common transceivers. With 3.5 KB Flash, the device runs the MAC layer plus the sensor sampling loop with low power. Reference: Microchip XLP 16F application notes.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Control
In 4-20 mA and 0-10 V industrial loops, the PIC16LF1512-E/SO delivers 10-bit ADC measurement accuracy plus PWM and timing for valve/actuator drive, all within an extended -40C to +125C operating envelope. The 28-SOIC package suits industrial PCB assemblies, and the MSSP allows I2C expansion to additional ADCs or DACs. Reference: Microchip PIC16F1512 Industrial Application Note. Compared to PIC24 alternatives, this PIC16 part reduces system cost by ~30% while preserving deterministic 8-bit behaviour.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Sub-Module Controllers
While not AEC-Q100 qualified in the standard E/SO variant, this PIC16 family is found in non-safety body controllers, light drivers, and discrete sensor interfaces at tier-2 suppliers. The wide temperature tolerance, on-chip 10-bit ADC, and PWM modules handle LED dimming, cabin sensors, and door/window modules. For automotive use, validate the specific device with Microchip -VAO markings or pair with an automotive-grade companion on a separate domain. Reference: Microchip automotive MCU portfolio.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
Mid-range PIC16 MCUs power user interfaces, LED status indicators, and low-cost touch or rotary encoder feedback on small appliances. The PIC16LF1512-E/SO provides up to 17 I/O pins, ECCP/PWM for motor speed, and EUSART for display connectivity in a compact 28-SOIC footprint. Its nanoWatt XLP sleep reduces standby energy for Energy Star-compliant products. Reference: Microchip XLP family energy savings technical brief (DS40001666).
Recommended
HVAC and Smart Building Controllers
HVAC zone controllers, thermostat peripherals, and air quality monitors benefit from the PIC16LF1512-E/SO's mix of analog inputs (10-bit ADC and comparators), PWM outputs for damper control, and serial interfaces for networking. The SOIC-28 is friendly to through-hole prototyping and wave/selective soldering, often preferred by HVAC installers. Low sleep current (typical 60 nA with WDT) keeps battery-backed thermostats functional for years.
Recommended
Portable Test and Measurement Instruments
Handheld multimeters, low-cost oscilloscope probes, and battery-powered calibration tools use the PIC16LF1512-E/SO for its small footprint and tightly deterministic timing. The on-chip HFINTOSC, 20 MHz maximum speed, and adequate ADC enable accurate low-rate signal acquisition, while XLP sleep prolongs field deployment. Compared to host-USB PIC variants (PIC16LF1455), the SOIC-28 offers more I/O for rotary encoders and multi-button interfaces.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1512-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1512-I/SO | PIC16LF1512T-I/SO | PIC16LF1508-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-PDIP (DIP variant) |
| Core / Family | 8-bit PIC XLP 16F | 8-bit PIC XLP 16F | 8-bit PIC XLP 16F | 8-bit PIC XLP 16F |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Program Flash | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 256 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Wide VDD window 1.8 V - 3.6 V designed for two-AA and coin-cell battery systems (vs PIC16F1512-I/SO)
- XLP nano-amp Sleep current with selectable LFINTOSC + WDT wake (vs PIC16LF1503T-I/SL)
- 28-SOIC packaging with 17 I/O pins and 10-bit ADC at the same price tier as 14-pin variants (vs PIC16LF1455-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5V VDD the PIC16LF1512 draws approximately 0.55 mA at 4 MHz active. With VDD=3.3V, the active current is ~0.3 mA, dropping to ~60 nA in Sleep with WDT disabled (LFINTOSC). For battery-driven designs, enable Watchdog Timer (WDT) at the lowest possible postscaler and exit Sleep via WDT interrupt; combined with the nanoWatt XLP mode this yields multi-year lifetime on 2x AA cells. Always populate the 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of pins 1 (VDD) and 14 (VSS), and a 10 uF bulk cap if the supply has any series inductance.
The 28-SOIC footprint has a wider body than its SOIC-14 sibling; verify the keep-out envelope around the MCU for clearances required by your pick-and-place. Place the HFINTOSC traceable crystal (if used) within 3 mm of pins 9 (OSC1) and 10 (OSC2) and add a ground guard ring if the oscillator needs EMI suppression. For ADC accuracy, reserve AVss = Vss as a single point tie-in; star-ground all analog returns to the Vss pin to avoid digital switching noise on the analog converter reference.
Do not leave the MCLR/RA3 pin floating - even the internal weak pull-up can be defeated by external leakage and cause spurious resets. Tie MCLR to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or enable the internal MCLR weak pull-up in CONFIG1. When using the ADC, the user must configure both the TRIS and ANSEL/ANSELC bits - leaving TRIS set as output silently breaks analog reads. Finally, avoid operating VDD outside the 1.8V-3.6V LF window; running below 1.6V causes BOR unless BOR is disabled in CONFIG1.
Route the MSSP (I2C) lines (RC3/RC4) as short balanced tracks with 4.7k pull-ups to VDD. The EUSART TX/RX pins (RC6/RC7) need no special topology but should be kept clear of PWM outputs to reduce cross-talk. If using ECCP for motor PWM, separate the high-current driver returns from the digital ground by using a single-tie star at the SOIC VSS pin (pin 14) to avoid ground bounce during switching events.
Compliance Information
Standard Microchip environmental compliance per the product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive-grade PIC16 variants request the -VAO suffix or upgrade to DSPIC33CK automotive family.
