PIC16LF1512-E/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1512-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.89 | $18.90 |
| 100 | $1.65 | $165.00 |
| 500 | $1.42 | $710.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.22 | $1,220.00 |
PIC16LF1512-E/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (program Flash and data RAM), and peripherals (ADC, timers, communication interfaces) on one die. The PIC16 family uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range RISC core, which provides deterministic instruction execution, simple C and assembly toolchains (MPLAB X IDE + XC8 compiler), and a broad ecosystem of application notes. The 'LF' prefix indicates the low-voltage (1.8V-3.6V) variant, and the 'XLP' designation marks eXtreme Low Power features such as nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 50 nA typical.
Key features of the PIC16LF1512-E/SP include 17 ADC channels with 10-bit resolution, multiple Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI/I2C) peripherals, multiple 8/16-bit timers, and the XLP nanoWatt technology for sleep currents down to a few nanoamps. The 20 MHz core delivers up to 5 MIPS of processing throughput. The 'E' temperature grade extends operating range from -40°C to +125°C, qualifying the part for industrial environments.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1512 employs a Harvard bus design with separate program and data paths and a 14-bit wide instruction word. The internal oscillator is factory-calibrated to ±1% across voltage and temperature, removing the need for an external crystal in many applications. Hardware peripherals are mapped to I/O pins via Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), giving layout flexibility for PCB design.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, battery-powered IoT edge devices, home appliance control boards, automotive body electronics sub-modules (within the temperature grade), and industrial monitoring modules. The 28-pin SPDIP package is preferred for hand-soldered prototypes, educational kits, and through-hole assembly lines.
When designing with the PIC16LF1512, plan for an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) header with PGED/PGEC lines for firmware updates. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD, and add a bulk capacitor at the regulator output to handle ADC reference transients during conversions.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single source for component selection and BOM consolidation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1512-E/SP — 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, I/O Pins, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1512-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1513-E/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1512-E/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1508-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1509-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1507-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1512-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Family | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Timers | 8/16-bit, multiple instances |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| I/O Pins | 27 |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (300 mil, through-hole) |
| Temperature Grade (E) | -40°C to +125°C (industrial) |
| Low-Power Feature | nanoWatt XLP technology |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (PGED/PGEC) |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes, factory calibrated |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1512-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/PGM/RE3 — Master Clear / Programming Voltage / Digital I/O RE3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O RA0 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O RA1 / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O RA2 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O RA3 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Digital I/O RA4 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Digital I/O RA5 / analog input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Digital I/O RA7 / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Digital I/O RA6 / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O RC0 / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O RC1 / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O RC2 / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O RC3 / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O RC4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O RC5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O RC6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O RC7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — Digital I/O RB0 / analog input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O RB1 / analog input |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O RB2 / analog input |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Digital I/O RB3 / analog input |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O RB4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O RB5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGED — Digital I/O RB6 / ICSP programming data |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGEC — Digital I/O RB7 / ICSP programming clock |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1512-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics Sub-Modules, Industrial Monitoring Modules, Educational and Hobbyist Electronics Kits, HVAC Thermostat and Climate Controls.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1512-E/SP's nanoWatt XLP technology and 1.8V-3.6V VDD range make it ideal for battery-powered wireless sensor nodes. Sleep current below 50 nA typical allows multi-year battery life when waking periodically to read a sensor and transmit via UART to a connected radio module. The 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels supports temperature, humidity, and battery voltage monitoring without external components. At 20 MHz, the core executes simple protocol stacks and filter algorithms fast enough to keep active-mode duty cycle low, extending battery life further.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LF1512-E/SP fits home appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) thanks to its industrial -40C to +125C temperature grade and 27 GPIO pins. The EUSART and MSSP peripherals drive user-interface displays, keypad scanners, and sensor feedback loops. Flash endurance of 100K erase/write cycles accommodates firmware updates over the appliance lifetime. Low BOM cost and small SPDIP footprint simplify through-hole manufacturing lines used by appliance OEMs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Sub-Modules
Within its -40C to +125C temperature envelope, the PIC16LF1512-E/SP serves body-electronics sub-modules such as interior lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, and seat-position modules. The 10-bit ADC reads multiple potentiometers and switch contacts, while PWM outputs drive LED dimming and small motors. The nanoWatt XLP sleep mode is essential when the module is parked (ignition off) to keep quiescent current below 100 uA and preserve automotive battery life over weeks of inactivity.
Recommended
Industrial Monitoring Modules
Factory-floor sensor hubs and PLC expansion modules use the PIC16LF1512-E/SP for analog signal conditioning and digital I/O expansion. The 17-channel 10-bit ADC multiplexes multiple 4-20 mA or 0-10V sensor inputs through external op-amps. The MSSP peripheral interfaces to I2C sensors and the EUSART bridges to RS-485 transceivers for industrial fieldbus connectivity. Extended temperature grade ensures reliable operation near motors and heaters inside enclosures.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Electronics Kits
The PIC16LF1512-E/SP's 28-SPDIP through-hole package is preferred for educational boards and hobbyist kits because it is hand-solderable on perfboard and breadboard-compatible. Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and PICkit programmer ecosystem lower the learning curve. The 3.5KB Flash and 128B RAM are sufficient for teaching ADC, PWM, UART, and I2C fundamentals with real peripherals. The 'E' temperature grade handles student-project environments from cold garages to hot sunlit windowsills.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and Climate Controls
Wall-mount HVAC thermostats benefit from the PIC16LF1512-E/SP's extended temperature range and low power consumption. The 10-bit ADC reads onboard thermistors for ambient temperature, while PWM outputs drive TRIAC optocouplers for heater/cooler control. The XLP sleep mode keeps battery backup alive for months during power outages. The SPDIP package is easy to integrate into through-hole thermostat reference designs from HVAC component vendors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1512-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1512-I/SP | PIC16LF1513-E/SP | PIC16F1512-E/SP | PIC16LF1508-E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP (through-hole) | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| ADC Channels | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade in 28-SPDIP package (vs PIC16LF1512-I/SP)
- Larger Flash memory available in same package (vs PIC16LF1513-E/SP)
- Low-voltage LF variant with XLP nanoWatt technology (vs PIC16F1512-E/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk capacitor (e.g., 10 uF tantalum or aluminum) at the regulator output. The PIC16LF1512-E/SP can wake from sleep on interrupt in microseconds, but the regulator must supply the inrush current without sagging - verify the regulator can deliver 50 mA peak for ADC and PWM transitions. For battery-powered applications, route the MCLR pin through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a capacitor to ground for clean reset behavior.
Keep PGD (pin 27) and PGC (pin 28) traces short and away from switching signals to ensure reliable ICSP programming. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 1) for normal operation, but allow access to the ICSP header for in-circuit programming. Route the analog signals (RA and RC analog-capable pins) away from digital switching traces to minimize ADC noise coupling; use a ground plane to isolate analog and digital return currents.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD; the LF variant has no 5V tolerance and will be damaged. The PIC16LF1512-E/SP's 128-byte RAM is small - if the firmware uses recursive functions or large stack frames in C, monitor the stack depth to avoid overflow. The internal oscillator is calibrated to ±1% at 3.3V, but accuracy may degrade at the extremes of the VDD range; for UART communication above 9600 baud consider an external crystal.
When using the ADC, add a small RC filter (1 kohm + 100 nF) on each analog input to prevent switching noise from digital signals coupling into ADC readings. Perform an ADC acquisition of at least 1 us before conversion for accurate 10-bit results. If using the ADC in sleep mode for lowest noise, configure the A/D converter to use the internal RC oscillator and average multiple samples in firmware to improve effective resolution.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page; lead-free reflow compatible. AEC-Q100 not formally qualified - for full automotive qualification, contact Microchip for AEC-Q100-grade part numbers in this family.
