PIC16LF1512-I/SS - 8-bit MCU 3.5KB Flash XLP 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1512-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.55 | $1.55 |
| 10 | $1.39 | $13.90 |
| 100 | $1.18 | $118.00 |
| 500 | $1.02 | $510.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.91 | $910.00 |
PIC16LF1512-I/SS Overview
An MCU (microcontroller unit) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. Microcontrollers are the smallest class of computer processors and serve as the brain of embedded systems across consumer, industrial, and IoT products. Within the Microchip taxonomy, the PIC16F family sits below the PIC18 and dsPIC33 families in flash size and performance, optimized for cost-sensitive and ultra-low-power (XLP) applications rather than high-speed DSP work.
The PIC16LF1512 integrates core peripherals including two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, one Enhanced CCP (ECCP), SPI, I2C (MSSP), and EUSART. Its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers ultra-low power consumption with deep sleep currents typically in the nanoamp range, making it ideal for battery-backed or energy-harvesting products. The device supports up to 17 I/O pins with interrupt-on-change capability and a 10-bit ADC with acquisition time controlled by software.
Internally, the PIC16LF1512 uses a RISC-style Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word, a hardware stack, and on-chip debugging via ICD. It shares peripherals and memory map with the pin-compatible PIC16LF1513 variant (which doubles Flash to 7 KB), simplifying family migration. The LF (low-voltage F) suffix denotes 1.8V-3.6V operation, distinguishing it from the standard PIC16F1512 which operates from 2.3V-5.5V.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered consumer devices, simple motor control loops using ECCP, white-goods user-interface controllers, and home appliances. Its combination of small footprint, eXtreme Low Power (XLP) sleep modes, and ample analog/digital peripherals suits always-on edge nodes.
When designing with this MCU, choose the internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC for most applications to reduce BOM cost, but switch to an external crystal when the EUSART baud-rate accuracy is critical. The ADC requires adequate acquisition time and a stable reference voltage - Microchip application notes recommend at least 1 us settling time for high-impedance sources.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1512-I/SS — 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-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1513-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1512-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1512-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC (Harvard, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| CCP / ECCP Modules | 2x CCP, 1x ECCP |
| Communication Interfaces | SPI, I2C (MSSP), EUSART |
| I/O Pins | Up to 17 |
| Timers | 8-bit and 16-bit timers |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (0.209 in) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| On-Chip Debug | ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) |
PIC16LF1512-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / ADC channel 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4 — Port A bit 4 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Port A bit 5 / Master Clear (Reset) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT/AN12 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt / ADC channel 12 |
| Pin 7 | RB1/AN10 — Port B bit 1 / ADC channel 10 |
| Pin 8 | RB2/AN8 — Port B bit 2 / ADC channel 8 |
| Pin 9 | RB3/AN9/PGM — Port B bit 3 / ADC channel 9 / LVP programming |
| Pin 10 | RB4/AN11 — Port B bit 4 / ADC channel 11 |
| Pin 11 | RB5/AN13 — Port B bit 5 / ADC channel 13 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC/ICSPCLK — Port B bit 6 / ICD clock / serial programming clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD/ICSPDAT — Port B bit 7 / ICD data / serial programming data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC1/CLKIN/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock in / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | OSC2/CLKOUT/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock out / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6/AN8 — Port C bit 6 / ADC channel 8 |
| Pin 24 | RC7/AN9 — Port C bit 7 / ADC channel 9 |
| Pin 25 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1512-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, White Goods User Interface Controller, Simple Motor Speed Control (DC/PWM), HVAC Thermostat and Sensor Hub, Consumer Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Industrial Sensor / 4-20 mA Loop Transmitter.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1512-I/SS's 1.8V-3.6V operation and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents (typically <50 nA in deep sleep) make it ideal for wireless sensor nodes powered by 2x AA or coin-cell batteries. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, or motion sensors, while SPI/I2C connects to a radio module. At a duty cycle of 0.1% wake/sleep, average current can drop below 5 uA, enabling multi-year battery life.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface Controller
Household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers use the PIC16LF1512-I/SS as a low-cost UI controller for LED indicators, button scanning, and basic timers. Its 17 I/O pins drive multiplexed LED displays or character LCDs, while the 2x CCP/ECCP modules generate buzzer tones and triac-control signals. The wide 1.8V-3.6V supply tolerates rectified mains-derivatives.
Recommended
Simple Motor Speed Control (DC/PWM)
The PIC16LF1512-I/SS integrates one Enhanced CCP (ECCP) module capable of generating complementary PWM outputs with programmable dead-band, plus 2x standard CCP for additional PWM channels. This makes it suitable for small DC motor, fan, or LED-strip dimming control. The 10-bit ADC reads back tachometer or current-sense signals for closed-loop regulation at up to 20 MHz instruction rate.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and Sensor Hub
Building-automation thermostats use the PIC16LF1512-I/SS to read NTC thermistors via the 10-bit ADC, drive a character LCD via I2C, and communicate with HVAC equipment over EUSART or SPI. The nanoWatt XLP sleep mode lets the MCU idle between temperature conversions, drawing <1 uA quiescent current. Wide operating temperature (-40C to +85C) supports unheated equipment rooms.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control / IR Transmitter
TV/STB remote controls leverage the PIC16LF1512-I/SS for IR LED carrier generation via CCP PWM (typically 38 kHz), button-scanning matrix input, and ultra-low sleep current extending coin-cell life to multiple years. The 1.8V minimum VDD supports direct LiMnO2 coin-cell operation. Internal HFINTOSC eliminates external crystal cost.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor / 4-20 mA Loop Transmitter
Two-wire loop-powered 4-20 mA sensor transmitters use the PIC16LF1512-I/SS to digitize a sensor signal with the 10-bit ADC, perform linearization, and modulate loop current via a CCP-driven PWM/DAC filter network. The 1.8V minimum supply operation tolerates loop compliance drops, while the SSOP package fits into compact sensor heads.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1512-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1513-I/SS | PIC16F1512-I/SS | PIC16LF1512-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-PDIP (different - through-hole) |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 256 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| I/O Pins | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
Key Differentiators
- Ultra-wide 1.8V-3.6V operating voltage (vs PIC16F1512-I/SS)
- Drop-in Flash upgrade path within same package (vs PIC16LF1513-I/SS)
- nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep performance (vs PIC16F1507-I/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14 and 28 share VDD on this 28-SSOP). For battery applications add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply rail to handle HFINTOSC start-up transients. The PIC16LF1512 draws <50 nA in deep sleep with Watchdog Timer disabled, so a single 100 nF cap is sufficient for stable sleep-mode VDD.
Estimated: at 20 MHz switching and 3.3V VDD, the PIC16LF1512-I/SS draws approximately 4 mA active current, dissipating roughly 13 mW - well within SSOP thermal limits (theta-JA ~95 C/W) and not requiring thermal management. Sleep current drops to <50 nA, so average power is dominated by duty-cycle in battery applications.
Route the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) to an in-circuit programming header with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; do not leave MCLR floating. If using LVP (Low-Voltage Programming), pin 9 (RB3/PGM) must be pulled low through a resistor (typically 10 kohm) before programming to enter LVP mode. Trace the ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK (pins 12, 13) as a matched pair to minimize skew.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD - the LF variant is permanently damaged above 5V unlike the standard PIC16F1512. The HFINTOSC frequency has a factory calibration of +-2% but drifts +-5% across temperature; for EUSART communication above 9600 baud use an external crystal. The ADC requires acquisition time of at least 1.5 us for 10 kohm source impedance - configure ACQT bits in ADCON1 accordingly.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1512-I/SS automotive variants for vehicle applications. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data.
