PIC16LF1512T-I/SO - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 20MHz, XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1512T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.0549 | $1.05 |
| 10 | $0.96 | $9.60 |
| 100 | $0.82 | $82.00 |
| 500 | $0.74 | $370.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.68 | $680.00 |
PIC16LF1512T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and a rich set of peripherals such as ADCs, timers, communication controllers, and general-purpose I/O. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16LF1512 is an 8-bit microcontroller in Microchip's PIC16 enhanced mid-range family, which sits under the Power Management > Microcontrollers hierarchy and ultimately falls under the umbrella of semiconductors and embedded processing. The "LF" prefix denotes the low-voltage F-series variant optimized for low-power operation, while XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology targets sub-µA sleep currents suitable for energy-harvesting and long-life battery products.
Key differentiating features include XLP technology with typical sleep currents in the nanoamp range, an integrated 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference, multiple Enhanced Low-Power Timer modules, and a peripheral pin select that simplifies PCB routing by remapping digital functions onto different I/O pins. The 28-pin SOIC package provides ample I/O for sensor fusion, user-interface buttons, and simple communication interfaces such as I2C, SPI, and async UART through the EUSART module.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1512 uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. The internal 16 MHz and 31 kHz oscillators can be switched under software control, and the device supports two-speed start-up for fast wake from sleep. The integrated Power-on Reset, Brown-out Reset, and Watchdog Timer with separate oscillator improve field reliability in industrial and outdoor installations.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered remote metering, low-power motor and lighting controls, handheld instrumentation, and consumer appliances where the SOIC footprint eases hand-prototyping and rework. Design considerations include reserving adequate PCB copper under the exposed pad for thermal dissipation, using low-ESR decoupling on VDD, and verifying that the chosen ADC reference does not exceed the supply rail.
This page synthesizes Microchip's official datasheet figures, current distributor stock and pricing as of 2026-09-23, and drop-in same-package alternatives not consolidated on the manufacturer product page, alongside practical PCB-layout and low-power design notes assembled for AI-driven discovery.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1512T-I/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 PIC16LF1512T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1512-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1512T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1507-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1458-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1507T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1512T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC 8-bit |
| Series | PIC16F (PIC16LF1512) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| CPU Speed (max) | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| I/O Pins | 27 (typical for 28-pin SOIC) |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers (TMR0/1/2) |
| Communication | EUSART (UART), I2C, SPI |
| Package | 28-SOIC wide (0.295 in / 7.50 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C ambient) |
| Low-Power Feature | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology |
| RoHS | Compliant |
PIC16LF1512T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — Digital I/O / EUSART TX |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — Digital I/O / EUSART RX |
| Pin 10 | RB7/ICDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 11 | RB6/ICCK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 23 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 24 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 25 | RA7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RA6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 28 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal output / system clock out |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1512T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Low-Power Remote Metering / AMR, Handheld Medical and Wellness Devices, Consumer Appliance User Interface, Lighting Control and Dimmer Modules, Industrial Sensor Transmitters (4-20 mA).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1512T-I/SO fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its 1.8V-3.6V supply range matches a single LiSOCl2 primary cell or two alkaline cells end-of-life. Its XLP technology delivers nanoamp sleep currents that, combined with periodic wake-on-WDT and a 10-bit ADC read, extend coin-cell runtime to multiple years. Designers typically pair it with an SPI-connected sensor (such as Microchip MCP9808 temperature) and an I2C-connected EEPROM for data logging, sleeping between acquisitions. The 27 I/O lines provide enough headroom for multi-sensor expansion and a UART debug channel.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Metering / AMR
For automatic meter reading (AMR) endpoints, the PIC16LF1512T-I/SO provides enough Flash (3.5KB) for a small wM-BUS or LoRaWAN driver stub while sipping battery. The integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels handles pulse counting from reed switches or Hall-effect flow sensors directly, with the EUSART serving the radio modem. The XLP sleep current under 100 nA is critical for AMR meters that must operate 10+ years on primary cells. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports outdoor meter enclosures.
Recommended
Handheld Medical and Wellness Devices
The PIC16LF1512T-I/SO is well suited to handheld medical accessories such as pulse oximeter probes, digital thermometers, and pill reminders where low weight and battery life dominate BOM trade-offs. Its 20 MHz core is fast enough to drive a small SPI OLED or segment LCD through a charge-pump, while XLP sleep enables stand-by currents that keep the device usable for months between charges. The industrial temperature grade covers typical wellness use. Designers rely on the EUSART to stream data to a host BLE module for smartphone pairing.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
In coffee machines, washing-machine front panels, and air-purifier controls, the PIC16LF1512T-I/SO drives keypads, rotary encoders, status LEDs, and small TFT or OLED displays. The 27 I/O pins easily accommodate 4x4 key matrices plus SPI display interface plus UART to the main appliance controller. Industrial -40C to +85C rating survives kitchen thermal cycling. The wide 1.8-3.6V supply range lets the design share the appliance's 3.3V rail without an extra LDO.
Recommended
Lighting Control and Dimmer Modules
The PIC16LF1512T-I/SO is a strong fit for phase-cut dimmers and RGBW LED controllers where capacitive-touch or rotary inputs are decoded and PWM outputs drive MOSFET gates. Its 16-bit PWM plus enhanced 8-bit timer enable flicker-free dimming down to 1%, while the 10-bit ADC reads light-sensor feedback for daylight harvesting. The wide supply window lets it run from rectified mains through an HV buck. The 27 I/O easily handle multi-channel LED drivers, I2C keypad, and UART diagnostics.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters (4-20 mA)
The PIC16LF1512T-I/SO is well matched to 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters that harvest energy from the loop. Its 1.8V minimum VDD lets the HART modem and front-end amplifier share a low-drop regulator from a 4-20 mA loop with limited headroom. The integrated 10-bit ADC reads bridge sensors for pressure/load while the EUSART drives a HART modem. XLP sleep is rarely used in continuous-conversion transmitters but extends battery backup in portable calibrators.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1512T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1512-I/SO | PIC16F1512T-I/SO | PIC16LF1507-I/SO | PIC16LF1458-E/SO | PIC16LF1507T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC wide (0.295 in) | 28-SOIC wide (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC wide (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC wide (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC wide (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC wide (0.295 in) - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB | 7 KB | 1.75 KB |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 64 bytes | 256 bytes | 64 bytes |
| CPU Speed (max) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 17 channels | 10-bit, up to 17 channels | 10-bit, up to 17 channels | 10-bit, up to 11 channels | 10-bit, up to 9 channels | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| XLP Low-Power | Yes | Yes | No (F variant) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Same PIC16 family with broader Flash headroom than PIC16LF1507 (vs PIC16LF1507-I/SO)
- Lower minimum supply voltage than the F-variant (vs PIC16F1512T-I/SO)
- More ADC channels than smaller 28-SOIC siblings (vs PIC16LF1458-E/SO)
Design Notes
For XLP battery designs on the PIC16LF1512T-I/SO, configure the WDT to wake the MCU at the lowest useful interval and switch the system clock back to INTOSC only during active measurement. Estimated: a 32.768 kHz external crystal on TMR1 with WDT postscaler of 128 yields ~1 Hz wake at a typical WDT current under 1 µA, while ADC + transmit bursts of 5 ms every 4 seconds fit in average current budgets below 30 µA. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF X7R within 5 mm of the VDD/VSS pins to suppress core switching noise.
Route the ICSP lines RB6/ICCK and RB7/ICDAT away from switching power traces and RC oscillators; a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR is required per Microchip guidelines for in-circuit programming reliability. Keep the analog traces (RA0-RA5) short and avoid running them parallel to digital signals; use a ground guard ring around the analog reference capacitor (typically 1 µF) and route the AVR reference (if used) on the opposite PCB layer to digital returns.
Do not program the configuration bits to disable the MCLR function unless your design truly has no need for external reset; once disabled, ICSP cannot recover the part without a high-voltage programmer. Also verify that your chosen LF1512 BOR (Brown-out Reset) voltage matches your minimum supply - the LF variant supports BOR down to 1.8V. Avoid leaving unused pins floating; configure them as outputs with low level or inputs with internal weak pull-ups to cut shoot-through current.
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 3.6V, the PIC16LF1512T-I/SO core current is typically 5-7 mA. Under industrial 85C ambient in a SOIC wide package on 1 sq-in of 1-oz copper pour, junction rise is well under 10C, so no special heatsinking is required. For sealed enclosures with no airflow, derate ambient to 70C or step down to a slower clock. The 'I' temperature grade (-40C to +85C) covers most indoor/consumer applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Reach and conflict-minerals declarations maintained by Microchip supplier process; AEC-Q100 not qualified - choose PIC16F1512T-I/SO or Q-graded PIC16F parts for that requirement.
