PIC16LF1513-I/SO - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 20MHz, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1513-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.05 | $2.05 |
| 10 | $1.84 | $18.40 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.41 | $705.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.21 | $1,210.00 |
PIC16LF1513-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), working RAM, and a rich set of peripherals including timers, communication interfaces, and analog converters. Within the broader taxonomy of semiconductors, microcontrollers sit under microprocessors and digital ICs, while the PIC16 family occupies the 8-bit RISC category optimized for low-power and deterministic embedded control. Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology in the LF variants adds deep-sleep modes with nanoamp quiescent current for energy-harvesting designs.
The PIC16LF1513 distinguishes itself with 7KB (4K x 14 words) of self-programmable Flash, hardware I2C/SPI/USART peripherals per the verified distributor listing, and a 10-bit ADC with up to 17 channels. The 28-pin SOIC package provides a robust 0.3-inch wide footprint with through-hole-comparable thermal mass, easing hand prototyping while still supporting high-volume SMD assembly. The part operates across the industrial -40C to +85C range as denoted by the -I suffix.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1513 uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a hardware multiplier, 16-level stack, and a vectored interrupt controller. Code is executed from Flash with single-cycle access for most instructions, delivering throughput close to 5 MIPS at 20 MHz. The LF silicon supports core operation from 1.8V to 3.6V, enabling direct connection to single-cell Li-ion or two-cell alkaline battery stacks without a boost converter.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, consumer appliance control, LED lighting controllers, battery management front-ends, and industrial interface modules. Designers choose this part when program memory density (7KB) is more important than absolute throughput, when low-voltage operation is mandatory, and when a proven 8-bit toolchain (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, PICkit programmers) accelerates time to market.
A key design consideration is ensuring the supply rail stays within 1.8V-3.6V for the LF core; mixing 5V peripherals requires level translation or a 5V-tolerant PIC16F variant. The ICSP/ICD pins must be reserved on the PCB for in-circuit programming, and the MCLR pin requires a proper pull-up topology.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16F151x family, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1513-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 PIC16LF1513-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1513-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1513-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1513-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1512-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1503-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1507-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1513-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F1513 |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 256 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF core) |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | I2C, SPI, USART |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - 0.3 inch body width |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, -I) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| XLP (eXtreme Low Power) | Yes |
PIC16LF1513-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA7 — Digital I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Digital I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SCL |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — Digital I/O / SDA |
| Pin 13 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 18 | RB0 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 21 | RB3 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 25 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 26 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 28 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1513-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting Controller, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Battery Management Front-End, HMI Touch Keypad Controller.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1513-I/SO is well-suited for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its LF silicon supporting 1.8V-3.6V operation and Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with nanoamp-range sleep current. The integrated 10-bit ADC handles direct sensor front-end conditioning for temperature, humidity, and battery voltage monitoring without external components, and the 7KB Flash comfortably supports sensor-fusion algorithms plus Over-the-Air firmware update bootloaders over the integrated USART or SPI peripheral. Estimated: at 1 sample/minute duty cycle with sleep current ~20 nA and average active current ~500 uA for 5 ms per cycle, a single CR2032 coin cell (220 mAh) supports multi-year operation. Compared to 5V PIC16F1513, the LF variant eliminates the need for a boost converter when running from 2x alkaline cells, reducing BOM and quiescent loss.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
In consumer appliance control boards (small kitchen appliances, washing machine UI panels, air-conditioner remotes), the PIC16LF1513-I/SO provides the right balance of Flash density and peripheral count at industrial temperature. The I2C peripheral connects to local user-interface keypads or LED drivers, while SPI interfaces to ePaper or character LCD displays, and USART serves diagnostic consoles or wireless modules. The 28-SOIC package gives mechanical robustness for appliances subjected to vibration and thermal cycling. Estimated: at 20 MHz clock, instruction throughput of 5 MIPS supports soft-PWM generation for LED dimming plus state-machine control within a single core. Compared to PIC16F1503 with only 3.5KB Flash, the 7KB Flash of PIC16LF1513 leaves headroom for proprietary protocol stacks and multi-language UI assets.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF1513-I/SO suits smart-LED lighting controllers requiring multi-channel PWM, color-mixing algorithms, and low-voltage DMX or DALI interface support. The enhanced mid-range core delivers 5 MIPS throughput at 20 MHz, sufficient to compute CIE-1931 color space conversions in real time for RGBW fixtures. Operating from 1.8V-3.6V allows direct connection to LED driver stage low-voltage rails, simplifying power tree design. Estimated: with on-chip timers generating 16-bit PWM at 1 kHz refresh, the MCU can drive four independent color channels with 0.1 percent dimming resolution while still servicing the USART for DMX512 reception. Compared to PIC16F1507, the PIC16LF1513 doubles program memory enabling on-board scripting and gradient curve tables.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
Industrial sensor interface modules benefit from the PIC16LF1513-I/SO's industrial -40C to +85C operating range, hardware I2C/SPI/USART peripherals for sensor bus aggregation, and 10-bit ADC for analog transducer readings. The 28-SOIC package withstands conformal coating processes used in factory-floor equipment, and the LF core voltage range is compatible with 3.3V industrial sensor backplanes. The 7KB Flash accommodates MODBUS RTU framing plus custom calibration routines. Compared to PIC16F1507 with 3.5KB Flash, the PIC16LF1513 doubles memory for richer protocol support including MODBUS, IO-Link, and custom ASCII command sets, while the USART peripheral (absent on F1507) is critical for industrial fieldbuses.
Recommended
Battery Management Front-End
For battery management front-ends in portable medical devices, handheld scanners, and wireless microphones, the PIC16LF1513-I/SO provides low-voltage core operation, precise ADC for cell voltage monitoring, and sleep current low enough to extend shelf life. The integrated USART relays battery telemetry to a host system or BLE companion chip, while the I2C bus connects to gas-gauge ICs and protection FETs. Estimated: at 20 MHz with periodic ADC scans and sleep in between, total average current stays below 100 uA, preserving months of standby on a small Li-ion pack. Compared to PIC16F1503, the LF core operates below the Li-ion protection FET turn-on voltage, eliminating intermediate regulators.
Recommended
HMI Touch Keypad Controller
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) touch keypad controllers benefit from the PIC16LF1513-I/SO's 10-bit ADC for capacitive-touch sensing via the mTouch peripheral framework, hardware I2C for host MCU communication, and adequate Flash for debounce and gesture recognition libraries. The 28-SOIC package simplifies integration behind a glass panel with conformal coating, and the LF voltage range suits 3.3V system backplanes common in industrial HMIs. The 5 MIPS throughput supports real-time touch scanning of up to 12 channels at 10 ms response time. Compared to PIC16F1507 without USART, the PIC16LF1513 adds the diagnostic console capability required by service technicians commissioning industrial HMIs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1513-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1513-I/SO | PIC16LF1513-I/SP | PIC16LF1513-E/SO | PIC16LF1512-I/SO | PIC16LF1503-I/SO | PIC16LF1507-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - THT | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C, SPI, USART | I2C, SPI, USART | I2C, SPI, USART | I2C, SPI, USART | I2C, SPI, USART | I2C, SPI (no USART) | I2C, SPI (no USART) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) |
| XLP Low Power | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest voltage operating range with XLP sleep current (vs PIC16LF1512-I/SO)
- Hardware USART peripheral present (vs PIC16LF1503-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade standard (vs PIC16LF1513-E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1513-I/SO LF core operates from 1.8V to 3.6V. Estimated: with two-cell alkaline input (1.8V-3.2V), add a 10 uF bulk + 100 nF ceramic decoupling pair within 5 mm of the VDD pin to suppress brown-outs during high-current transmit bursts on USART. For single-cell Li-ion (3.0V-4.2V), use a low-dropout regulator such as MCP1700 before the VDD pin. Never apply 5V to LF VDD - the silicon lacks 5V tolerance and will suffer cumulative damage.
Reserve RB6 (ICSPCLK) and RB7 (ICSPDAT) as dedicated programming pins; do not strap them to ground or VDD in production. Estimated: route the ICSP connector to a 6-pin header with 100 mil spacing per Microchip's ICD header standard, and include a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR. Adding a 1k series resistor on MCLR prevents programming-port damage if the host programmer is hot-plugged. Avoid placing tall components within 3 mm of the ICSP header footprint for probe clearance.
Do not assume the LF variant has the same 5V tolerance as the F variant; the LF core will latch-up if VDD exceeds 3.6V. Estimated: designers migrating from PIC16F877 to PIC16LF1513 sometimes retain the 5V rail, then face erratic ADC readings - the fix is to add the 3.3V LDO. Also note that the LF part disables the BOR (Brown-Out Reset) below 1.8V by hardware; enable the software BOR via configuration bits for extra robustness on slowly-rising battery power.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance verified from DigiKey product listing 2026-09-23. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this is an industrial-grade part, not automotive qualified. For automotive applications, designers should consult Microchip's AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F variants. Lead-free terminations are standard.
