PIC16LF1516-E/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz XLP MCU 14KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1516-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.26 | $2.26 |
| 10 | $2.04 | $20.40 |
| 100 | $1.82 | $182.00 |
| 500 | $1.63 | $815.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.45 | $1,450.00 |
PIC16LF1516-E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (typically Flash), working RAM, and a mix of peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O pins. The PIC16 family uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range RISC architecture with 49 instructions and 16-level hardware stack, sitting between the baseline PIC10/12/16 and the high-performance PIC18 and dsPIC families. The XLP designation means sleep current in the nanoampere range, suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features include 14 KB Flash, 512 B RAM, 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, MI2C and SPI peripherals, an internal 16 MHz oscillator, and an extended operating temperature range. The -E suffix indicates the -40 C to +125 C industrial/automotive temperature grade, allowing deployment in harsh environments. The 28-SOIC package provides compact surface-mount integration with a generous I/O count.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1516 uses a Harvard RISC design with separate program and data buses, which is why it can execute most instructions in a single instruction cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz). The internal 16 MHz oscillator reduces external component count, while the LF prefix denotes the low-voltage variant with reduced VDD range and XLP sleep modes that drop below 100 nA typical. Pin count scales with code density: PIC16LF1516 = 28 pins, PIC16LF1517/1518 = 40/44 pins, PIC16LF1519 = 40/44 pins with larger memory.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, e-metering, handheld instruments, white goods user-interface controllers, automotive accessory modules, and low-power IoT edge devices. The XLP sleep current makes it well suited for products that spend most of their time in standby, waking periodically to take a measurement. The 10-bit ADC and MI2C interface cover most simple sensor and peripheral connections without requiring an external ADC or transceiver.
When designing with this part, ensure your compiler toolchain is MPLAB XC8 and that you use the latest device family pack (DFP) for PIC16F1xx. The PIC16LF1516 is the LF (low-voltage) sibling of the PIC16F1516 (which has a wider 2.3 V to 5.5 V range); choose LF for low-voltage battery designs and F for 5 V logic compatibility. The -E/SO variant should not be confused with -I/SO (industrial -40 to +85 C).
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives (same 28-SOIC footprint), and practical low-power design notes that are not found in the bare Microchip datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1516-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 PIC16LF1516-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Internal Oscillator, Core Architecture, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1516-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1516-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1516-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1518-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1512-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1516-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Family | PIC16F (PIC16LF151x enhanced mid-range XLP series) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC, enhanced mid-range core, 49 instructions, 16-level hardware stack |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz maximum (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 512 bytes |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | MI2C, SPI |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix = industrial/automotive) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30 C / 85% RH) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1516-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RE3/MCLR — Digital input/RE3 or Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (analog/digital, AN0) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (analog/digital, AN1) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (analog/digital, AN2) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (analog/digital, AN3, also VREF+) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (analog/digital, AN4) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (analog/digital, AN5) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 (digital only, OSC1 alt) |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 (digital only, OSC2 alt) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O, SCL alt for MI2C) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O, SDA alt for MI2C) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O, TX alt) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O, RX alt) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply 1.8-3.6 V |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (interrupt-on-change capable, ICSP clock) |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (interrupt-on-change capable, ICSP data) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1516-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Electronic Metering (E-Metering) Modules, Handheld Instruments and Remote Controls, White Goods User Interface Controllers, Automotive Accessory Modules, Industrial Sensor and Process Controllers.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1516-E/SO fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes where standby current dominates battery life. Its XLP technology delivers sleep current in the nanoampere range, and the 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD range matches a single CR2032 coin cell or two AA batteries directly without a boost converter. The 10-bit ADC samples temperature, humidity, or gas sensors through the analog-capable GPIO pins, while MI2C or SPI connects to an external radio or sensor frontend. Periodic wake-up via the watchdog timer lets the MCU take a measurement, transmit, and return to sleep, achieving years of battery life in low-duty-cycle deployments.
Recommended
Electronic Metering (E-Metering) Modules
Electronic metering modules for gas, water, or heat use the PIC16LF1516-E/SO for its long battery life and reliable peripheral set. The 14 KB Flash holds the metering firmware, calibration tables, and tamper detection logic; 512 B RAM is sufficient for accumulation counters and pulse counters. The 10-bit ADC reads current shunt or thermistor signals, while MI2C connects to a real-time clock or EEPROM for time-stamped log entries. The -40 to +125 C temperature range and XLP sleep modes suit sealed outdoor meter housings where battery replacement is rare and operating temperatures swing widely.
Recommended
Handheld Instruments and Remote Controls
Handheld instruments and remote controls benefit from the PIC16LF1516-E/SO's compact 28-SOIC footprint and low-power operation. With 14 KB Flash, the MCU can host menu-driven firmware, button-debouncing logic, and IR or RF transmit routines for consumer remote controls. The 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage and joystick or potentiometer inputs without an external ADC, and the MI2C interface connects to LED drivers, EEPROM presets, or BLE modules. XLP sleep modes let the device idle on a coin cell for years between user interactions, making it ideal for TV remotes, garage-door openers, and industrial handheld tools.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface Controllers
White goods such as washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens use PIC16LF1516-E/SO as the user-interface controller. The 14 KB Flash handles button-matrix scanning, rotary-encoder decoding, 7-segment or LCD display driving, and buzzer patterns without external logic. The 10-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors for wash temperature regulation, and MI2C connects to the main appliance controller board for status reporting. The -40 to +125 C operating range tolerates the heat of an oven cavity or steam of a dishwasher, and the 28-SOIC package fits compact user-interface PCAs.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Modules
Automotive accessory modules such as interior lighting, seat controllers, and aftermarket alarm sensors use the PIC16LF1516-E/SO for its -40 to +125 C automotive temperature grade. The 14 KB Flash holds CAN-bridge or LIN-slave firmware, while the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor or potentiometer inputs. The 28-SOIC package simplifies PCB layout in tight dashboard cavities. The XLP low sleep current suits always-on accessories that must wake on a CAN wake-up frame without draining the 12 V battery. Designers use the LF variant when the accessory sits behind a 3.3 V regulator.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Process Controllers
Industrial sensor and process controllers benefit from the PIC16LF1516-E/SO's extended temperature range and reliable peripherals in a small surface-mount package. The 10-bit ADC samples 4-20 mA current-loop or 0-10 V analog signals through external scaling, while MI2C connects to digital temperature sensors, FRAM, or RTC chips. The 14 KB Flash holds PID loop firmware, alarm thresholds, and Modbus RTU framing for a small PLC or sensor transmitter. The -40 to +125 C operating temperature allows deployment in factory-floor enclosures, outdoor cabinets, and refrigerated storage without derating.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1516-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1516-E/SO | PIC16LF1516-I/SO | PIC16F1516-I/SO | PIC16LF1518-E/SO | PIC16LF1512-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 28 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 1024 B | 384 B |
| VDD Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Wider automotive operating temperature grade (vs PIC16LF1516-I/SO)
- Lower-voltage operation with full XLP sleep current (vs PIC16F1516-E/SO)
- More Flash than smaller sibling without changing footprint (vs PIC16LF1512-I/SO)
Design Notes
For battery-powered designs, use the LF (low-voltage) variant and configure the MCU to spend the majority of time in Sleep mode. According to Microchip datasheet DS40001452F, XLP sleep current can drop below 100 nA with watchdog timer disabled. Wake-up is performed by the watchdog timer (WDT), an external interrupt on RB0-RB7, or a peripheral interrupt. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal and reduces BOM cost and standby current. Estimated: with 5 second wake interval and 1 ms active time, average current can stay below 5 uA from a CR2032 cell.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF capacitor on the same supply rail. Microchip datasheet DS40001452F recommends keeping analog and digital VDD traces separated if analog accuracy matters, with the AVSS (VSS) pin connected to a quiet ground plane. The MCLR pin (pin 1) should be pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; do not leave it floating, otherwise spurious resets can occur.
Do not confuse the -E (extended, -40 to +125 C) and -I (industrial, -40 to +85 C) temperature suffixes, otherwise your product may be rejected at customer quality audit. Confirmed: the PIC16LF1516-E/SO supports the wider automotive range per Microchip datasheet DS40001452F. Use the LF variant only with supplies inside 1.8 V to 3.6 V; the F variant tolerates 5 V but draws higher active current. Always program CONFIG words via MPLAB XC8 to lock the unused peripherals and disable the watchdog unless needed.
The 28-SOIC lead lengths create modest parasitic inductance; keep traces short, especially for the external crystal pins (RA6/OSC2 and RA7/OSC1) when using a high-frequency external oscillator. According to Microchip datasheet DS40001452F, the internal 16 MHz oscillator is the recommended default for cost-sensitive designs. If you must use an external clock, place the crystal within 5 mm of RA6/RA7 and guard the traces with a ground pour to avoid EMI pickup on sensitive analog channels.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 qualification not specifically claimed for PIC16LF1516-E/SO; the -E suffix denotes extended temperature grade rather than full automotive qualification. For AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16 parts, see PIC16F153xx or PIC16F188xx automotive-grade families.
