PIC16LF1516-I/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz XLP MCU 14KB Flash 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1516-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.25 | $2.25 |
| 10 | $2.04 | $20.40 |
| 100 | $1.82 | $182.00 |
| 500 | $1.65 | $825.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.5 | $1,500.00 |
PIC16LF1516-I/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one die, optimized for deterministic real-time control with low power consumption and simple toolchains. PIC16F1xxx MCUs sit at the mid-range of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio (between baseline PIC10/12 and enhanced PIC18 families) and are widely used in cost-sensitive embedded control applications where low power and small footprint outweigh raw throughput.
Key features include the enhanced mid-range core with 49 instructions and 16 stack levels, an internal 16 MHz high-precision oscillator, programmable brown-out reset (BOR), and in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) plus in-circuit debug without a debug header. The 14 KB Flash supports 10,000 erase/write cycles typical, and the 512 B SRAM is suited to small data buffers and protocol stacks.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1516 uses a Harvard RISC core with separate code and data buses, single-cycle instruction execution at 20 MHz (200 ns instruction time), and wide peripheral integration including 10-bit ADC, comparators, timers, and configurable logic cells. The LF suffix denotes the low-voltage 1.8-3.6 V variant; the F (PIC16F1516) variant runs 2.3-5.5 V.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, low-power remote controls, consumer appliances with simple HMI, and industrial sensor conditioning. The 28-SPDIP package simplifies breadboarding and hand-soldered prototypes, making this part a common choice for hobbyist and industrial designs.
When designing, ensure decoupling capacitors (100 nF and 10 uF typical) are placed close to VDD/VSS. For low-power apps, leverage the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes (down to sub-uA) and use the internal 16 MHz oscillator to minimize BOM cost. The device is supported by MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes from the official PIC16(L)F1516/7/8/9 datasheet, going beyond what distributor listings alone provide.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1516-I/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 PIC16LF1516-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1516-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1516-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1516T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.53 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1516-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1512-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1503-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1516-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16 (8-bit MCU, enhanced mid-range core) |
| CPU Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range (49 instructions, 16 stack levels) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC Resolution | 10 bit |
| Number of I/Os | 25 I/O |
| Number of ADC Channels | Up to 17 channels |
| Serial Interfaces | MI2C, SPI |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Brown-Out Reset | Programmable BOR |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP, in-circuit debug (no debug header required) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I grade) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (per through-hole JEDEC J-STD-020) |
PIC16LF1516-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — Port A bit 4 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5 — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2 — Port A bit 6 / Oscillator output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1 — Port A bit 7 / Oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0/AN12 — Port B bit 0 / Analog input 12 |
| Pin 9 | RB1/AN10 — Port B bit 1 / Analog input 10 |
| Pin 10 | RB2/AN8 — Port B bit 2 / Analog input 8 |
| Pin 11 | RB3/AN9 — Port B bit 3 / Analog input 9 |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN11 — Port B bit 4 / Analog input 11 |
| Pin 13 | RB5/AN13 — Port B bit 5 / Analog input 13 |
| Pin 14 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Port B bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Port B bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 16 | RC0/SOSCO — Port C bit 0 / SOSC oscillator output |
| Pin 17 | RC1/SOSCI — Port C bit 1 / SOSC oscillator input |
| Pin 18 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 19 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 20 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 21 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 22 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 23 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 24 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 25 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 26 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 27 | MCLR/VPP — Reset input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1516-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Low-Power Remote Controls, Consumer Appliance HMI Controllers, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Hobbyist and Educational MCU Projects, HVAC and Building Automation.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1516-I/SP is well suited to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range and nanoWatt XLP sleep modes drawing sub-microamp current, allowing multi-year operation on two AA cells. The 14 KB Flash accommodates small C-based sensor stacks (e.g., SHT3x temperature/humidity polling via MI2C) and the 17-channel 10-bit ADC handles multiple analog sensors without external multiplexing. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal cost. Trade-off: 512 B RAM limits buffer depth for high-rate sensor streaming, so design buffering around this constraint.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Controls
Remote controls for consumer electronics benefit from the PIC16LF1516-I/SP's XLP sleep currents and MI2C/SPI interfaces for keypad scanning and IR LED modulation. The 25 I/O pins handle matrix keypads (e.g., 4x4 = 8 I/O) plus indicator LEDs and IR transmit drivers, while the 14 KB Flash fits button debounce, IR protocol stacks (NEC, RC5), and wake-on-interrupt routines. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade covers indoor and automotive cabin use. Power budget: typical IR transmit at 3 V draws tens of mA, but average current drops to microamps in sleep.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance HMI Controllers
Small consumer appliances (coffee makers, fans, kitchen scales) integrate the PIC16LF1516-I/SP for front-panel control loops, button inputs, and LED/PWM outputs. The 10-bit ADC reads load-cell sensors or potentiometers accurately enough for appliance-class applications, and the 25 I/O drive LED arrays, seven-segment displays, or simple character LCDs without external drivers. The 28-SPDIP through-hole package simplifies hand-assembly and rework for low-to-mid volume products.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
Industrial sensors requiring galvanic isolation or signal conditioning leverage the PIC16LF1516-I/SP's 10-bit ADC, MI2C, and SPI peripherals for bridge-sensor excitation, amplification control, and digital output formatting. The 28-SPDIP package suits industrial enclosure assembly where through-hole parts withstand vibration better than SMD. Programmable BOR ensures clean resets in noisy industrial environments, while XLP sleep modes enable field-mounted wireless sensor nodes. -40C to +85C industrial temp range covers most factory and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational MCU Projects
The PIC16LF1516-I/SP is a popular 8-bit MCU for hobbyists and educators because the 28-SPDIP package drops directly into breadboards and through-hole stripboard, eliminating soldering for learning. 14 KB Flash supports moderately complex C projects, and MPLAB X IDE plus XC8 compiler are free for non-commercial use. The PICkit 3 / Snap programmer enables in-circuit debug without a separate debug header, making this a low-friction learning platform for embedded systems courses and DIY makers.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation
HVAC zone controllers and building automation subsystems use the PIC16LF1516-I/SP to interface with thermistors (via 10-bit ADC), damper actuators (via PWM), and HVAC bus networks (via MI2C). The 14 KB Flash fits small Modbus/Modbus-RTU or BACnet stack fragments, and the 1.8-3.6 V range supports 3.3 V system rails directly. Programmable BOR ensures stable operation across brown-out events common in legacy building electrical systems. Industrial -40C to +85C operating range handles mechanical rooms and rooftop units.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1516-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1516-I/SP | PIC16LF1516-I/SO | PIC16LF1516T-I/SO | PIC16LF1516-E/SO | PIC16LF1512-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP (TH) | 28-SPDIP (TH) - same | 28-SOIC (SMD) - same pinout, SMD | 28-SOIC (SMD, T&R) - same pinout | 28-SOIC (SMD) - same pinout, extended temp | 28-SPDIP (TH) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Supply Voltage | 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B |
| CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| ADC Resolution | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit |
Key Differentiators
- 1.8 V to 3.6 V low-voltage operation vs F variant 2.3-5.5 V (vs PIC16F1516-I/SP)
- Through-hole SPDIP for hand-soldering and breadboards (vs PIC16LF1516-I/SO)
- Larger Flash and RAM than cost-optimized sibling (vs PIC16LF1512-I/SP)
Design Notes
Decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair (pin 6/7 and pin 28/27 on 28-SPDIP) plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the main VDD rail. For battery applications using the 1.8 V to 3.6 V LF range, keep VDD ramp monotonic on power-up to avoid BOR-induced resets; Microchip datasheet recommends a rise time of 0.05 V/ms to 1.5 V/ms. For noise-sensitive ADC readings, add a small ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor in series with AVdd if separated from Vdd.
Layout for 28-SPDIP: route the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7 = pins 14/15) close to the ICSP header pads to keep programming cables short and avoid stubs. Place the 32.768 kHz SOSC crystal (pins 16/17) within 5 mm of RC0/RC1 with a ground guard trace to minimize stray capacitance. Keep ADC analog traces (RA0-RA7, RB0-RB5) away from switching digital traces to preserve 10-bit ADC accuracy; the datasheet shows typical INL/DNL of +/- 1 LSB.
Common pitfalls with the PIC16LF1516-I/SP: (1) MCLR (pin 27) must NOT be left floating - tie to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up, or to a proper reset circuit. (2) When using the internal 16 MHz oscillator, ensure OSCCON is correctly configured for HFINTOSC and the PLL is disabled to stay within the 1.8-3.6 V spec. (3) The LF (low-voltage) variant cannot be operated at 5 V - if 5 V is needed, switch to PIC16F1516-I/SP. (4) 512 B RAM is shared with stack; deep call chains can overflow RAM.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is an industrial-grade MCU, not automotive-qualified. Halogen-free status not specified in verified data.
