PIC16LF15344-E/P - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 32MHz, 20-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF15344-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.35 | $1.35 |
| 10 | $1.2 | $12.00 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.83 | $830.00 |
PIC16LF15344-E/P Overview
What is a microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces such as ADC, PWM, timers, and communication blocks. Within the PIC hierarchy, this part belongs to the 8-bit PIC16 mid-range family, which targets ultra-low-cost, low-power, and peripheral-rich embedded designs. The "LF" suffix denotes the eXtreme Low Power (XLP) variant with 1.8V-3.6V operation, while the "F" non-LF version uses 2.3V-5.5V.
Key features include the CIP (Core Independent Peripherals) architecture that offloads tasks like waveform generation, signal conditioning, and logic operations from the CPU, plus a 32MHz internal oscillator that eliminates the need for an external crystal in many designs. The device supports up to 18 I/O pins, peripheral pin select (PPS) for flexible signal routing, and includes a unified program/debug interface via MPLAB ICD and the PICkit programmer ecosystem.
The architecture is built on an enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word and a hardware stack, optimized for deterministic interrupt response and low interrupt latency. Combined with XLP nanoWatt technology, the part achieves microamp-level sleep currents suitable for battery-powered applications. It also supports hardware-based communication through dedicated EUSART, SPI, and I2C peripherals that operate independently of the CPU core.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, IoT sensor nodes, low-power wireless sensor hubs, LED lighting controllers, battery-powered instrumentation, automotive body electronics (in AEC-Q100 qualified variants), industrial control, and small home appliances. The PIC16LF15344-E/P is well suited for designs that need a balance of low power, peripheral integration, and legacy through-hole PCB construction.
When designing with this part, verify the LF (1.8V-3.6V) versus F (2.3V-5.5V) voltage range to match your system rail, and use the MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler for firmware development. The DIP-20 package is ideal for prototyping, breadboarding, and through-hole manufacturing where reworkability matters more than board density.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF15344-E/P — 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 PIC16LF15344-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, I/O Pins, Package, Comparators, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F15344-E/P
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF15325-I/P
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF15324-I/P
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF15323-I/P
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF15344-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F153xx (8-bit mid-range core) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit enhanced mid-range PIC with 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | Up to 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| DAC | 5-bit and 10-bit |
| PWM Modules | 4 x 10-bit PWM |
| Comparators | Yes (integrated) |
| CLC (Configurable Logic Cells) | 4 |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | 2 x EUSART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free termination) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (industrial / extended "E" grade) |
| XLP (eXtreme Low Power) | Yes (nanoWatt technology) |
PIC16LF15344-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — I/O / Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (also shared with MCLR pin 1 on some variants) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (PPS-capable analog/digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V for LF variant) |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF15344-E/P is suitable for 7 applications: IoT Wireless Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Control and Monitoring, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Educational and Hobbyist Projects.
IoT Wireless Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF15344-E/P is well-suited for IoT sensor nodes because its XLP nanoWatt technology delivers microamp-level sleep currents, extending battery life in remote deployments. The 32MHz core and 7KB Flash provide enough headroom for sensor conditioning, periodic sampling, and packet handling on modules like LoRa or sub-GHz transceivers. The integrated 10-bit ADC and four 10-bit PWM channels handle analog sensor reading and actuator control without external components. Two EUSART and SPI/I2C peripherals let the MCU drive both a wireless modem and a local sensor bus simultaneously. The 20-PDIP package is breadboard-friendly for prototype sensor boards used in field trials before moving to SMD variants.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF15344-E/P fits consumer appliance control boards because of its four 10-bit PWM channels (driving motors, valves, or LED indicators) and integrated comparators for over-current or zero-cross detection. The 5-bit and 10-bit DAC allow digital setpoint generation for analog stages. Its 1.8V-3.6V supply range aligns with 3.3V regulated rails typical in modern appliances. The four Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) handle custom glue logic without discrete gates, reducing BOM cost. Two EUSART plus SPI/I2C make it easy to add an HMI display, keypad, or BLE module while keeping the firmware architecture simple.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
Battery-powered instrumentation benefits from the PIC16LF15344-E/P's nanoWatt XLP sleep modes, which drop current consumption below 1 microamp in deep sleep with RTC running. The 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystal power draw while still supporting fast wake-and-measure cycles. The 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference gives accurate battery voltage monitoring without external parts. The four Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) can implement event-triggered wake logic so the CPU only spins up when measurement thresholds are crossed. The 20-PDIP package is convenient for hand-assembled prototypes and field-replaceable modules.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF15344-E/P drives multi-channel LED lighting thanks to four independent 10-bit PWM outputs and the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for half-bridge LED driver stages. The 32MHz core easily handles smooth color-mixing algorithms and DMX-style control protocols over EUSART. The 1.8V-3.6V supply matches typical LED driver logic rails, simplifying power architecture. Four CLC blocks can implement dead-time control or current-mode feedback logic in hardware, freeing the CPU for higher-level lighting effects and communications. The PDIP-20 package is convenient for through-hole lighting fixture controllers in retrofit products.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Monitoring
The PIC16LF15344-E/P serves industrial control and monitoring nodes that need a mix of analog inputs and digital communications. The 10-bit ADC scans 4-20mA or 0-10V process signals, while the comparators provide hardware-level fault detection independent of the CPU. Two EUSART and SPI/I2C ports support RS-485 transceivers, Modbus RTU masters, or local HMI panels. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade suits cabinet and field installations. The Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) reduce firmware complexity and improve deterministic response, which is important for time-critical control loops. The 20-PDIP through-hole package is well-suited to industrial control boards with legacy mounting requirements.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16LF15344-E/P supports automotive body electronics such as interior lighting, HVAC flap control, mirror adjustment, and accessory modules. Its extended -40C to +125C temperature grade handles cabin and under-hood-adjacent environments. The four 10-bit PWM channels drive small motors, LEDs, and resistive loads, while the comparators detect short-circuit or over-temperature conditions. Two EUSART blocks enable LIN-bus communication when paired with a LIN transceiver. For safety-critical systems, designers should select the AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F15344-E/P-Q1 instead, but for non-safety body modules the standard LF part offers a cost-effective solution in the 20-PDIP package.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Projects
The PIC16LF15344-E/P is a popular choice for educational projects and hobbyist designs because the 20-pin PDIP package fits standard breadboards and through-hole prototyping boards without adapters. Students can experiment with PWM, ADC, comparators, and communication peripherals in a single chip. The PICkit 5 or MPLAB SNAP programmer plugs directly into the ICSP pins, providing a low-cost entry into embedded development with MPLAB X IDE and the XC8 C compiler. The 7KB Flash and 512B RAM are sufficient for state-machine exercises, sensor interfaces, and small protocol stacks. The low price and Microchip's free toolchain keep the barrier to entry minimal.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF15344-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F15344-E/P | PIC16LF15325-I/P | PIC16LF15324-I/P | PIC16LF15323-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB |
| SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 1 KB | 512 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Operating 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 |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | — |
| CLC Cells | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| CWG | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| EUSART / SPI / I2C | 2 / 1 / 1 | 2 / 1 / 1 | 2 / 1 / 1 | 2 / 1 / 1 | 1 / 1 / 1 |
Key Differentiators
- Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) plus Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) (vs PIC16LF15324-I/P)
- Full 7KB Flash with 4x10-bit PWM, dual EUSART, and DAC (vs PIC16LF15323-I/P)
- 1.8V-3.6V LF range with nanoWatt XLP (vs PIC16F15344-E/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF15344-E/P requires a clean 1.8V-3.6V supply; place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 19) and a 10uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. For battery-powered designs, use a low-Iq LDO such as Microchip MCP1700 or MCP1810 to minimize quiescent loss. The XLP nanoWatt sleep mode requires careful firmware control of peripheral clocks and the ADC to achieve sub-microamp currents.
The MCLR pin (pin 1) is shared with RA5 on this family - if you do not need external reset, configure RA5 as a digital input only and add a 10k pull-up to VDD. Do not leave MCLR floating, as noise can cause spurious resets. The LF variant must NOT be powered from a 5V rail; use PIC16F15344-E/P instead. Verify your supply matches the LF (1.8V-3.6V) range before applying power.
Route the ICSP signals (PGC/PGD) with short traces close to the MCU and avoid running them next to high-frequency switching nodes. Place the 32kHz external crystal (if used for low-power timing) close to the OSC pins and guard it with a ground ring. The internal 32MHz oscillator is sufficient for most designs and avoids crystal layout complexity entirely.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant with lead-free matte-tin plating per Microchip product page. -E grade is extended industrial temperature -40C to +125C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PIC16F15344-E/P-Q1 for automotive.
