PIC16LF15356-I/ML - 8-Bit 32MHz MCU 28KB Flash 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF15356-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.89 | $18.90 |
| 100 | $1.59 | $159.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.12 | $1,120.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.96 | $2,880.00 |
PIC16LF15356-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. PIC microcontrollers sit in the broader taxonomy of embedded microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. Within Microchip's portfolio, the PIC16LF153xx family targets cost-sensitive, low-power applications requiring more analog and CIP integration than entry-level PIC10/12/14 devices but at lower cost than PIC18 or dsPIC33 families.
Key features include four Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) for hardware-based state-machine implementation without CPU intervention, four 10-bit PWMs for motor or LED control, a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) for synchronous switching, and a 12-bit ADC with computation. The 32 MHz internal oscillator provides ample headroom for digital control loops and communication bit rates while eliminating the need for an external crystal in most designs.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes running on coin cells, battery-powered home appliances, low-power wireless HMI panels, LED lighting controllers, and compact HVAC or fan-control modules. The combination of XLP sleep modes (nanowatt-range IDD) and rich peripherals makes the PIC16LF15356 particularly suited for always-on applications where the MCU spends most of its time asleep but must wake to perform real-time processing.
When designing with this device, allocate the exposed pad (EP) as a thermal and electrical ground. Use MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler and the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) for rapid peripheral setup. Pay attention to the voltage range distinction: the LF variant supports 1.8V-3.6V; the non-LF PIC16F15356 supports up to 5.5V.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. All specifications were sourced from Microchip's official documentation and verified against real-time distributor inventory as of 2026-09-23.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF15356-I/ML — 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 PIC16LF15356-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Core Architecture, DAC, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F15356-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF15376-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF15385-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F15376-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15386-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF15356-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 24 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit and 10-bit |
| Comparators | 2 with selectable reference |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 10-bit |
| CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) | 4 |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | 1 |
| EUSART | 2 |
| SPI | Yes (MSSP) |
| I2C | Yes (MSSP) |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, I-grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF15356-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 25 | RE3 — MCLR / reset input (active-low) |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second pin) |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference (second pin) |
| Pin 28 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF15356-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Home Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting Controller, HVAC Fan and Blower Control, Wearable Health Monitor, Industrial Sensor Hub, Smart Home Keypad / HMI Panel.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF15356-I/ML fits IoT sensor nodes because of its 1.8V-3.6V VDD range and XLP nanowatt sleep currents, which extend coin-cell life by months. Its 12-bit ADC with computation, four CLCs, and integrated I2C/SPI allow sensor conditioning and short-burst transmissions without waking the CPU extensively. At 32 MHz the device can complete I2C reads, ADC conversions, and pre-processing within a 1 ms active window before returning to sleep. The 28-QFN (6x6) exposed pad keeps thermals low even at full 32 MHz, and the small footprint suits PCB-constrained sensor modules. Pair the MCU with a low-power radio such as the Microchip RN4870 BLE module for a complete coin-cell node.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Board
The PIC16LF15356-I/ML suits home appliance controls (rice cookers, washing machines, microwave ovens) where the MCU must drive relays, read keypads, and run user-interface tasks reliably. The 12-bit ADC handles temperature and current sensing, the four 10-bit PWMs drive heating elements or variable-speed fans, and the 2 EUSART ports allow diagnostics and modem connectivity. The 28 KB Flash accommodates state-machine UI logic with localization tables. Industrial temperature grade -40 to +85 C and 1.8V-3.6V operation (with internal LDO from a 5 V wall adapter) make it rugged for kitchen and laundry environments.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF15356-I/ML is a strong fit for LED drivers that require smooth dimming and color mixing. Four 10-bit PWM channels provide direct LED string control with 1024-step resolution, while the CWG enables synchronous high-frequency switching to reduce audible noise in dimmer circuits. The 12-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors and feedback photodiodes for closed-loop brightness control. The 5-bit DAC and 10-bit DAC provide reference voltages for analog dimming stages. With XLP sleep currents below 1 uA, battery-backed emergency LED drivers can retain state for years. The 28-QFN footprint keeps the BOM small for compact GU10 or MR16 lamp form factors.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Blower Control
The PIC16LF15356-I/ML drives variable-speed HVAC blowers with closed-loop RPM control using its four PWMs and CWG. The 12-bit ADC samples back-EMF or current shunt signals to implement sensorless or sensored BLDC commutation tables. Two comparators provide fast overcurrent protection independent of CPU latency, and the CLCs implement hardware commutation timing without CPU intervention. Wide temperature range and 1.8V-3.6V support 3.3 V bus architectures common in HVAC control boards. The 28 KB Flash accommodates application profiles, fault logs, and EEPROM-backed user settings.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitor
The PIC16LF15356-I/ML fits wearable health patches because of its tiny 28-QFN (6x6) footprint, nanowatt XLP sleep, and 32 MHz performance to wake, sample PPG/ECG signals, run compression algorithms, and return to sleep quickly. The 12-bit ADC digitizes biosensor signals at adequate resolution, while the DAC generates bias voltages for electrode drivers. CLCs can implement hardware peak-detection to offload DSP from the CPU. Low-voltage operation (1.8 V) lets the design run directly from a single Li-ion or Li-poly cell, eliminating boost converters and improving overall efficiency.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC16LF15356-I/ML serves as a low-cost industrial sensor hub aggregating multiple analog and digital sensor inputs via I2C/SPI buses and its 12-bit ADC. The 2 KB RAM handles modest buffering of process values, while the 256 B EEPROM stores calibration constants. Two EUSARTs allow simultaneous RS-485 fieldbus and debug console connectivity. The 1.8V-3.6V range, paired with an external 3.3 V LDO, suits 24 V industrial bus systems. Industrial temperature grade ensures operation across factory environments. The 28-QFN exposed pad provides thermal headroom for continuous 32 MHz operation.
Recommended
Smart Home Keypad / HMI Panel
The PIC16LF15356-I/ML drives capacitive-touch or matrix-keypad HMIs in smart-home panels where low standby power is critical. XLP sleep currents below 1 uA mean the panel can stay always-listening for touch wakes without draining backup batteries. The 32 MHz CPU handles capacitive-touch scanning via the CLC and ADC, debounces mechanical keypads via timer peripherals, and drives an SPI display over MSSP. The 28 KB Flash accommodates multiple language UI strings. The 28-QFN (6x6) footprint fits behind the panel PCB with minimal Z-height.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF15356-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F15356-I/ML | PIC16LF15376-I/ML | PIC16LF15385-I/ML | PIC16F15376-I/ML | PIC16F15386-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 28 KB - same | 56 KB (2x) | 56 KB (2x) | 56 KB (2x) | 70 KB (2.5x) |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB - same | 4 KB (2x) | 4 KB (2x) | 4 KB (2x) | 4 KB (2x) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS - same | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS - same | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS - same | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS - same | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS - same |
| ADC | 12-bit | 12-bit - same | 12-bit - same | 12-bit - same | 12-bit - same | 12-bit - same |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 10-bit | 4 x 10-bit - same | 4 x 10-bit - same | 8 x 10-bit (2x) | 4 x 10-bit - same | 8 x 10-bit (2x) |
| CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) | 4 | 4 - same | 4 - same | 8 (2x) | 4 - same | 8 (2x) |
| Approx. Unit Price (1k qty) | $1.12 | $1.10 (similar) | $1.30 | $1.50 | $1.30 | $1.60 |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-leading XLP nanowatt sleep currents with 32 MHz wake performance (vs PIC16F15356-I/ML)
- More on-chip memory at the same price tier (vs PIC16LF15376-I/ML)
- Integrated CLC and CWG peripherals eliminate external glue logic (vs PIC16F15386-I/ML)
- Wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range supports direct battery operation (vs PIC16F15356-I/ML (non-LF))
Design Notes
Estimated: the PIC16LF15356-I/ML draws roughly 5 mA at 32 MHz, 3.3 V, so for an always-on design add a bulk capacitor of at least 10 uF on VDD plus a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pin pair. Use the internal LDO mode (default) for simpler designs, or disable it for an external 1.8 V rail in noise-sensitive applications. In XLP sleep modes the part draws nanowatt-level current, so coin-cell designs must use proper decoupling to avoid supply collapse during wake transitions.
The 28-QFN 6x6 exposed pad must be soldered to a ground copper pour of at least 100 mm^2 to maintain junction temperature within spec. At 32 MHz continuous operation and 85 C ambient, theta_JA is approximately 35 C/W without the EP soldered, dropping to under 25 C/W with a properly stitched EP. For designs near 100% CPU duty cycle in enclosed enclosures, add thermal vias under the EP to a bottom-side copper pour.
Route the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) to a 2x3 or 1x6 header with a 10k pull-up on MCLR for in-circuit programming and debugging. Place the crystal or resonator (if used) within 5 mm of the OSC pins with a guard ground trace. Avoid routing high-frequency switching signals (PWM outputs) directly under the analog ADC inputs; use a ground pour as a shield between analog and digital sections. Keep trace lengths to RB6/RB7 under 50 mm to ensure reliable ICSP at low voltages.
Do not confuse the LF (1.8V-3.6V) variant with the F (2.3V-5.5V) variant when designing 5V systems - the LF part will be damaged or fail to regulate above 3.6V. Ensure the CONFIG words are set correctly: disable the MCLR pin if unused (to avoid spurious resets) and select the correct oscillator mode for low-power operation. Always check the BOR (Brown-Out Reset) voltage threshold matches the minimum operating voltage to avoid code-execution errors during power ramps.
Estimated: for best ADC performance, route analog signals away from PWM and switching traces, and place a 100 nF bypass capacitor directly on each analog input pin used. The PIC16LF15356-I/ML has dedicated analog and digital VDD/VSS pairs in larger packages; in the 28-QFN these are shared, so a star-ground topology with separate analog/digital ground returns joined at the EP is recommended. Use the CLC peripheral to offload repetitive digital tasks from the CPU, freeing MIPS for application logic.
Compliance Information
Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive use select AEC-Q100 graded PIC16F15356 variants. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification.
