PIC16LF15356T-I/SO - 8-Bit 32MHz 28KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF15356T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.49 | $14.90 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF15356T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating CPU, memory (flash, SRAM, EEPROM), analog peripherals (ADC, DAC, comparators), digital timers, and communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C) on one die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, microcontrollers sit under microcontrollers > microprocessors > integrated circuits. The PIC16LF153xx family specifically targets ultra-low-power (XLP) applications with Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), making it a sub-category of "low-power 8-bit MCUs."
Key features include 2KB RAM, 4 PWM channels, a 5-bit DAC, comparators, Configurable Logic Cells (CLC x4), CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), 2 EUSART modules, and SPI/I2C. The flash memory is 16K x 14 words (14-bit instruction width typical for PIC16), and the device is rated for industrial temperature range -40C to +85C. The "LF" prefix indicates a wide-voltage low-power variant supporting 1.8V to 3.6V operation, whereas the PIC16F15356 (non-LF) targets 2.3V to 5.5V.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF15356 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction set, hardware CLC for combinational logic without CPU intervention, and XLP nanoWatt technology for sleep currents under 50 nA typical. The 32MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystal requirements in many designs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Typical applications include ultra-low-power IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered home automation, low-power wireless controllers, consumer white goods, industrial sensor conditioning, and portable medical monitoring. The XLP features enable multi-year battery life in coin-cell applications.
When designing with this device, evaluate whether the 28KB flash is sufficient for your application code size, and ensure your IDE/toolchain supports the PIC16F15356 family. MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler is the standard development environment. Pay attention to the difference between PIC16LF15356 (1.8V-3.6V) and PIC16F15356 (2.3V-5.5V) variants when sourcing replacements.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF15356T-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 PIC16LF15356T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in DAC, Package, Comparators, PWM Channels, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF15356-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF15356-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1556-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF15355-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF15354T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF15356T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 2 KB |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| PWM Channels | 4 |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| Comparators | Yes |
| EUSART | 2 |
| SPI/I2C | Yes |
| CLC (Configurable Logic Cells) | 4 |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (nanoWatt) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF15356T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — GPIO / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — GPIO / Master Clear (reset) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — GPIO / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — GPIO / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1 — GPIO / oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2 — GPIO / oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — GPIO / PWM |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — GPIO / PWM |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — GPIO / PWM |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — GPIO / PWM |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — GPIO |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — GPIO |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — GPIO / EUSART TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — GPIO / EUSART RX |
| Pin 19 | RB0 — GPIO / interrupt |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — GPIO |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — GPIO |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — GPIO |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — GPIO |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — GPIO |
| Pin 25 | RB6/ICSPCLK — GPIO / programming clock |
| Pin 26 | RB7/ICSPDAT — GPIO / programming data |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF15356T-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Automation Controllers, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Portable Medical Monitoring Devices, Consumer White Goods Control, Wireless Remote Controls and Key Fobs, LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF15356T-I/SO is purpose-built for ultra-low-power IoT sensor nodes where multi-year lifetime on a single coin cell is critical. Its XLP nanoWatt technology delivers typical sleep currents under 50 nA, and the 1.8V minimum supply allows direct operation from a 1.5V alkaline cell after a single boost converter stage. The 28KB flash accommodates typical sensor-fusion firmware stacks including BLE/Zigbee co-processor command handling, temperature/humidity compensation routines, and OTA-ready bootloader stubs. The four CLC (Configurable Logic Cells) implement event-triggered wake-up logic in hardware without CPU intervention, slashing average current draw compared to polling loops. Place the MCU adjacent to the sensor, with VDD decoupling via 100nF + 1uF ceramic directly at pin 20, and route SCL/SDA to the sensor on short, parallel traces for clean I2C communication at 400 kHz.
Recommended
Home Automation Controllers
For smart-home hubs, wall switches, and occupancy sensors, the PIC16LF15356T-I/SO balances low power with rich peripheral integration. The 5-bit DAC drives LED brightness for status indicators, the four PWM channels control dimmable lighting outputs, and the 2 EUSART modules bridge to wireless modules (Bluetooth, LoRa, or sub-GHz transceivers). The CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) creates dead-band-controlled signals ideal for half-bridge LED driver stages. SPI/I2C interfaces support sensor expansion (temperature, light, motion). Industrial -40C to +85C rating suits unheated junction boxes and outdoor enclosures. The 1.8V-3.6V supply matches single-cell LiFePO4 battery packs for wireless retrofit installations, placing the MCU between the radio module and the relay/triac switching stage.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LF15356T-I/SO fits industrial 4-20mA loop-powered sensor transmitters and bridge sensor conditioners. Its 32MHz CPU processes digital filtering at high sample rates, the on-chip comparators detect threshold crossings without ADC, and the 5-bit DAC trims sensor offset. Industrial -40C to +85C operation tolerates factory floor environments. The CLC cells implement state machines that switch between measurement, transmission, and sleep modes autonomously, offloading the CPU. The 1.8V minimum voltage matches loop-powered designs with shunt regulation. Typical circuit: bridge sensor -> op-amp gain stage -> MCU ADC -> CLC averaging -> 4-20mA loop transmitter stage; the CWG can produce the PWM that the loop transmitter modulates.
Recommended
Portable Medical Monitoring Devices
Medical wearables such as pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and activity trackers benefit from the PIC16LF15356T-I/SO's combination of low power and rich analog peripherals. The 32MHz CPU runs sensor algorithms (PPG filtering, step counting), the comparators detect battery voltage thresholds for low-battery alerts, and the 5-bit DAC drives OLED brightness compensation based on ambient light. XLP sleep mode with 50nA typical quiescent current enables 6+ month battery life on a CR2032 coin cell for spot-check devices. The 28KB flash supports BLE stack pairing, sensor-fusion math, and secure boot stubs. Place the MCU adjacent to the sensor front-end, with VDD decoupling and AGND-isolation around the ADC pins (typically pin 2-3 on SOIC-28) for clean analog readings.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Control
Consumer appliances (coffee makers, washing machines, microwaves, induction cooktops) deploy PIC16LF15356T-I/SO as the user-interface and motor-control brain. The 4 PWM channels drive variable-speed pumps and fans, the CWG generates complementary switching for induction heating or motor drive half-bridges, and the EUSART interfaces to user displays or WiFi modules. Industrial temperature rating handles the enclosed appliance environment. The 1.8V-3.6V supply simplifies power supply design compared to 5V PIC variants. Pin-compatible variants in different temperature grades (PIC16LF15356-E/SO for extended) let manufacturers share PCB layouts across product lines. Typical circuit: mains PSU -> 3.3V LDO -> MCU -> relay/triac driver -> load; the MCU also scans the user keypad matrix using CLC combinatorial logic.
Recommended
Wireless Remote Controls and Key Fobs
The PIC16LF15356T-I/SO is well-suited for wireless remote controls, key fobs, and RF transmitters where battery life and small size matter most. The 1.8V minimum supply matches CR2032 / CR2016 coin cells directly without boost conversion, XLP sleep with 50nA typical current enables 5+ year shelf life, and 32MHz CPU bursts handle button debouncing, encryption routines, and RF packet formatting before returning to sleep. The CLC cells wake the MCU on button press without external glue logic. Industrial -40C to +85C operation handles outdoor key fob use. Typical circuit: coin cell -> MCU VDD (pin 20) -> button matrix on GPIO -> CLC wake-up -> EUSART to sub-GHz transmitter IC -> antenna; use the DAC to trim TX power via bias network.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers
Architectural and decorative LED lighting controllers leverage the PIC16LF15356T-I/SO for smooth dimming and color mixing. The 4 PWM channels drive red/green/blue/white LED strings with 16-bit PWM resolution, the CWG generates complementary switching for high-current LED driver MOSFETs, and the 5-bit DAC trims current sensing thresholds. Industrial temperature range handles both indoor and outdoor luminaires. The 1.8V minimum supply supports direct LiFePO4 or 2x AA battery-powered portable fixtures. Typical circuit: AC-DC PSU -> 3.3V -> MCU -> LED driver MOSFETs -> LED strings; place MCU adjacent to driver stage, use Kelvin connection at current-sense resistor, and tie analog ground separate from digital ground back at the PSU return.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF15356T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF15356-I/SO | PIC16LF15356-E/SO | PIC16LF1556-I/SO | PIC16LF15355-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm) - same |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP nanoWatt | XLP nanoWatt | XLP nanoWatt | XLP | XLP nanoWatt |
Key Differentiators
- XLP nanoWatt Technology with sub-50nA typical sleep current (vs PIC16LF15355-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C with low-voltage 1.8V minimum (vs PIC16F15356 (non-LF variant))
- Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) x4 and CWG for hardware state machines (vs PIC16LF1503T-I/SL (lower-end PIC16LF150x family))
Design Notes
The PIC16LF15356T-I/SO supports 1.8V to 3.6V operation. Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 8 and pin 28 are both VDD on SOIC-28; tie both to the same supply rail) with a low-impedance ground return. For battery-powered designs, add a 10uF bulk capacitor at the battery terminal to handle load transients when the radio wakes. Per Microchip application note AN3361, configure unused pins as outputs low to minimize current draw in sleep mode. The XLP sleep current is 50nA typical but can rise to several uA if analog peripherals stay enabled.
The SOIC-28 package has typical theta_JA of approximately 70 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test PCB (per Microchip packaging specification). At 32MHz active operation with typical 5mA active current at 3.3V, the MCU dissipates ~16.5mW, well within thermal limits for any environment. No heatsink is required. However, in enclosed luminaires or appliance applications with ambient temperatures approaching +85C, ensure the PCB copper pour around the SOIC-28 pins is adequate (at least 100 sq mm) to spread heat into the board. The industrial -40C to +85C ambient rating assumes proper PCB thermal design.
Use a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane beneath the MCU for best EMI/EMC performance. Keep the ICSP programming pins (RA0/RA1 on pins 5/6 and RB6/RB7 on pins 25/26) accessible via test pads or a 6-pin header for in-circuit programming and debugging. Per Microchip layout guidelines, separate analog ground (AGND) and digital ground (DGND) at the PCB level with a single point join near the MCU VSS pin (pin 7 or 27). Route the 32MHz internal oscillator away from analog signal traces to minimize digital switching noise coupling into ADC inputs.
Do not confuse the PIC16LF15356 (1.8V-3.6V) with the PIC16F15356 (2.3V-5.5V). The LF variant has lower minimum voltage but identical peripherals. Do not apply 5V signals to GPIO on the LF variant - this will damage the I/O cells. When sourcing second-source parts, verify the "-I" industrial temperature suffix (vs "-E" extended) to match your application thermal envelope. The MCLR pin (pin 3) requires a 10kΩ pull-up to VDD if not actively used, or it can be configured as RA3 GPIO via the configuration bits if not needed as reset.
For SPI bus runs exceeding 50mm, add 33Ω series resistors at the MCU output pins to dampen ringing on the SCK/MOSI lines. For I2C, use 4.7kΩ pull-ups to VDD (not 3.3V supply if VDD drops below 3V during battery discharge) and place pull-ups close to the MCU side. The 32MHz internal oscillator can have up to +/- 2% frequency error across temperature - for UART communication, this requires baud rate tolerance configuration. Enable the FVR (Fixed Voltage Reference) module for stable ADC readings when VDD drifts during battery discharge.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free packaging. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in distributor data - consult Microchip environmental compliance docs. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-grade PIC16 variant for vehicle applications.
