PIC16LF1554-I/ST - 8-Bit 32MHz 7KB Flash XLP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1554-I/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.3 | $1.30 |
| 10 | $1.2 | $12.00 |
| 100 | $1.05 | $105.00 |
| 500 | $0.95 | $475.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.85 | $850.00 |
PIC16LF1554-I/ST Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that executes instructions on 8-bit data widths. PIC microcontrollers use a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, giving deterministic instruction timing ideal for real-time control. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, MCUs sit below microprocessors (MPUs) and above simple logic ICs, forming the foundation of embedded systems alongside memory ICs, interface ICs, and DSPs. The 8-bit class dominates cost-sensitive applications such as consumer appliances, touch interfaces, sensor hubs, and battery-powered IoT edge nodes.
Key specifications of the PIC16LF1554-I/ST include eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with nanoWatt sleep currents, hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) support for robust mTouch sensing, an internal oscillator, and up to 11 analog channels feeding two simultaneous 10-bit ADC converters. The 14-TSSOP package provides easy hand-soldering access for prototypes while still supporting high-volume surface-mount assembly.
Architecturally, the enhanced mid-range core adds hardware-context saving on interrupts, deeper call stack, and 14-bit instruction word with up to 49 instruction forms. Combined with the on-chip hardware CVD formula you select, the MCU runs a simplified touch-scan loop that handles charge-and-acquire steps without CPU intervention, lowering average current.
Typical applications for this device include capacitive touch buttons and sliders for appliances, user-interface front panels, sensor signal conditioning, low-power IoT nodes, and general-purpose replacement of mid-range microcontrollers. Engineers select it when footprint-constrained 14-pin designs need integrated touch peripherals.
A critical design consideration is decoupling: place a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to VDD, and ensure the ICSP/PGD/PGC traces are not crossed by high-current switching lines to avoid programming failures. Operate VDD between 1.8 V and 3.6 V only; exceeding 3.6 V will damage the LF (low-voltage) variant.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1554-I/ST — 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 PIC16LF1554-I/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1554T-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1554-E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.97 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1554-I/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1554-I/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Instruction Set Architecture | CISC (Harvard), 14-bit instructions |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 2 x 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C, UART |
| PWM Modules | 2 |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) / nanoWatt |
| Touch Peripheral | Hardware CVD (mTouch) |
| Package | 14-pin TSSOP (ST), 4.4 mm body |
| Operating Temperature (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1554-I/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — Port A bit 3 / Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel / PWM output |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel / PWM output |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / analog input / ICSPCLK programming clock |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 / analog input / ICSPDAT programming data |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input / mTouch CVD channel |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1554-I/ST is suitable for 7 applications: Capacitive Touch Buttons and Sliders, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Hubs, Home Appliance User Interface Front Panels, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Interior Touch Panels, Low-Cost Consumer Electronics Replacement, Capacitive Proximity and Water-Level Sensing.
Capacitive Touch Buttons and Sliders
The PIC16LF1554-I/ST's hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) peripheral makes it ideal for driving mTouch capacitive touch button and slider user interfaces in appliances and consumer electronics. The 11 analog channels support multi-button scan matrices with automated charge-and-acquire sequencing that runs without CPU intervention, dropping average current below the XLP nanoWatt sleep threshold. With 32 MHz CPU speed and 7 KB flash, the MCU runs touch-scan firmware plus a small UI state machine in a single-chip solution. The 14-TSSOP footprint enables compact front-panel modules for cooktops, washing machines, and HVAC controllers where 5 to 12 touch zones are typical.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Hubs
The PIC16LF1554-I/ST's XLP nanoWatt technology delivers sleep currents in the microamp range, making it well-suited for battery-powered sensor hubs in IoT edge nodes. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V lets it run directly from a single Li-ion or two AA cells, while the 32 MHz CPU bursts awake to perform ADC sampling, UART transmission, and I2C sensor reads. The 512-byte SRAM supports local buffering before radio wake-up events. Typical applications include wireless environmental monitors, BLE beacons with button input, and remote controls where touch input replaces mechanical switches, extending battery life to years instead of months.
Recommended
Home Appliance User Interface Front Panels
The PIC16LF1554-I/ST is well-suited for appliance front-panel controllers in dishwashers, microwaves, and coffee machines where a small footprint MCU handles user input, indicator LEDs, and basic motor/relay control. The two 10-bit ADCs sample temperature, humidity, or water-level sensors while the two PWM channels drive LED dimmers or buzzer tones. The mTouch CVD peripheral replaces mechanical buttons with sealed capacitive pads, improving humidity resistance. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V matches 3.3 V regulated rails from appliance SMPS, simplifying power-tree design. The 14-TSSOP package fits standard appliance PCB modules.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LF1554-I/ST provides dual 10-bit ADC channels with hardware averaging for industrial sensor signal conditioning in PLC analog input modules, HVAC transducers, and process-control peripherals. The 32 MHz CPU handles oversampling and digital filtering, while the UART and I2C peripherals communicate with downstream controllers. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature rating covers factory-floor environments, and the XLP technology supports sleep modes between sensor scans. The 14-pin TSSOP package delivers compact PCB designs for DIN-rail and field-mount sensor modules.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Touch Panels
The PIC16LF1554-I/ST's hardware mTouch CVD and small footprint make it a candidate for automotive interior touch panels controlling overhead lighting, seat adjustment, and HVAC vents. The two PWMs drive LED backlight dimming while the UART peripheral communicates with the body control module. For underhood or seat-foam-adjacent deployments, the extended-temperature PIC16LF1554-E/ST variant supports -40 C to +125 C. Operating voltage on regulated 3.3 V body-controller rails falls within the LF family's 1.8 V to 3.6 V window, simplifying automotive power design.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics Replacement
The PIC16LF1554-I/ST works as a general-purpose MCU for replacing legacy mid-range microcontrollers in cost-sensitive consumer products such as toys, remote controls, LED strips, and small home appliances. Its 7 KB flash and 512-byte SRAM cover most simple product firmware, and the I2C plus PWM peripherals handle peripheral expansion. The 14-TSSOP package supports standard SMT assembly, while the XLP nanoWatt technology minimizes standby current for battery-operated or Energy Star-rated designs. The PIC16 family ecosystem (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler) lowers development cost.
Recommended
Capacitive Proximity and Water-Level Sensing
The PIC16LF1554-I/ST's hardware CVD supports capacitive proximity sensing and water-level detection in smart faucets, soap dispensers, and irrigation controllers. The 11 analog channels scan multiple electrodes sequentially while the on-chip CVD peripheral handles charge redistribution without external components. The 32 MHz CPU executes scan-and-decision firmware in real time, triggering solenoids or alarms on threshold detection. The 14-TSSOP package fits sealed sensor heads where PCB size is constrained and the XLP technology supports long battery life in wireless sensing nodes.
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Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1554-I/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1554T-I/ST | PIC16LF1554-E/ST | PIC16LF1554-I/ML | PIC16LF1554-E/SL | PIC16F1554-I/ST | PIC16LF1559-I/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-TSSOP (ST) | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same | 16-QFN (ML) - different | 14-SOIC (SL) - different | 14-TSSOP (ST) - same | 20-TSSOP (ST) - different |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Touch Peripheral (mTouch CVD) | Yes (hardware CVD) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pin Count | 14 | 14 | 14 | 16 (QFN) | 14 | 14 | 20 |
Key Differentiators
- Hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) on-chip (vs PIC16F88)
- 11 analog channels in a 14-pin package (vs PIC16F1455)
- XLP nanoWatt technology with deep sleep currents below 20 nA (vs PIC16F877A)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) with a short, wide trace to VSS (pin 14). For designs with high-current PWM outputs driving LEDs or motors, add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the VDD rail within 10 mm of the MCU. Estimated: a 32 MHz CPU burst at 3.3 V draws approximately 6 mA; peak supply ripple should be kept below 50 mV to avoid coupling into analog mTouch CVD measurements.
Keep ICSPDAT (RC0) and ICSPCLK (RC1) traces away from high-frequency switching nodes such as PWM outputs or switching regulators. Use a ground guard ring around mTouch CVD sensor traces to prevent false touch events from adjacent conductors. The CVD acquisition is sensitive to substrate noise; route analog traces over a continuous ground plane and avoid crossing digital return currents. Estimated: a 5 mm minimum trace-to-trace spacing between mTouch electrodes and PWM outputs typically meets CISPR/IEC 61000-4-6 noise-immunity requirements.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD - this is the LF (low-voltage) variant, not the F variant. The /MCLR pin (RA3) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; leaving it floating can cause intermittent resets. Ensure the internal oscillator configuration bits match the desired FOSC setting; selecting an external crystal without one present prevents startup. The mTouch CVD scan sequence must follow the datasheet timing formula exactly; deviating from the charge-and-acquire window reduces SNR and causes false touches.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The I-grade supports industrial -40 C to +85 C but is not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose the E-grade PIC16LF1554-E/ST for extended temperature.
