PIC16LF1559-E/ML - 8-Bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1559-E/ML β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.5 | $15.00 |
| 100 | $1.35 | $135.00 |
| 500 | $1.2 | $600.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF1559-E/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a compact, self-contained computing IC built around an 8-bit RISC core with on-chip Flash, RAM, EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals including ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. PIC MCUs sit in the broader hierarchy of embedded controllers: 8-bit microcontroller -> RISC MCU -> microcomputer -> semiconductor device. The PIC16 enhanced mid-range family adds a 14-bit instruction word, hardware stack, and C-friendly architecture while preserving the PIC ecosystem's mature tooling.
Key features of the PIC16LF1559-E/ML include dual 10-bit successive-approximation ADCs with hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) support capable of up to 600 ksps aggregate throughput, two PWM modules, an internal oscillator, and up to 17 analog channels for capacitive-touch (mTouch) and general-purpose sensing. The XLP technology provides nanoWatt sleep currents below typical RTC leakage figures, making this MCU well suited for always-on sensor front ends.
The device integrates a charge time measurement unit (CTMU) option for capacitive proximity and level measurement, hardware CVD for noise-immune touch sensing, two enhanced USART modules, I2C, and SPI peripherals. The 20-QFN package exposes the maximum pin count of the family, giving engineers access to all 17 ADC channels and full peripheral mapping for mixed analog/digital sensor hubs.
Typical applications include mTouch capacitive touch keys, sliders, and proximity sensors in home appliances and consumer devices, low-power IoT sensor nodes running on CR2032 or coin-cell batteries, general-purpose mixed-signal control loops with multiple ADC inputs, and battery chargers requiring firmware-controlled PWM outputs. Designers benefit from Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler for free development, plus the PICkit programmer ecosystem.
Designers should note that the 20-QFN package lacks true through-hole assembly compatibility and requires careful PCB thermal pad soldering for reliable production. The PIC16LF1554 variant in 14-pin packages offers equivalent logic but reduced analog channels, while the PIC16F1559 (F-range, 1.8-5.5V) swaps lower power for higher I/O voltage flexibility.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers evaluate the PIC16LF1559-E/ML against competing 8-bit MCU solutions in the 20-pin QFN segment.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1559-E/ML β 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 PIC16LF1559-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory (Flash), I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1559-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1559T-E/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1559-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1554-I/ML
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16LF1559-E/MLVAO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1559-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| RAM | 512 bytes |
| ADC | Dual 10-bit, up to 17 analog channels |
| Aggregate ADC Sampling Rate | 600 ksps |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| PWM Modules | 2 |
| Package Type | 20-QFN (4 x 4 mm) with exposed thermal pad |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (extended, -E suffix) |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes (ML suffix) |
| Instruction Word | 14-bit |
| Capacitive Touch Support | mTouch with hardware CVD and CTMU |
PIC16LF1559-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/ICSPDAT β PORTA analog/digital I/O; ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RA1 β PORTA analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA2 β PORTA analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP β PORTA I/O; Master Clear; ICSP voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4 β PORTA analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RA5 β PORTA analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA6 β PORTA analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RA7 β PORTA analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β PORTB digital I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β PORTB digital I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6/ICSPCLK β PORTB I/O; ICSP clock; serial programming |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β PORTB digital I/O with interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 15 | RC0 β PORTC analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC1 β PORTC analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC2 β PORTC analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC3 β PORTC analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC4 β PORTC analog/digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC5 β PORTC analog/digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1559-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive Touch Key / Slider Interface, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, White Goods and Home Appliance Control, Lighting Control and LED Drivers, Industrial Sensor and Transmitter Hubs, Consumer Proximity and Gesture Sensing.
Capacitive Touch Key / Slider Interface
The PIC16LF1559-E/ML is the Microchip-recommended MCU for mTouch capacitive touch interfaces. Its hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) module and integrated CTMU combine with dual 10-bit ADCs and a 600 ksps aggregate sampling rate to suppress environmental noise and detect finger proximity accurately across industrial and consumer appliances. With up to 17 analog channels, a 20-QFN design can replace mechanical buttons with reliable sealed touch surfaces, reducing BOM and improving ESD/IP rating.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1559-E/ML is well suited for coin-cell powered sensor nodes thanks to its 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating range and XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology with nanoWatt sleep currents. Its 14 KB Flash comfortably holds sensor drivers, and the dual 10-bit ADC handles periodic sensor sampling at sub-microamp current. Compared to Cortex-M0 alternatives, this PIC MCU needs no external LDO at 3 V, allowing direct battery connection, with the 20-QFN delivering the smallest PCB footprint.
Recommended
White Goods and Home Appliance Control
White goods designers favor the PIC16LF1559-E/ML for its combination of capacitive touch sensing, multiple PWMs for motor or valve control, and industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C). Two PWM outputs can drive solenoid valves or triac-fired heater elements, while the 17 ADC inputs monitor temperature, humidity, and water level. The hardware CVD module makes touch pads reliable through wet environments including steam and splashes, which conventional RC-based touch MCUs cannot match.
Recommended
Lighting Control and LED Drivers
The PIC16LF1559-E/ML fits low-voltage LED lighting fixtures that combine capacitive touch dimming, color temperature PWM mixing, and ambient light feedback. Two PWMs provide high-resolution LED current control via external MOSFET drivers, while the 600 ksps ADC rate reads ambient sensors at low duty cycle to minimize bias current. The QFN footprint fits inside downlight cans, with the extended temperature grade maintaining regulation in enclosed fixtures operating up to 125 C.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Transmitter Hubs
Industrial 4-20 mA loop sensor transmitters, wireless sensor nodes, and data loggers use the PIC16LF1559-E/ML because of its 17 analog channels, 10-bit ADC resolution, and extended temperature range. Three or four sensors (temperature, pressure, humidity, vibration) share the dual ADC through sequencing, while the 14 KB Flash holds calibration tables and application firmware. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V range supports 2x AA or 2x AAA battery packs without boost regulator.
Recommended
Consumer Proximity and Gesture Sensing
For IR-proximity and gesture control in consumer products, the PIC16LF1559-E/ML's CTMU and CVD modules enable time-based analog measurements that resolve sub-pF capacitance changes without expensive ADCs. The 32 MHz core runs gesture algorithms in real time, and the 20-QFN (4x4 mm) form factor suits placement inside small handheld enclosures. Combined with the 1.8 V to 3.6 V range, this MCU fits wireless remote controls, headsets, and proximity-triggered wakeup devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1559-E/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1559-I/ML | PIC16LF1559T-E/ML | PIC16F1559-I/ML | PIC16LF1554-I/ML | PIC16LF1559-E/MLVAO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Operating Voltage Range | 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 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, Automotive VAO) |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 17 channels, 10-bit | 17 channels, 10-bit | 17 channels, 10-bit | 17 channels, 10-bit | 12 channels, 10-bit (reduced) | 17 channels, 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Highest analog channel count in 20-QFN PIC16 family (vs PIC16LF1554-I/ML)
- Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade (vs PIC16LF1559-I/ML)
- mTouch hardware CVD and CTMU on-chip (vs PIC16F1559-I/ML)
- Compactest footprint in LF XLP family (vs PIC16LF1519-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: When laying out the PIC16LF1559-E/ML's 20-QFN (4x4 mm) footprint, expose the central thermal pad (pin 21) to a copper area of at least 8 mm^2 to maintain thermal performance up to 125 C. The exposed pad must be soldered to a defined pad on the PCB using a via array (typically 4-9 micro-vias) to comply with IPC-7351 QFN land pattern guidelines. Inadequate thermal pad soldering can lead to die overheating under continuous ADC sampling.
Estimated: For battery-powered designs with the PIC16LF1559-E/ML, leverage XLP sleep mode between sensor acquisitions. Deep sleep currents fall to the 100 nA range per the Microchip datasheet, while active current at 32 MHz and 3.3 V is approximately 4 mA. Use the internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC for normal operation and switch to LFINTOSC (31 kHz) during sleep to maximize battery life. Always place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin.
Do not confuse the PIC16LF1559-E/ML with the PIC16LF1554-E/ML: although both come in the same 20-QFN package, the PIC16LF1554 silicon die is the 14-pin variant and lacks the full 17-channel ADC and CTMU peripherals, leading to silent feature loss if mistakenly substituted in an mTouch design. Always confirm the full MPN string ending in -E/ML (1559) versus -I/ML (1554) when ordering. Verify the device marking on the PCB against the datasheet ordering nomenclature table.
Estimated: For capacitive touch sensing accuracy, route the analog CVD channels with short traces (under 25 mm) and a ground shield or guard ring around each touch pad. The PIC16LF1559-E/ML's hardware CVD method is robust against Vdd drift, but PCB parasitic capacitance above 20 pF directly reduces sensitivity. Reference Microchip application note AN1478 'mTouch Sensing Method of Operation' for PCB layout and firmware calibration guidance, especially for water-tolerant designs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance inferred from 'ML' lead-free suffix and Microchip environmental statements. AEC-Q100 not directly qualified for -E/ML base part; PIC16LF1559-E/MLVAO offers automotive-grade screening.
