PIC16LF1559-E/SS - 8-Bit MCU, 32MHz, 14KB Flash, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1559-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.96 | $1.96 |
| 10 | $1.79 | $17.90 |
| 100 | $1.51 | $151.00 |
| 500 | $1.33 | $665.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.2 | $1,200.00 |
PIC16LF1559-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash/EPROM), data RAM, non-volatile EEPROM, and a set of on-chip peripherals (ADC, timers, PWM, communication ports, I/O). 8-bit MCUs sit at the lower end of the embedded computing hierarchy beneath 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs, but they dominate cost-sensitive, ultra-low-power, and deeply embedded designs where deterministic behaviour, low current draw, and small package footprints outweigh raw computational throughput. Within Microchip's taxonomy the PIC16F mid-range line uses a 14-bit instruction word and Harvard architecture.
Key features of the PIC16LF1559 include two on-chip 10-bit ADCs capable of automated hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) acquisition for capacitive touch, a combined sample rate of 600 ksps across up to 17 analog channels, two PWM modules, and the XLP nanoWatt technology for sub-microamp sleep currents. Communication peripherals cover I2C/SPI and a USART, while 17 general-purpose I/O pins are exposed across the 20-pin package.
Architecturally the part combines a RISC core with 49 single-word instructions, 16-level hardware stack, and an interrupt controller; the dual-ADC + CVD block performs ratiometric capacitance measurements without CPU intervention. According to Microchip datasheet 40001761F, the CVD engine eliminates external analog front-end components in mTouch designs, lowering BOM cost for proximity, slider, and button touch applications.
Typical applications include mTouch capacitive touch buttons, sliders and proximity sensors in consumer white goods, multi-channel sensor conditioning nodes with on-chip averaging, low-power IoT end devices, USB HID peripherals, and general-purpose embedded control in 20-pin MOSFET-driven or relay-driven boards where the SSOP-208 mil footprint is already laid out.
When designing with the PIC16LF1559, observe the 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD range of the 'LF' variant. The CVD hardware requires matching of the four external sample capacitors; follow Microchip application note AN1477 for sensor layout. Choose the '-E' extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) for industrial or outdoor housings.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives and practical design notes for the PIC16LF1559-E/SS not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1559-E/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1559-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1559T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1559-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1554-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF15355-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1559-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (125 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory | 14 KB Flash (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 17 |
| ADC | 2 x 10-bit, up to 17 analog channels |
| Total ADC Sample Rate | 600 ksps (combined) |
| Hardware CVD | Yes (automated capacitive voltage divider) |
| PWM Modules | 2 |
| Communication | I2C/SPI + 1x USART |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E grade) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (208 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1559-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / voltage reference plus |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input 5 |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0/CVDREF0 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / CVD reference 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1/CVDREF1 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input / CVD reference 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input 2 |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input or external clock in |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output or clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/SCL/SCK — Bidirectional I/O / I2C clock or SPI clock |
| Pin 12 | RC1/SDA/SDI — Bidirectional I/O / I2C data or SPI data in |
| Pin 13 | RC2/SDO — Bidirectional I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC6/AN8/TX — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input 8 / USART TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7/AN9/RX — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input 9 / USART RX |
| Pin 19 | RB4/AN10 — Bidirectional I/O / ADC input 10 |
| Pin 20 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear (reset) / programming voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1559-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: mTouch Capacitive Touch Buttons, Multi-Channel Sensor Conditioning Nodes, Battery-Powered IoT End Devices, USB HID Peripheral Controllers, LED Lighting Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics.
mTouch Capacitive Touch Buttons
The PIC16LF1559-E/SS is purpose-built for mTouch capacitive-sensing applications such as touch buttons, sliders and proximity sensors. Its two 10-bit ADCs with hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) acquisition deliver a combined sample rate of 600 ksps across 17 analog channels, enabling rapid multi-button scans without CPU intervention. The XLP nanoWatt technology keeps standby current below typical capacitive-touch benchmarks, while the Extended -40C to +125C temperature range supports white-goods and outdoor installations. Place the IC on a 4-layer PCB with a ground pour under the sensor electrodes, and use Microchip application note AN1478 guidelines for sensitivity tuning.
Recommended
Multi-Channel Sensor Conditioning Nodes
The 17 analog inputs paired with dual 10-bit ADCs make the PIC16LF1559-E/SS well suited to multi-channel sensor aggregation in industrial and IoT nodes. Each ADC can sequence across multiple channels while hardware CVD automatically compensates for parasitic capacitance, so the MCU can digitise several resistive or capacitive transducers (temperature, humidity, pressure, strain) in a single wake cycle. The 14 KB Flash accommodates small protocol stacks (Modbus, proprietary RF, sensor calibration tables), and the 32 MHz CPU sustains 125 ns instruction timing for tight control loops.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT End Devices
XLP nanoWatt technology makes the PIC16LF1559-E/SS ideal for coin-cell or two-AAA battery-powered IoT end devices such as wireless sensor nodes, environmental loggers and remote controls. Sleep currents typically fall below 1 microamp in deep-sleep mode, while the 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD range accommodates depleted-battery headroom. The 14 KB Flash holds a small bootloader and application, and the 512-byte SRAM supports modest protocol buffers. Use the internal LFINTOSC for wake-up timing to minimise external component count.
Recommended
USB HID Peripheral Controllers
Although the LF variant targets low-voltage systems, the PIC16LF1559-E/SS is a popular host for low-speed USB HID peripherals when paired with an external 3.3 V LDO. The 32 MHz CPU sustains HID polling, and 512 bytes of SRAM cover typical HID report buffers. The 17 I/O pins drive keyboards, mice, game controllers and custom HID devices, while hardware CVD provides programmable buttons on the touch surface without additional ICs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
Two PWM modules combined with 14 KB Flash enable compact LED drivers and decorative lighting controllers using the PIC16LF1559-E/SS. Hardware CVD can also detect touch overlays on the lens for dimming and colour control. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V and with the Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade, the device is well-suited to enclosed-luminaires thermal environments. Pair with a constant-current LED driver and use DMA-free PWM plus timer-driven blanking for smooth dimming.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LF1559-E/SS Extended -E grade and dual 10-bit ADCs make the device viable for non-safety automotive body-electronics modules such as interior lighting controllers, capacitive switch panels and HVAC knobs. Its 32 MHz CPU executes 125 ns instructions, while the wide -40C to +125C temperature range tolerates cabin thermal extremes. For higher-voltage (12 V) automotive rails, drop-in upgrade paths include 5 V variants such as PIC16F1559-E/SS on the same SSOP-20 footprint.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1559-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1559-I/SS | PIC16LF1559T-I/SS | PIC16F1559-E/SS | PIC16LF1554-E/SS | PIC16LF15355-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (208 mil) | 20-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 20-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 20-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 20-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 1024 B |
| I/O Pins | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 18 |
| ADC Channels | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 17 |
| VDD Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-ADC hardware CVD module with 600 ksps combined throughput (vs PIC16LF1554-E/SS)
- Low-voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) operation for battery designs (vs PIC16F1559-E/SS)
- Same SSOP-20 footprint across temperature grades for layout reuse (vs PIC16LF1559-I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1559-E/SS operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of the VDD pin (pin 7) and a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the VDD/VSS pair. For battery-powered designs, add a 100 kohm external pull-up on MCLR and route the unused RA6/OSC2 pin as a general-purpose I/O after disabling the oscillator to minimise quiescent leakage. The XLP nanoWatt sleep currents assume HFINTOSC and peripherals disabled per datasheet section 'Power-Managed Modes'.
The 20-SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pitch and 208-mil (5.3 mm) body width. Route all signal traces on inner layers beneath the IC and keep a continuous ground pour on the top layer to provide a low-impedance reference for the ADC and CVD measurements. Sensor traces to the analog inputs should be guarded with a ground shield and avoid crossing noisy digital lines. For mTouch designs, follow Microchip application note AN1478 for electrode layout and ground fill rules.
Avoid leaving the MCLR pin floating; a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD is mandatory for stable reset. The CVD module requires four external capacitors (typically 1 nF to 10 nF NP0) on the dedicated reference pins; omission causes sensor calibration errors. Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD or the absolute maximum rating of 4.0 V. Programming via ICSP requires the PGED/PGEC pair that multiplexes with RB6/RB7 - verify those lines are not driven externally during programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page ordering information. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; AEC-Q100 variants are typically catalogued under PIC16F1559-E/SS Q1 ordering code for automotive applications. Halogen-free status not stated in the verified web data.
