PIC16LF1559T-I/SS - 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 32MHz, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1559T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.89 | $18.90 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.45 | $725.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.28 | $1,280.00 |
PIC16LF1559T-I/SS Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An MCU (microcontroller unit) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data RAM, and peripherals (ADC, PWM, timers, communication ports). The 8-bit PIC® XLP™ eXtreme Low Power family targets battery-powered and always-on applications by combining moderate compute throughput with sub-microamp sleep currents.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16LF1559 include up to 17 analog channels served by two independent 10-bit ADCs capable of 600 ksps aggregate sampling, automated hardware CVD (Capacitive Voltage Divider) modules for mTouch® sensing without firmware overhead, 2 PWMs, and XLP™ deep-sleep operation that extends coin-cell battery life. It supports I²C, SPI, and UART interfaces, and integrates up to 17 I/O pins.
The enhanced mid-range PIC16 core executes 125 ns instructions using only 49 single-word instructions, simplifying C and assembly development with MPLAB® X IDE and the XC8 compiler. The hardware CVD block performs charge-measurement cycles between adjacent sensor pins, allowing reliable proximity and touch buttons even in noisy or wet environments.
Typical applications include mTouch® capacitive touch buttons and sliders, sensor signal conditioning, low-power consumer appliances, LED lighting controllers, battery-powered IoT nodes, and general-purpose 8-bit embedded control. The wide operating voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V for the LF variant) suits Li-ion / coin-cell designs.
When designing with this device, follow Microchip's CVD layout guidelines: use a ground flood around sensor electrodes, keep trace lengths short, and provide adequate bulk decoupling. Pin-compatible migration from the 14-pin PIC16LF1554 to the 20-pin PIC16LF1559 is straightforward within the same family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not aggregated on a single manufacturer or distributor page, helping procurement and design engineers make informed decisions quickly.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1559T-I/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 PIC16LF1559T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash), Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1559-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1559T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1554T-I/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1559T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 512 B |
| ADC | 2 x 10-bit, up to 17 channels |
| Aggregate ADC Sampling Rate | 600 ksps |
| PWM Channels | 2 |
| Touch Hardware (CVD) | Automated hardware CVD for mTouch® |
| Communication Peripherals | I²C, SPI, UART |
| I/O Pins (max) | 17 |
| Operating Voltage Range (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| XLP Low-Power Technology | Yes (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Instruction Set | 49 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 125 ns |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1559T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — GPIO / analog input / CVD channel |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — GPIO / analog input / CVD channel |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — GPIO / MCLR (reset, weak pull-up) |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — GPIO / analog input / SDA |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — GPIO / analog input / SCL |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — GPIO / analog input / CVD channel |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — GPIO / analog input / CVD channel / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — GPIO / analog input / CVD channel / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — GPIO / ICD |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — GPIO / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 19 | RC7 — GPIO / analog input / RX |
| Pin 20 | RC6 — GPIO / analog input / TX |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1559T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Capacitive Touch Buttons & Sliders (mTouch®), Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting Controllers & Drivers, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-Power Consumer Appliances, Hobbyist & Educational Embedded Platforms.
Capacitive Touch Buttons & Sliders (mTouch®)
The PIC16LF1559T-I/SS is purpose-built for mTouch® capacitive sensing via its two hardware CVD modules, which automate charge-measurement between adjacent sensor pins without CPU intervention. With up to 17 analog channels and 600 ksps aggregate ADC throughput, the part supports multi-button panels and slider/wheel layouts in a single SSOP-20 footprint. XLP™ deep-sleep currents below 1 µA extend battery life in always-on appliances, while the 14 KB Flash comfortably fits button debouncing, gesture decoding, and UART/I²C reporting to a host MCU.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, the PIC16LF1559T-I/SS runs directly from a single Li-ion or two AA cells without an additional regulator. Its XLP™ sleep currents and 32 MHz wake-up performance let designers build always-on sensor nodes that wake briefly, sample, and return to deep sleep. Dual 10-bit ADCs support redundant or interleaved sensor reads, while the 14 KB Flash holds BLE/Zigbee host-command firmware or LoRaWAN driver stubs. UART/SPI/I²C peripherals connect to radios and digital sensors without an external bus expander.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers & Drivers
The PIC16LF1559T-I/SS pairs its two hardware PWMs with dual 10-bit ADCs and 17 I/O to drive multi-channel LED fixtures with closed-loop current or color-temperature feedback. The 32 MHz CPU executes smooth PWM dimming at frequencies that avoid audible noise, while the 14 KB Flash fits custom color-mixing curves, DMX-style protocols, or CCT calibration tables. The wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range simplifies integration with both constant-current LED drivers and buck/boost front ends, and XLP™ sleep reduces standby waste in battery desk lights.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Industrial front-ends need clean analog sampling and robust digital control; the PIC16LF1559T-I/SS delivers two simultaneous 10-bit ADCs at 600 ksps aggregate rate, allowing ratiometric measurements and sensor-fusion reads in motor-control, HVAC, or process-monitoring loops. The 49-instruction PIC16 enhanced mid-range core gives deterministic 125 ns instruction timing for tight control loops, while the SSOP-20 footprint fits on compact DIN-rail or PCB-mount sensor modules. Hardware CVD blocks can also detect panel-mount touch keys or liquid-level changes.
Recommended
Low-Power Consumer Appliances
From coffee machines to air purifiers, modern consumer appliances combine a small touch UI with sensor feedback and quiet motor/valve control. The PIC16LF1559T-I/SS's mTouch® CVD blocks drive the front-panel buttons and sliders, the two PWMs drive valves or fans quietly, and the dual ADCs read temperature, humidity, or pressure transducers. XLP™ deep-sleep currents and 1.8 V operation keep standby power well below 0.1 W to meet global energy regulations. UART exposes a debug/service port for factory calibration and field firmware updates.
Recommended
Hobbyist & Educational Embedded Platforms
The PIC16LF1559T-I/SS is a strong teaching vehicle because of its simple 49-instruction PIC16 enhanced mid-range core, free MPLAB® X IDE, and XC8 compiler support. The 14 KB Flash is large enough for real C-based projects (RTOS-lite schedulers, simple protocol stacks, sensor fusion demos) while small enough to fit within classroom lab budgets. The mTouch® CVD hardware is unique among entry-level MCUs, letting students experiment with capacitive sensing without writing timing-critical firmware. The SSOP-20 package is breadboard-friendly with breakout boards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1559T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1559-I/SS | PIC16LF1559T-I/ML | PIC16LF1554T-I/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin QFN - same pin count, different footprint | 14-pin TSSOP - different footprint |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| Data RAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS | 32 MHz / 8 MIPS |
| ADC | 2 x 10-bit, 600 ksps | 2 x 10-bit, 600 ksps | 2 x 10-bit, 600 ksps | 2 x 10-bit (reduced channel count) |
| Hardware CVD (Touch) | Yes (2 modules) | Yes (2 modules) | Yes (2 modules) | Yes (2 modules) |
| 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 |
| XLP Low-Power Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Dual hardware CVD modules for mTouch® capacitive sensing (vs PIC16F1507-I/SS)
- 20 SSOP/20 QFN pin options within same family (vs PIC16LF1554T-I/ST)
- Wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V LF supply range with XLP™ deep sleep (vs PIC16F1554 (F variant))
Design Notes
For mTouch® CVD sensor reliability, follow Microchip AN1478 and TB3069 layout guidelines: surround each sensor electrode with a grounded flood (hatched copper, not solid, to reduce capacitive loading), keep sensor traces short and of equal length where possible, route CVD traces away from switching noise sources, and provide a generous ground ring around the entire touch area. The PIC16LF1559's hardware CVD is sensitive to trace capacitance, so avoid placing sensor pads under the IC's VDD/VSS traces.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The PIC16LF1559T-I/SS operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V; the wide range accommodates coin-cell droop, but regulator PSRR becomes critical below 2.0 V. Use a low-dropout regulator with <50 µA quiescent current if the upstream supply is a Li-ion cell that decays to 3.0 V under load.
Do not enable the RA3 pin's MCLR function unless an external reset circuit is provided - leaving MCLR disabled (RA3 as I/O) is the modern recommendation. Also avoid enabling the weak pull-ups on CVD sensor pins, as the additional resistance perturbs the charge-measurement timing and degrades touch sensitivity. Configure the ADC channels dedicated to CVD separately from generic analog reads to prevent cross-talk.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free SSOP-20 packaging. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a general-purpose MCU, not an automotive-qualified part.
