PIC16LF1574-E/SL - 8-Bit MCU, 32MHz, 7KB Flash, 14-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1574-E/SL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.84 | $0.84 |
| 10 | $0.76 | $7.60 |
| 100 | $0.68 | $68.00 |
| 500 | $0.61 | $305.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.54 | $540.00 |
PIC16LF1574-E/SL Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and programmable peripherals on one die. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with a small, deterministic instruction set, making them predictable for real-time control. The PIC16LF1574 belongs to the 8-bit PIC16 family in the broader category of microcontrollers, embedded processors, and finally integrated circuits (ICs). The "LF" prefix indicates the wide-voltage (1.8V-3.6V) process variant optimized for low-power battery and energy-harvesting designs.
Key differentiating features include four independent 16-bit PWMs (vs typical 8/10-bit) for high-resolution dimming and motor control, a 5-bit DAC typically used as a reference for comparators in closed-loop analog control, and the CWG module that generates complementary outputs with programmable dead-band delay for half-bridge drivers. The PPS peripheral allows digital I/O remapping to almost any device pin, simplifying PCB layout.
Technically the PIC16LF1574 uses a 14-bit instruction word (4K x 14 = 7 KB Flash), supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and enhanced low-voltage programming, and integrates a configurable internal oscillator up to 32 MHz. Core-independent peripherals (CIPs - CWG, NCO, comparators, PWM) can operate without CPU intervention, freeing the core for communication and housekeeping tasks.
Typical applications include LED lighting color-mixing and high-resolution dimming, DC-DC converter and battery charger control loops using comparator+PWMs, fan/motor speed control, and sensor signal conditioning in consumer and industrial appliances. Design consideration: operate VDD between 1.8V and 3.6V; configure PPS mappings before enabling peripherals; provide a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to VDD/VSs pins for clean ADC readings.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1574-E/SL — 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 PIC16LF1574-E/SL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash), PWM Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1574-E/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1554-E/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1503-E/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574-E/SL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit RISC Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (Harvard RISC, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash (4K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 512 B |
| Data EEPROM | Not specified (verify datasheet) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E = extended) |
| Package | 14-SOIC (0.154 inch, 3.90 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull-wing) |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| PWM Channels | Four 16-bit PWMs with independent timers |
| Comparators | 2 |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| EUSART | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1574-E/SL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/Vpp — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (Reset) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB4/AN6 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 7 | RB5/AN7 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 8 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / In-Circuit Serial Programming clock |
| Pin 9 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / In-Circuit Serial Programming data |
| Pin 10 | RA0/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / Alternate ICSP data |
| Pin 11 | RA1/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / Alternate ICSP clock |
| Pin 12 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 13 | PWM1/CWG1A/RC0 — PWM output / CWG output A / Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | PWM2/CWG1B/RC1 — PWM output / CWG output B / Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1574-E/SL is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting & High-Resolution Dimming, DC-DC Converter & Battery Charger Control, Fan & Small Motor Speed Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning & Mixed-Signal IoT Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control Panels, Battery-Operated Remote Controls & Toys.
LED Lighting & High-Resolution Dimming
The PIC16LF1574-E/SL is purpose-built for LED lighting control thanks to its four independent 16-bit PWMs with 16 ns resolution at 32 MHz. Three PWMs can drive RGB color-mixing FETs at >16-bit effective dimming depth (>65,000:1 contrast ratio) while the fourth PWM controls the warm-white or boost-converter stage. The CWG module generates complementary gate-drive signals with programmable dead-band delay for half-bridge LED driver topologies, eliminating shoot-through. The 5-bit DAC sets the comparator threshold for cycle-by-cycle current limiting in boost/buck LED drivers. Operating from 1.8V to 3.6V with low sleep current, the part also suits battery-powered decorative LED strips. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor next to VDD and route PWM outputs away from ADC traces to prevent switching noise coupling into current-sense measurements.
Recommended
DC-DC Converter & Battery Charger Control
In switch-mode power supplies, the PIC16LF1574-E/SL operates as a digital control loop using its comparators and 16-bit PWMs to implement peak-current-mode or voltage-mode control. The two on-chip comparators sense the inductor current via a sense resistor and trigger the PWM fault input for cycle-by-cycle current limiting. The CWG module provides complementary drive for synchronous-rectifier MOSFETs with programmable dead-band delay (4 ns steps), preventing cross-conduction losses. The 5-bit DAC sets the reference voltage for the comparator-based current limit. The PPS peripheral allows the comparator outputs, PWM outputs, and CWG to be routed to almost any device pin, simplifying PCB layout. The 32 MHz core provides sufficient MIPS for state-machine-based digital control, and the 1.8V minimum VDD suits single-cell Li-ion charger topologies.
Recommended
Fan & Small Motor Speed Control
The PIC16LF1574-E/SL drives small BLDC or brushed-DC fans using its 16-bit PWMs for smooth variable-speed control with low acoustic noise. Hall-sensor or BEMF feedback is read through the 10-bit ADC, and the control loop adjusts PWM duty cycle in firmware. With four PWMs available, the MCU can simultaneously drive the high-side and low-side FETs of a 3-phase BLDC driver via the CWG complementary outputs. The 32 MHz instruction rate allows PID control at >100 kHz loop rate for vibration-free operation. Sleep current in the LF variant is suitable for always-on appliance controllers. Use the on-chip comparators for over-current protection and the EUSART for debug logging or RPM telemetry output to a host controller.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning & Mixed-Signal IoT Nodes
The PIC16LF1574-E/SL conditions analog sensor signals using its 10-bit ADC and 5-bit DAC, with the two comparators providing threshold detection for wake-on-event operation. The EUSART and PPS-mappable SSP peripherals support I2C/SPI sensor buses, while the 1.8V minimum VDD makes the part ideal for battery or energy-harvesting IoT nodes. Core-independent peripherals (CIPs) - comparators, CWG, PWMs - operate without CPU intervention, allowing the core to remain in sleep until a sensor threshold is crossed, conserving battery life. The 14-SOIC package is small enough for wearable form factors. Add a 10uF bulk + 0.1uF decoupling cap pair next to VDD, and route the analog sensor lines through guard traces to the dedicated ADC input pins.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panels
Household appliances (microwaves, washing machines, induction cookers) use the PIC16LF1574-E/SL as a low-cost UI controller that scans capacitive or resistive keypads, drives indicator LEDs via PWMs, and serial-communicates with a host main-MCU via EUSART. The 14-SOIC package is a familiar footprint for legacy PCB layouts, and the 32 MHz core handles debouncing and UI state machines in real time. The CWG can drive a piezo buzzer with complementary outputs for higher acoustic volume. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (E suffix) handles the heat of an induction-cooker heatsink or a refrigerator compressor compartment. The 1.8V minimum VDD supports coin-cell backup for clock retention during power loss.
Recommended
Battery-Operated Remote Controls & Toys
The PIC16LF1574-E/SL is well suited to handheld battery-operated devices thanks to its 1.8V minimum VDD (operates down to a nearly-depleted 2xAA or coin cell), four 16-bit PWMs for driving RGB LEDs, rumble motors, or audio buzzers, and a small 14-SOIC package that fits thin-form-factor remotes. The 32 MHz core implements IR or RF protocol encoding for remote control, with the CWG generating precise carrier waveforms. Sleep current in the microamp range extends battery life to months. The PIC16LF1574 is compatible with Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler, accelerating prototype development. Use a 0.1uF decoupling cap adjacent to VDD and bulk capacitance on the motor driver supply to handle motor inrush current without resetting the MCU.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1574-E/SL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1574-E/SL | PIC16LF1574-E/P | PIC16LF1574-I/SL | PIC16LF1554-E/SL | PIC16LF1503-E/SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-SOIC | 14-SOIC (same) | 14-SOIC footprint but DIP-14 (through-hole, same die) | 14-SOIC (same) | 14-SOIC (same) | 14-SOIC (same) |
| VDD Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 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 |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| DAC | 5-bit | 5-bit | 5-bit | 5-bit | No | No |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
Key Differentiators
- Four 16-bit PWMs in a 14-pin SOIC (vs PIC16LF1554-E/SL)
- On-chip 5-bit DAC + CWG + 2 comparators (vs PIC16LF1503-E/SL)
- Wide-voltage LF operation 1.8V-3.6V (vs PIC16F1574-E/SL)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a 10uF bulk capacitor on the same VDD net for ADC accuracy and noise immunity. The PIC16LF1574-E/SL accepts 1.8V to 3.6V; do not exceed 3.6V on VDD or the on-chip Flash may be damaged. Use a ferrite bead or RC filter on VDD if the supply is shared with a switching converter to prevent switching noise from corrupting ADC readings.
Route the analog ADC inputs (ANx pins) away from PWM outputs and digital switching traces to avoid coupling. Use a ground plane on layer 2 and route the analog ground return directly to the VSS pin without sharing it with high-current digital return paths. Keep the ICSP lines (RB6/RB7) accessible on the PCB for in-circuit programming; routing them under the MCU can prevent factory programming access.
Configuration words (CONFIG1, CONFIG2) must be set correctly before code execution: enable the internal oscillator, set the watchdog timer (WDT) timeout, and choose the brown-out reset (BOR) voltage threshold. Forgetting to disable the WDT in development can cause unexpected resets. The PPS peripheral must be unlocked and configured before peripheral outputs become active on pins - peripherals are mapped to default pins on reset.
When using the CWG module to drive complementary FETs in a half-bridge, configure the dead-band delay (CWG1DBR/CWG1DBF registers) to at least the FET turn-off time to prevent shoot-through. For 32 MHz operation, each dead-band clock is 31.25 ns; a dead-band of 4-8 clocks (125-250 ns) is typical for low-voltage logic-level FETs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page. PIC16LF1574-E/SL is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive designs consult Microchip's automotive-grade PIC16 portfolio. Halogen-free status not specified in web data.
