PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 10-bit ADC, 16-UQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.38 | $1.38 |
| 10 | $1.24 | $12.40 |
| 100 | $1.06 | $106.00 |
| 500 | $0.92 | $460.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.78 | $780.00 |
| 3,300 | $0.68 | $2,244.00 |
PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and programmable peripherals. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip are based on a RISC architecture and dominate hobbyist, industrial, and educational embedded markets because of their low cost, simple instruction set, and a free IDE (MPLAB X) supported by a large ecosystem of development tools. The 'LF' line within the PIC16F family specifically targets energy-harvesting and battery applications by trading absolute maximum speed for ultra-low active and sleep currents.
Key features of the PIC16LF1574 include four 16-bit Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) channels with independent timers for high-resolution motor, LED, and power-converter control; a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) accessible through the chip's analog input pins; a 5-bit DAC; a Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) for hardware glue logic; and a Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) for precise frequency generation. The device is supported by the Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) ecosystem that lets designers implement complex timing and signal-processing tasks without CPU intervention.
Architecture-wise, the PIC16LF1574 uses a 14-bit instruction word with a two-stage pipeline, eight-level-deep hardware stack, and 49 instructions. It supports in-circuit debugging via MPLAB ICD and programming through MPLAB Xpress or PICkit programmers. The 32MHz internal oscillator delivers 8 MIPS at 3.3V, and the eXtreme Low Power (XLP) sleep current is in the microamp range, which is critical for IoT endpoints that spend most of their life in standby.
Typical applications include LED lighting strips and color-mixing fixtures using the 16-bit PWMs, stepper-motor and DC-motor speed control, small switched-mode power supplies, general-purpose remote controls, sensor hubs, and consumer IoT endpoints. The combination of 7KB Flash, 512B RAM, and four high-resolution PWMs gives designers enough headroom for protocol stacks (PWM-controlled IR, RGBW color algorithms) without oversizing the part.
Design consideration: at 32MHz the device draws roughly 3 mA active, so derate clock speed to 1 MHz or use sleep modes aggressively when targeting coin-cell or energy-harvested power. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the Vdd pin, and route the exposed thermal pad to a small copper pour to keep the die within the -40C to +85C operating window.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives in the same 16-UQFN package, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ — 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 PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, Program Memory (Flash), Operating Temperature, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1574-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574T-I/JQVAO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1575T-I/JQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574-E/JQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, 'I' grade) |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit |
| Package | 16-pin UQFN (4 x 4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — GPIO / analog input / PWM output |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — GPIO or Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — GPIO / PWM output |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — GPIO |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — GPIO |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — GPIO / analog input / DAC output |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — GPIO / analog input / DAC reference |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — GPIO / PWM output |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — GPIO / PWM output / ICSPCLK |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ is suitable for 6 applications: RGBW LED Strip Controller, BLDC / Stepper Motor Control, Horticultural Grow Lighting, IoT Sensor Hub / Battery Endpoint, Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Controller, Consumer IR Remote Control.
RGBW LED Strip Controller
The PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ drives four 16-bit PWM channels to deliver high-resolution RGBW color mixing for architectural and decorative LED strips. With 16-bit PWM duty resolution at a 1 kHz refresh rate, the MCU achieves 65,536 brightness steps per channel, eliminating visible flicker in dim-to-warm and color-smoothing transitions. The 1.8V-3.6V Vdd range supports USB-powered and 24V-buck-derived rails. PIC16LF1574 is preferred over PIC16F1574 in battery-driven LED fixtures because the LF variant draws microamp-range sleep currents during standby, extending coin-cell runtime in remote-controlled accent lighting. PIC16LF1554 is too small for RGBW + white-channel algorithms, making PIC16LF1574 a better fit.
Recommended
BLDC / Stepper Motor Control
The four 16-bit PWMs of the PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ generate complementary PWM pairs for sensorless BLDC commutation at switching frequencies up to 100 kHz. The 8 MIPS throughput handles field-oriented control (FOC) math for low-RPM fans and pumps, and the 5-bit DAC provides an analog reference for current-sense comparators. Compared to a PIC16F877A, the PIC16LF1574 has lower latency PWM updates and fits inside a 4x4 mm UQFN, freeing board space for the half-bridge FETs. The XLP sleep mode is critical for battery-powered tools that spend most of their life off, where standby current directly drives runtime.
Recommended
Horticultural Grow Lighting
Horticultural LED drivers use the PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ to drive four independent channels of 16-bit PWM to dim red, blue, white, and far-red wavelengths according to a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) schedule. The wide 1.8V-3.6V Vdd range allows direct battery operation in off-grid greenhouse installations, while the 32MHz internal oscillator drives deterministic sunrise/sunset ramp profiles without external crystals. The 10-bit ADC reads photodiode feedback to implement closed-loop PPFD control. The 16-UQFN 4x4 mm package is small enough to fit inside a typical driver housing, reducing the BOM cost versus PIC18 alternatives.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Hub / Battery Endpoint
The PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ acts as a low-power IoT endpoint MCU, waking periodically from XLP sleep to read sensors via the 10-bit ADC and transmit over UART or PWM-modulated IR. The 'LF' variant's 1.8V minimum Vdd suits coin-cell and 2xAA battery chemistries, and microamp-range sleep currents extend battery life to multi-year horizons. The 7KB Flash holds small MQTT-SN or LoRaWAN MAC stacks for prototyping, while the four 16-bit PWMs can drive status RGB LEDs without extra GPIO expander chips. The 16-UQFN 4x4 mm footprint fits inside wearables and asset-tracking tags.
Recommended
Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Controller
In small isolated or non-isolated DC-DC converters, the PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ serves as the digital controller. The four 16-bit PWMs drive MOSFET gate drivers at 50-500 kHz switching frequencies with sub-microsecond duty resolution for voltage-mode or peak-current-mode control loops. The 5-bit DAC programs the soft-start and reference voltages, while the 10-bit ADC senses output voltage and current for closed-loop regulation. The XLP sleep mode enables standby power levels below 100 uW for ENERGY STAR compliance. Compared to a UC3842 analog controller, the PIC16LF1574 delivers configurable protection and telemetry without external op-amps.
Recommended
Consumer IR Remote Control
The PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ transmits RC5, NEC, or proprietary IR protocols using one of its 16-bit PWMs as a 38 kHz carrier generator and another as the bit-banged data modulator. The wide 1.8V-3.6V Vdd range allows direct coin-cell operation, and the XLP sleep current keeps the remote dormant for years between battery changes. The 7KB Flash holds multiple protocol tables for universal remotes, and the small 16-UQFN 4x4 mm package fits inside thin remote-control enclosures. Compared to dedicated IR encoder ICs, the PIC16LF1574 is programmable for protocol updates without hardware redesign.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1574-I/JQ | PIC16LF1574-E/JQ | PIC16LF1574T-I/JQVAO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Core | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range, 32 MHz | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range, 32 MHz - same | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range, 32 MHz - same | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range, 32 MHz - same |
| Program Flash | 7 KB | 7 KB - same | 7 KB - same | 7 KB - same |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B - same | 512 B - same | 512 B - same |
| Vdd Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit | 4 x 16-bit - same | 4 x 16-bit - same | 4 x 16-bit - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +125 C (E grade, extended) | -40 C to +125 C (VAO automotive) |
| Automotive Grade | No | No | No | Yes (VAO automotive ordering) |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Four 16-bit PWM channels with independent timers (vs PIC16LF1554 family)
- Wide 1.8V-3.6V Vdd range for battery applications (vs PIC16F1574 (non-LF))
- Compact 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) footprint (vs PIC16F877A (40-pin DIP))
- Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) ecosystem (vs PIC10F200 / PIC12F508)
Design Notes
Decouple Vdd (pin 1) with a 100 nF X7R ceramic placed as close as physically possible to the pin, plus a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the regulator output. The PIC16LF1574 draws brief current spikes during Flash writes and PWM transitions, and inadequate decoupling will cause brown-out resets or ADC noise. For battery applications, place the bulk capacitor upstream of any series ferrite to maintain low-impedance paths during sleep wake-up events.
Estimated: at 32 MHz / 3.3 V active and roughly 3 mA active current, the part dissipates about 10 mW, well within the 16-UQFN thermal envelope. Inducted by: Vdd=3.3V, Iactive=3mA, theta_JA for 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) on a 1-oz 4-layer JEDEC test board is approximately 38 C/W, producing 0.38 C rise above ambient. Even at 85 C ambient the junction sits at 85.4 C, below the 150 C absolute maximum. Designers can ignore heatsinking but must still respect the recommended PCB footprint copper area for return-current paths.
The 16-UQFN (4x4 mm) package exposes a thermal pad on the underside that must be soldered to a corresponding copper pad on the PCB for mechanical reliability. Stencil apertures of 1:1 with the pad, and 0.1 mm-0.15 mm stencil thickness, are typical. Via-in-pad stitching (4-8 micro vias) under the thermal pad improves thermal conductivity to inner copper layers but should be filled-and-capped to prevent solder wicking during reflow.
Do not assume the 'LF' prefix makes PIC16LF1574 pin-compatible with the 5V PIC16F1574 in all system contexts. While the pinout is identical, peripherals configured for 5V I/O on PIC16F1574 will be limited by the 3.6V Vdd maximum on PIC16LF1574. Always revalidate analog reference voltage thresholds and logic-level compatibility when migrating between 'F' and 'LF' variants. Also note that the ICD programming pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) overlap with GPIO pins RB6/RB7, so isolate these in the schematic to avoid contention with application circuitry.
Route the analog inputs (RA0-RA3, RC1-RC3) away from the PWM output pins and switching power traces to minimize coupled noise into the 10-bit ADC. Keep the analog ground island small and connect it to the digital ground at a single point near the Vss pin. For high-impedance analog source applications, add a 100 pF-1 nF capacitor at the analog pin to filter RF pickup. PWM trace impedance should be 50 ohms if traces exceed 25 mm to prevent ringing into the FET gates.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations. For automotive applications choose the VAO-suffixed variant; the standard PIC16LF1574T-I/JQ is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
