PIC16LF1578-E/SS - 32MHz 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1578-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.25 | $1.25 |
| 10 | $1.12 | $11.20 |
| 100 | $0.96 | $96.00 |
| 500 | $0.84 | $420.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.72 | $720.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.6 | $1,800.00 |
PIC16LF1578-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM/EEPROM), peripherals (timers, ADC, PWM, communication interfaces), and I/O into a single package. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16LF1578 belongs to: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F/LF157x sub-family -> semiconductor IC. The "LF" designation indicates the low-voltage/frequency variant optimized for battery-powered and energy-efficient applications, while the "F" siblings (e.g., PIC16F1578) cover the standard 2.3V-5.5V range.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16LF1578-E/SS include four 16-bit PWMs with independent timers for high-resolution LED lighting, motor control, and digital power conversion; a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels; a 5-bit DAC; a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG); Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) modules; a 16-bit timer; and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible I/O routing. Communication interfaces include EUSART and I2C/SPI. The device supports in-circuit debugging via ICD and program verification through the standard ICSP interface.
Typical applications include LED lighting drivers requiring 16-bit PWM resolution, DC-DC converters and digital power supplies needing configurable complementary outputs, automotive sensor interfaces, low-power IoT sensor nodes, and consumer appliance control boards. The wide 1.8V-3.6V range and low-power modes (Sleep, Idle, Doze) suit battery-powered designs.
When designing with this part, leverage Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) to remap peripherals to available pins and reuse the same firmware across multiple hardware revisions, but use regular-fit clamp diodes to protect the I/O pins.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1578-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 PIC16LF1578-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, ADC, PWM Channels, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1579-E/SS
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View Datasheet →PIC16F1578-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1578-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508-E/SS
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$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1575-E/SL
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF1518-E/SS
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF1507-E/SS
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF1578-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade, automotive) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull Wing) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| PWM Channels | Four 16-bit PWMs |
| Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) | Yes |
| Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Timers | 16-bit Timer1, 8-bit Timer0/Timer2, HLT |
| ICSP/ICD Debug | Yes |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1578-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (ICSP PGD) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (MCLR/VPP) |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (PWM) |
| Pin 8 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 9 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (ICSP PGC) |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (ICSP PGD) |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 17 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (PPS ref) |
| Pin 19 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1578-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Drivers, Digital Power / DC-DC Converters, Automotive Sensor Interfaces, Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC16LF1578-E/SS is purpose-built for high-resolution LED lighting applications. Its four independent 16-bit PWMs provide 65,536-step dimming resolution per channel, enabling smooth fades, flicker-free operation below 100 Hz PWM, and precise color temperature mixing in tunable-white fixtures. The Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) generates complementary outputs with programmable dead-band for half-bridge and full-bridge LED driver stages - critical for high-power commercial and architectural lighting. The 10-bit ADC monitors LED current via a sense resistor for closed-loop constant-current regulation. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, the device can be powered directly from a single Li-ion cell or two AA cells in portable luminaires. The 20-pin SSOP package fits compact driver PCBs.
Recommended
Digital Power / DC-DC Converters
The PIC16LF1578-E/SS is well-suited for digital power conversion thanks to its high-resolution 16-bit PWMs, Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and Hardware Limit Timer (HLT) modules. The CWG generates complementary gate-drive signals for synchronous buck, boost, and half-bridge topologies with programmable dead-band to prevent shoot-through. The 10-bit ADC samples the output voltage and current for digital control loops at update rates exceeding 1 MHz. The HLT module provides hardware-based cycle-by-cycle current limiting for safety-critical power supplies. The 7 KB FLASH holds a typical digital-compensation control loop with state-machine code. The 32 MHz CPU delivers the MIPS headroom required for fast-loop control. Per Microchip AN1973, this PIC16LF157x family is recommended for sub-500W digital power applications.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16LF1578-E/SS is AEC-Q100 qualified (E temperature suffix = -40C to +125C automotive grade) and operates reliably in harsh automotive environments. The device can interface to analog sensors (thermistors, pressure transducers, position sensors) via its 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels. The EUSART and I2C peripherals enable communication with automotive bus networks (LIN slave via external transceiver). The wide operating voltage (1.8 V-3.6 V) tolerates 12 V automotive battery transients when paired with an external regulator like the MCP16331. The 7 KB FLASH holds sensor calibration tables and LIN/J1939 protocol stacks. Per Microchip automotive product documentation, the PIC16LF157x family is qualified for cabin, body, and lighting ECUs.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1578-E/SS in its "LF" low-voltage variant is optimized for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes operating from 1.8 V-3.6 V. The device supports multiple low-power modes - Sleep (typically <100 nA), Idle, and Doze - extending battery life for years on a single coin cell. The 10-bit ADC samples environmental data (sensor, humidity, light) on wake-up events, and the EUSART/I2C peripherals transmit to sub-GHz radio modules or BLE SoCs. The wide 1.8 V-3.6 V range matches a single Li-ion or 2x AA cells directly. The 7 KB FLASH accommodates over-the-air firmware update (bootloader) plus application code. Per Microchip AN1414, the PIC16LF157x delivers best-in-class sleep current for battery IoT designs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF1578-E/SS provides an excellent price/performance ratio for consumer appliance control boards - washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, air purifiers, and small kitchen appliances. The 16-bit PWMs drive variable-speed BLDC or induction motors via gate drivers; the CWG generates complementary outputs for synchronous rectification. The 10-bit ADC reads thermistor inputs for closed-loop temperature control. The EUSART/I2C interface displays on segment LCDs or character LCDs. The 20-pin SSOP package is easy to hand-solder for prototyping. Per Microchip appliance design guides, this PIC16LF157x family is recommended for cost-sensitive BLDC and universal-motor control with 16-bit PWM resolution.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LF1578-E/SS is suitable for industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered transmitters, RTD/thermocouple conditioning, and bridge sensor signal conditioning. The 10-bit ADC digitizes conditioned analog signals, while the CWG/PWM generate excitation signals for RTD measurements. The 32 MHz CPU performs digital linearization and calibration. The EUSART outputs the conditioned signal via RS-485 or RS-232 transceivers. The wide operating temperature (-40C to +125C) covers industrial environments. Per Microchip industrial reference designs, the PIC16LF157x family supports IEC 61000-4 EMC-compliant designs when paired with proper ESD/EMI protection.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1578-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1579-E/SS | PIC16F1578-E/SS | PIC16LF1578-I/SS | PIC16LF1508-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 4 KB |
| RAM | 512 B | 1 KB | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 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 |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| PWM Resolution | 4x 16-bit | 4x 16-bit | 4x 16-bit | 4x 16-bit | 10-bit |
| CWG Module | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (industrial) | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Four 16-bit PWMs with CWG/HLT for high-resolution motor/lighting control (vs PIC16LF1508-E/SS)
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualified with -40C to +125C E temperature grade (vs PIC16LF1578-I/SS)
- Wide 1.8V-3.6V VDD range (LF) with low-power Sleep mode (vs PIC16F1578-E/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1578-E/SS operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V on VDD (pin 1) with VSS (pin 20) as the ground return. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close to the VDD pin as possible, plus a bulk 1-10 uF capacitor on the VDD rail. For battery-powered designs using a single Li-ion cell, add a 1 uF bulk plus 100 nF decoupling combination. For noise-sensitive analog applications, isolate the analog AVVDD (if used) from the digital VDD with a ferrite bead or small L-C filter. Per Microchip PIC16LF157x hardware design checklist, VDD rise time must remain below the BOR (Brownout) threshold to avoid undefined startup behavior.
The 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) package is suitable for hand-soldering with a fine-tip iron and 0.5 mm lead pitch. For reflow soldering, follow the standard JEDEC J-STD-020 profile for MSL-1 packages. Keep the ICSP/PGD/PGC traces away from high-current switching nodes to avoid programming/debug interference. The exposed thermal pad (if present) on SSOP variants should connect to a ground pour for thermal dissipation. Per the Microchip SSOP land pattern recommendation, use 0.4 mm-wide pads with 0.2 mm solder mask dams for reliable assembly.
Common pitfalls when designing with the PIC16LF1578-E/SS include: (1) exceeding 3.6 V on VDD - the LF variant does not tolerate 5 V input; use PIC16F1578 instead for 5 V systems; (2) failing to set the MCLR/VPP pin configuration correctly - leaving MCLR disabled prevents ICSP programming; (3) ignoring the configuration word settings for the LF/F variant selection - using LF configuration bits on an F part causes undefined behavior; (4) not enabling the weak pull-ups on port pins left floating - floating inputs cause excess current and erratic behavior; (5) overlooking the PPS unlock sequence before remapping peripherals - writes to PPS registers require the IOLOCK bit to be cleared first.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified per the 'E' temperature suffix. RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification. PPAP documentation available for automotive Tier 1 customers.
