PIC16LF1578-I/P - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 4x16-bit PWM, 20-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1578-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.82 | $1.82 |
| 10 | $1.64 | $16.40 |
| 100 | $1.45 | $145.00 |
| 500 | $1.28 | $640.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.14 | $1,140.00 |
PIC16LF1578-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer based on a Harvard-architecture CPU with an 8-bit data path; PIC microcontrollers belong to the RISC family and execute one instruction per clock cycle (except branches), offering deterministic timing for embedded control. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU sits above general-purpose logic and below a System-on-Chip (SoC): MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC16F157x series specifically targets applications needing high-resolution analog and PWM peripherals.
The PIC16LF1578-I/P's most distinctive feature is its four 16-bit Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) outputs with independent timers - significantly higher resolution than the standard 10-bit PWM typical of PIC16 mid-range devices. Each 16-bit PWM channel provides 65,536 discrete duty steps, enabling fine-grained control of LED brightness (high Color Rendering Index dimming), stepper motor microstepping, and switch-mode power supply regulation. The device also includes a 10-bit ADC, configurable logic cells (CLC), Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), and Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) for frequency generation, alongside standard peripherals such as EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), and timers.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1578-I/P uses the enhanced mid-range 16-bit instruction set with a 14-bit program word width and a hardware stack that supports interrupts and context save/restore. The on-chip debugger interface (ICSP/ICD) allows in-circuit programming and real-time debug without removing the part from the PCB, drastically shortening firmware development cycles for both prototypes and production runs.
Typical applications include high-resolution LED lighting and dimming systems, stepper motor and DC motor control, switched-mode power supplies (SMPS), battery chargers, IoT sensor nodes, and consumer electronics with custom capacitive touch or logic functions. The wide VDD range makes it especially attractive for 2-cell AA battery products and energy harvesting front-ends.
When designing with this device, ensure decoupling capacitors of 0.1 uF (high-frequency) and a bulk capacitor are placed close to VDD/VSS. Use the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) for in-circuit programming and leave those traces accessible to keep firmware update capability. The maximum clock frequency derates with VDD; consult the datasheet's oscillator table for the supported frequency range at your chosen supply voltage.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1578-I/P — 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-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature Range, ADC, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1578-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1578-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1578-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1578-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1575-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1578-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Number of PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (0.300" / 7.62 mm pitch) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| In-Circuit Debug | Yes (ICSP/ICD) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1578-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — I/O / Master Clear reset / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM3 output |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM2 output |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM1 output |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O with PWM output |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC input |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC input and ICSP ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O with ADC input and ICSP ICSPDAT |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | RA7/OSC1 — Bidirectional I/O / Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 16 | RA6/OSC2 — Bidirectional I/O / Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O with RX/DT |
| Pin 18 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O with TX/CK |
| Pin 19 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data line |
| Pin 20 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock line |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1578-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: High-Resolution LED Lighting & Dimming, Stepper Motor & DC Motor Control, Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Electronics with Custom Touch / Logic, Industrial Control & Sensor Signal Conditioning.
High-Resolution LED Lighting & Dimming
The PIC16LF1578-I/P is ideally suited for high-end LED lighting and dimming applications. Its four 16-bit PWM channels provide 65,536 duty-cycle steps each - sixteen times the resolution of standard 10-bit PWM - enabling flicker-free dimming below 1% brightness and smooth color-mixing curves for RGBA fixtures. The 1.8V-3.6V VDD range supports direct battery operation from 2-cell alkaline packs, while the 10-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors for closed-loop dimming feedback. According to the PIC16(L)F1574/5/8/9 datasheet, the four Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) can implement custom dimming ramps or color transitions in hardware without CPU load.
Recommended
Stepper Motor & DC Motor Control
The PIC16LF1578-I/P's four 16-bit PWM outputs and complementary waveform generator (CWG) are designed for stepper motor microstepping and DC motor control. The 16-bit PWM enables 1/256 microstepping on stepper motors - critical for precision positioning in 3D printers, CNC machines, and camera sliders. The CWG generates complementary PWM signals with programmable dead-band delay, suitable for driving H-bridge MOSFET gates. The 10-bit ADC samples motor current for torque control, while the EUSART interface streams telemetry to a host controller. Per the Microchip datasheet, the MSSP peripheral supports SPI/I2C encoder feedback.
Recommended
Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
The PIC16LF1578-I/P functions as a digital controller for low-to-medium power SMPS topologies including buck, boost, and SEPIC converters. The four 16-bit PWMs drive primary-side MOSFETs with frequency, duty cycle, and phase shift independently controlled - enough flexibility to implement synchronous rectification and active clamp reset. The high-resolution PWM supports high-frequency operation (up to 500 kHz per channel), reducing magnetics size. The 10-bit ADC samples Vout, Vin, and current for voltage-mode or peak-current-mode control loops. The PIC16LF1578's 1.8V-3.6V VDD operates from a low-voltage auxiliary winding.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1578-I/P's 1.8V-3.6V wide supply range is purpose-built for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes powered by 2x AA alkaline, coin cells, or single Li-Ion cells. Its low-power Sleep mode with nanoWatt XLP technology extends battery life to multiple years in duty-cycled applications such as temperature loggers, soil moisture sensors, or remote control units. The 10-bit ADC reads analog sensors (thermistor, photodiode, gas sensor) while the EUSART or MSSP peripheral interfaces with digital sensors or a sub-GHz radio module. Per Microchip documentation, the device supports interrupt-on-change wake-up from sleep on multiple pins.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with Custom Touch / Logic
The PIC16LF1578-I/P integrates four Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) that implement custom combinational and sequential logic without external gates - a strong fit for consumer appliances with custom user interfaces. Combined with the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), the MCU can replace multiple discrete 74HC logic ICs while adding flexible PWM-driven backlight, buzzer, or haptic feedback. The wide VDD range supports 3.3V lithium battery and 5V USB-powered systems; the 7 KB Flash holds application firmware plus touch-tuning parameters.
Recommended
Industrial Control & Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LF1578-I/P is suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning and control loops requiring deterministic timing and analog integration. The 10-bit ADC digitizes analog sensor outputs (4-20 mA current loop, 0-10V pressure, RTD/thermocouple via op-amp front-end), while the 16-bit PWMs drive proportional valves, heater elements, or proportional solenoids. Industrial operating temperature (-40C to +85C) supports factory floor deployment. The EUSART implements RS-232/RS-485 links for SCADA integration, and the MSSP peripheral interfaces with I2C sensors or SPI DACs for closed-loop analog control.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1578-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1578-I/P | PIC16LF1578-I/SO | PIC16LF1578-I/SS | PIC16LF1578-I/ML | PIC16LF1575-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin SOIC - different footprint | 20-pin SSOP - different footprint | 20-pin QFN - different footprint | 14-pin PDIP - different footprint |
| Core | 8-bit PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range | 8-bit PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range | 8-bit PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range | 8-bit PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range | 8-bit PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range | 8-bit PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash |
| RAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| VDD Range | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit | 4 x 16-bit | 4 x 16-bit | 4 x 16-bit | 4 x 16-bit | 4 x 16-bit (reduced pin count) |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Four 16-bit PWM channels vs standard 10-bit PWM (vs PIC16F1503-I/P)
- Wide 1.8V-3.6V VDD range (LF variant) supports direct battery operation (vs PIC16F1578-I/P (F variant))
- Four Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) replace external 74HC gates (vs PIC16LF1574-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same VDD node to suppress switching noise from the internal oscillator and PWM outputs. For battery-powered designs, use a low-Iq LDO (such as MCP1700-3302E) instead of a switching regulator to avoid injecting switching noise into the analog ADC input. Per Microchip's PIC16(L)F1574/5/8/9 datasheet, the device enters Sleep at 30 nA typical with peripherals disabled.
Reserve RB6 and RB7 (pins 19-20) for ICSP/ICD programming access by routing them to a 2x3 or 1x6 header. These pins are also general-purpose I/O but blocking them with external buffers prevents in-circuit firmware updates. Pin 4 (RA3/MCLR/VPP) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; tying it directly to VDD disables the internal pull-up and prevents reset. Use the Microchip PICkit 4 or ICD 4 programmer for debugging.
Estimated: at 32 MHz operation with all four PWM channels active at 50% duty and 5V drive, the MCU draws approximately 4-6 mA, dissipating 20-30 mW in a 20-PDIP package with theta_JA around 70 C/W. Junction temperature rise is approximately 1.4-2.1 C above ambient - well within the 125 C max - but keep analog ADC traces short and away from PWM switching lines to avoid coupling. Route the crystal traces (RA6/OSC2 and RA7/OSC1) short and symmetric with a guard ground plane.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0V (LF variant) or 6.5V (F variant). The LF (low-voltage) parts will be damaged at 5V supply. Confirm your system rail matches the part's VDD range before substituting PIC16F1578-I/P and PIC16LF1578-I/P. The 16-bit PWM is a hardware peripheral - enabling it via firmware requires writing to multiple PPS, PWMxCON, and CCPTMRS registers; consult section 24 of the PIC16(L)F1574/5/8/9 datasheet for the exact initialization sequence.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-grade PIC16F1578-I/P variants or PIC16F157x Q1 parts for vehicle applications.
