PIC16LF1578T-I/SS - 8-Bit 32MHz MCU 7KB Flash 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1578T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.92 | $0.92 |
| 10 | $0.82 | $8.20 |
| 100 | $0.7 | $70.00 |
| 500 | $0.62 | $310.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.51 | $510.00 |
PIC16LF1578T-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single die. Within the broader taxonomy, MCUs sit under microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The "LF" prefix in PIC16LF1578 indicates a wide-voltage, low-power variant that operates down to 1.8 V, distinguishing it from the PIC16F1578 standard-voltage (2.3 V minimum) sibling. The "LF" parts are well-suited for battery-powered or energy-harvesting designs where supply headroom is constrained.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16LF1578 include four independent 16-bit PWMs with dedicated timers for high-resolution control (LED dimming, stepper drives, switch-mode power supplies), a 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2) for hardware-averaged oversampling, a 5-bit DAC, configurable logic cells, and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible I/O mapping. The device also integrates an EUSART for asynchronous/synchronous serial communication and an 8-bit timer/counter complement.
Internally, the PIC16LF1578 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with a single-cycle internal oscillator, hardware multiply, and a 14-bit instruction word. The on-chip Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) provides non-overlapping complementary outputs with dead-band control, eliminating external driver logic in half-bridge power stages. A unified data signal modulator (DSM) permits modulation of any digital output by a carrier waveform.
Typical applications include LED lighting controllers, stepper motor drivers, digital switch-mode power supplies, general-purpose timer and PWM fan control, sensor signal conditioning, and low-cost IoT endpoints. The wide operating voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) supports Li-ion, coin-cell, and 2x AA battery rails. The 32 MHz internal oscillator removes the need for an external crystal in cost-sensitive designs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure that the configured PWM frequency, ADC sampling rate, and EUSART baud rate leave sufficient MIPS headroom - at 32 MHz the core executes 8 MIPS. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin, and tie MCLR to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor unless an external reset circuit is used.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family Microchip drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not collated in any single manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single consolidated reference for sourcing and second-sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1578T-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 PIC16LF1578T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, PWM Channels, Core Architecture, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1578T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1578-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1579T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.81 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1559T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1578T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 512 bytes |
| EEPROM | Not present (uses Flash data emulation) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit with independent timers |
| Comparators | Yes |
| EUSART | 1 |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1578T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/SS1 — Bidirectional I/O / SPI slave select |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — I/O / Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICD data |
| Pin 11 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1578T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Controllers, Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), Stepper Motor Drivers, Sensor Signal Conditioning and IoT Endpoints, Fan and Pump Speed Controllers, General-Purpose Timer and PWM Systems.
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF1578T-I/SS excels in LED lighting applications thanks to its four 16-bit PWM channels with independent timers, providing high-frequency PWM resolution down to the microsecond range for smooth dimming and color mixing. The wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating voltage supports direct connection to 2x AA or single-cell Li-ion battery rails without an additional boost converter. The on-chip Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) with programmable dead-band produces non-overlapping gate drives for half-bridge LED driver topologies, eliminating the need for external driver logic. At 32 MHz the core delivers 8 MIPS, leaving sufficient headroom for dimming control loops, color management algorithms, and DMX-512 or DALI communication via the EUSART. Compared to discrete 555-timer-based LED drivers, this MCU integrates fault handling, thermal foldback, and runtime-configurable channel mapping through Peripheral Pin Select (PPS), reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Recommended
Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
The PIC16LF1578T-I/SS is well-suited for digital control of switch-mode power supplies, leveraging its 16-bit PWM resolution to implement voltage-mode and peak-current-mode feedback loops with high accuracy. The 32 MHz core computes the control law in a few microseconds, enabling MHz-class converter switching. The CWG peripheral with hardware dead-band control directly drives a half-bridge or full-bridge MOSFET stage, reducing gate-driver component count. The 10-bit ADC samples feedback voltages and currents, while the 5-bit DAC trims reference voltages for line and load regulation. Operating down to 1.8 V enables the MCU itself to be powered from an auxiliary winding of the SMPS transformer, simplifying isolated supply designs. Compared to a UC3842 analog controller, this digital approach supports firmware-defined soft-start, adaptive dead-band, and overcurrent protection without external comparators.
Recommended
Stepper Motor Drivers
The PIC16LF1578T-I/SS handles stepper motor indexing and microstepping with its four 16-bit PWM channels providing precise current-control waveforms in microstep drive topologies. The high PWM resolution allows 256 microsteps or more per full step without audible torque ripple. The Complementary Waveform Generator produces non-overlapping outputs needed for H-bridge gate drive, while the on-chip comparators and 10-bit ADC implement closed-loop current control with minimal external components. The PIC16 enhanced mid-range core executes step sequencing, acceleration ramps, and stall-detection algorithms at 8 MIPS, leaving bandwidth for sensor feedback. The 1.8 V minimum VDD permits operation from depleted single-cell Li-ion packs near end-of-discharge. Compared to discrete stepper driver ICs, this MCU allows firmware-customizable step profiles, holding current, and stall detection.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and IoT Endpoints
The PIC16LF1578T-I/SS serves as a low-power sensor conditioning and IoT endpoint controller, with its 10-bit ADC reading analog sensors (temperature, light, pressure) and its 5-bit DAC generating excitation or trimming signals. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating voltage supports direct coin-cell or 2x AA battery operation for years of service life. The EUSART interfaces with Bluetooth or LoRa radio modules, while the 32 MHz core handles lightweight communication stacks. The PIC16 enhanced mid-range architecture executes sensor linearization, calibration, and threshold detection in firmware. Compared to dedicated sensor-interface ASICs, this MCU allows runtime customization of conditioning algorithms and wireless protocols through the same firmware toolchain.
Recommended
Fan and Pump Speed Controllers
The PIC16LF1578T-I/SS implements closed-loop fan and pump speed control using its 16-bit PWM to drive the motor FET and the 10-bit ADC to read tachometer or back-EMF feedback. The 32 MHz MIPS budget is more than adequate for PI/PID control loops at 1 kHz update rate. The wide operating voltage permits direct interface to 3.3 V or 5 V FET gate drivers after level shifting. The CWG peripheral supports brushless DC commutation timing in three-phase fan applications. Compared to fixed-frequency analog fan controllers, this MCU allows firmware-defined ramp profiles, fault detection, and dynamic load response. Temperature-based speed control using an NTC thermistor on the ADC channel eliminates a dedicated fan-control ASIC.
Recommended
General-Purpose Timer and PWM Systems
The PIC16LF1578T-I/SS functions as a flexible timer and PWM controller for industrial automation, replacing multiple 555 timers or discrete logic. Four 16-bit PWMs with independent timers drive servos, solenoids, heaters, and indicator LEDs under coordinated firmware. The Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) supports Modbus RTU, DMX, or custom protocols for industrial communication. The 32 MHz MIPS handles multi-channel sequencing, fault interlocks, and safety timers in real time. The PIC16LF1578's PPS feature remaps peripherals to any I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout in dense control boards. Compared to discrete 555/556 timer chains, this MCU reduces PCB area, eliminates timing capacitor drift, and adds firmware-reprogrammability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1578T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1578T-I/SS | PIC16LF1578-I/SS | PIC16LF1579T-I/SS | PIC16LF1559T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit 32 MHz | PIC16 8-bit 32 MHz | PIC16 8-bit 32 MHz | PIC16 8-bit 32 MHz | PIC16 8-bit 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 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 |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 5 KB (approx -30%) |
| SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 256 bytes (approx -50%) |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| CWG Peripheral | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating voltage range (vs PIC16F1578T-I/SS)
- Integrated Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) (vs PIC16LF1559T-I/SS)
- Four 16-bit PWM channels with independent timers (vs PIC16LF1507T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: Decouple VDD with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of pin 18 (VDD). At 32 MHz operation the device draws approximately 8 mA from VDD; add a bulk 10 uF capacitor if the supply impedance is high. For battery applications operating below 2.0 V, ensure the regulator has less than 50 mV of ripple to prevent MCU brownouts during PWM transitions.
Route the ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT pins (RB6/RB7) away from high-current switching nodes to prevent programming and runtime interference. Place MCLR pull-up (typically 10 kohm) close to pin 3 with a short trace. PPS reassignment requires verifying that no two peripherals map to the same physical pin - consult the PPS input/output selection tables in the datasheet section "Peripheral Pin Select (PPSS)".
Do not operate the PIC16LF1578T-I/SS below 3.0 V when running at 32 MHz - the datasheet voltage-frequency derating curves show reduced maximum frequency at lower VDD. Setting _CONFIG to enable the internal HFINTOSC with proper PLL configuration is critical to achieve 32 MHz. Unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs and driven low to minimize I/O overlap current. Failing to disable unused peripherals via PMDx registers increases quiescent current.
Estimated: At 32 MHz with all peripherals active, total power dissipation is approximately 25 mW at 3.3 V (7.5 mA typical current). The 20-pin SSOP package has theta_JA of approximately 100 C/W, yielding a 2.5 C junction temperature rise above ambient - well within the 125 C maximum junction rating for industrial operation. No heatsink is required.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not designed for automotive safety-critical applications.
