PIC16LF1579-E/SS - 8-bit MCU 14KB Flash 32MHz SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1579-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.72 | $17.20 |
| 100 | $1.46 | $146.00 |
| 500 | $1.27 | $635.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.08 | $1,080.00 |
PIC16LF1579-E/SS Overview
What is a PIC16 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals into a single IC. The PIC16 family uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range RISC architecture, balancing deterministic instruction execution, low power consumption, and a rich peripheral set. The "LF" prefix denotes an extended low-voltage part optimized for battery-powered designs, typically operating from 1.8V to 3.6V. Within the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 -> PIC16F157x family.
Key features include four independent 16-bit PWM channels with dedicated timers, 7 timers total (including 16-bit Timer1/3, 8-bit Timer2/4/6, and a low-power Timer1), 2 comparators, a watchdog timer for code integrity, and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), 5-bit DAC, and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible signal mapping. The device also integrates a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 input channels and an EUSART module for asynchronous serial communication.
The PIC16LF1579 employs a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit instruction word, and a hardware multiplier for efficient arithmetic. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and debug via ICD, allowing field updates and rapid prototyping. Internal oscillator calibration supports operation without external crystals, reducing BOM cost.
Typical applications include LED lighting and color-mixing drivers, stepper and DC motor control, digital power conversion, general-purpose sensing platforms, and consumer electronics where low power and rich analog integration are required. The 16-bit PWM resolution is particularly valuable for lighting fade ramps and precision motor commutation.
When designing with this MCU, ensure that VDD decoupling follows the 0.1 μF + bulk capacitor recommendation and that unused pins are configured as outputs to minimize quiescent current. The PPS feature allows flexible peripheral-to-pin mapping, but care must be taken to avoid conflicting assignments during initialization.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives within the PIC16F157x family, and practical design notes not found on a single distributor page, accelerating component evaluation for engineers.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1579-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 PIC16LF1579-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, PWM Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1579-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1579-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.13 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1578-E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1579-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1579-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced mid-range RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF low-voltage family) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit DAC |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit PWM with independent timers |
| Timers | 7 (16-bit and 8-bit) |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Communication | EUSART |
| Core Independent Peripherals | CWG, PPS, 16-bit PWMs, 5-bit DAC |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP / ICD |
| Temperature Grade (E suffix) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1579-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Digital I/O / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8-3.6 V) |
| Pin 12 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — Digital I/O / EUSART |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Digital I/O / EUSART |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1579-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting & Color-Mixing Drivers, Stepper & DC Motor Control, Digital Power & SMPS Control, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body & Interior Modules.
LED Lighting & Color-Mixing Drivers
The PIC16LF1579-E/SS is purpose-engineered for LED lighting applications through its four independent 16-bit PWM channels, which deliver ~65,000 steps of brightness resolution per channel. The 1.8-3.6 V LF supply suits battery or USB-powered fixtures, while the 10-bit ADC reads photodiode or thermistor feedback for closed-loop constant-current regulation. According to the Microchip PIC16(L)F1574/5/8/9 datasheet, the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) simplify H-bridge or buck topology driver layouts. The 5-bit DAC can bias analog dimming interfaces for switches. For RGBW color-mixing, the four PWMs map directly to red/green/blue/white channels, enabling 16 million color combinations with smooth fade ramps.
Recommended
Stepper & DC Motor Control
The PIC16LF1579-E/SS drives stepper and DC motor control loops using its four 16-bit PWMs and dedicated timers, which support high-resolution PWM frequencies above 200 kHz to avoid audible switching noise. The 32 MHz instruction rate delivers deterministic step rates up to several kHz per axis, and the CWG peripheral generates complementary PWMs with dead-band control for H-bridge drivers. According to the Microchip datasheet, the on-chip comparators can sense back-EMF for sensorless commutation. The PPS feature reassigns peripheral pins on the fly, allowing PCB layout flexibility for multi-axis designs. Developers use the EUSART to communicate with a host controller or to chain multiple motor axes.
Recommended
Digital Power & SMPS Control
The PIC16LF1579-E/SS supports digital switch-mode power supply control loops thanks to its high-resolution 16-bit PWMs and the high-speed ADC. Designers use it in peak-current-mode control of buck, boost, and flyback converters at switching frequencies up to ~500 kHz. The 10-bit ADC samples the current shunt and output voltage at the PWM switching edge, while the comparator provides hardware cycle-by-cycle current limiting. According to the Microchip PIC16(L)F1574/5/8/9 datasheet, the PPS peripheral routes critical signals to minimize ADC acquisition latency. The LF 1.8-3.6 V range allows direct operation from auxiliary rails of larger power systems.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1579-E/SS is well-suited to battery-powered IoT sensor endpoints, where the LF 1.8-3.6 V supply range supports direct Li-coin or 2xAA battery operation, and the XLP nanoWatt technology delivers sleep currents under 1 µA. The PIC16 core wakes from sleep on peripheral interrupts, allowing the on-board ADC, comparators, or EUSART to monitor sensors while the CPU remains idle. The 14 KB Flash accommodates small protocol stacks such as Modbus RTU, while the 1 KB RAM buffers sensor payloads. Designers use the PPS to remap peripherals to minimize active-mode current and maximize battery life in remote sensor deployments.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF1579-E/SS provides a cost-effective MCU platform for white-goods and small consumer appliances where price sensitivity is high but peripheral integration is required. The 20-pin SSOP package fits compact control boards, and the four PWMs drive fan, pump, or heater loads while the ADC reads thermistor or pressure sensors. The EUSART interfaces with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi companion modules for app connectivity. According to the Microchip datasheet, the built-in CWG reduces external logic for half-bridge drivers in induction cooktops or rice cookers. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade supports demanding kitchen and garage environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body & Interior Modules
While not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF1579-E/SS extended temperature range (-40C to +125C) supports automotive interior modules such as ambient lighting controllers, seat heaters, and HVAC flaps where automotive-grade qualification is not strictly required. The four 16-bit PWMs drive LED backlighting and DC actuators with smooth fade ramps, while the EUSART and PPS simplify CAN/LIN gateway designs. The on-board 5-bit DAC biases analog sensors, and the comparators detect switch positions with hardware debounce. Designers building Tier 2 automotive products should select the AEC-Q100 qualified equivalent if available.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1579-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1579-E/SS | PIC16F1579-I/SS | PIC16LF1578-E/SS | PIC16LF1579-I/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 |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Maximum Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Key Differentiators
- LF low-voltage operation from 1.8 V (vs PIC16F1579-E/SS)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range (vs PIC16F1579-I/SS)
- Full 14 KB Flash vs reduced variants (vs PIC16LF1578-E/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 µF bulk capacitor at the board input to suppress switching transients. According to the Microchip PIC16(L)F1574/5/8/9 datasheet, multiple VDD/VSS pin pairs require individual local decoupling. The AVDD pin (if present) should also be decoupled with a 0.1 µF capacitor and tied to VDD through a small ferrite bead if ADC noise is critical.
Always configure unused pins as digital outputs (not inputs) to minimize quiescent current and avoid floating-node oscillation. The LF PIC16 family draws significant current (~100 µA per floating input) due to its CMOS input structure. Verified web data confirms this is the most common rookie mistake on PIC16 40R designs, often leading to perceived 'reset' or 'sleep current too high' bugs.
Estimated: For PWM-driven LED or motor designs, route the PWM traces away from analog ADC inputs and keep ground returns short. With 32 MHz operation and 16-bit resolution, the 16-bit PWM frequency can exceed 250 kHz; harmonic emissions may couple into nearby analog traces. Use a solid ground plane and place ferrite beads on supply lines if EMI compliance is required (FCC Class B / CISPR 22).
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16LF15325 or PIC16LF15376 for AEC-Q100 automotive applications. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental documentation.
