PIC16LF1579-I/GZ - 8-bit MCU, 14KB, 16-bit PWM | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1579-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.48 | $14.80 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16LF1579-I/GZ Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC MCU widely used in embedded systems for deterministic control loops. PIC16 devices occupy the entry-to-mid-range tier of the Microchip portfolio (PIC10/12/16/18/24/32 families), offering 8-bit data path, low pin counts (8-64), and integrated peripherals such as ADC, PWM, comparators, and communication modules. PIC16 MCUs sit within the broader hierarchy of microcontroller -> semiconductor, balancing cost, power consumption, and capability for high-volume consumer and industrial products.
Key specifications include 14 KB (8K x 14 words) of self-programmable Flash, 1 KB SRAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, four 16-bit PWMs with independent timers for high-resolution LED and motor drive, and multiple communication peripherals (EUSART, I2C/SPI, MSSP). The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) package delivers a compact footprint suited to space-constrained PCB designs, and the exposed pad aids thermal dissipation. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) is indicated by the -I suffix in the part number.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1579 uses an enhanced mid-range core with a 14-bit instruction word, hardware multiplier, and the nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power technology for sleep currents in the microamp range. The integrated 16-bit PWM module is the headline differentiator versus general PIC16 mid-range MCUs that ship with 10-bit PWMs only, enabling finer dimming steps in dimmable lighting and smoother torque control in small BLDC or stepper systems. The device supports ICD (In-Circuit Debug) via standard two-wire programming/debug pins.
Typical applications include LED lighting and color-mixing drivers, DC-DC or LED buck/boost control loops, small motor and fan control, consumer appliance control boards, battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, and general-purpose timing/counter replacements. The combination of 16-bit PWM, ADC, and tiny UQFN footprint makes it attractive for high-density lighting PCB arrays where many independent channels must fit on a small board.
When designing with the PIC16LF1579-I/GZ, mind the 3.6 V absolute maximum on VDD: this is a 3.3 V logic part, not a 5 V tolerant variant. Decouple VDD/VBAT with at least 100 nF plus 10 uF bulk, place the exposed pad on a contiguous ground copper pour, and confirm programming/debug header access for in-circuit updates. For automotive-grade requirements, consider the PIC16F1579 extended-temperature counterpart instead.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone - giving procurement and design engineers a single reference for both selection and second-source validation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1579-I/GZ — 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-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), Core, Family, PWM Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1579-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1578-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1578-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF15344T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1509-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1579-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16(L)F157x |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC (enhanced mid-range) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 10/12 channels (device variant dependent) |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit with independent timers |
| Comparators | Yes (on-chip) |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (I2C/SPI) |
| I/O Pins | Up to 18 (package dependent) |
| Timers | 8-bit and 16-bit timers (multiple) |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial, -40C to +85C (per -I suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1579-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Digital I/O / MCLR |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / ADC input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — Digital I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — Digital I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RC0 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 10 | RC2 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 11 | RC3 — Digital I/O / PWM |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8-3.6 V) |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ADC |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ADC |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — Digital I/O / ADC |
| Pin 20 | RB4 — Digital I/O / ADC |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1579-I/GZ is suitable for 6 applications: Dimmable LED Lighting Driver, Brushless DC (BLDC) Fan Control, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Control Board, High-Density RGBW LED Strip Controller, Precision Timer / PWM Generator Module.
Dimmable LED Lighting Driver
The PIC16LF1579-I/GZ fits dimmable LED driver designs via its four independent 16-bit PWMs and 1.8-3.6 V operating range. With 16-bit resolution (65,536 steps per period), this MCU delivers smooth, flicker-free dimming curves below 0.1% duty, matching human eye perception. Each PWM channel drives a constant-current LED driver IC such as the Microchip CL6 or Linear Technology LT3743, while the integrated 10-bit ADC reads back thermistor or ambient-light sensor for closed-loop brightness and thermal foldback. The 14 KB Flash fits color-mixing firmware with multiple CCT zones, and the UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) footprint places four independent channels in a tiny PCB area. Unlike 10-bit PWM, 16-bit resolution eliminates visible flicker at low duty cycles in architectural lighting installations.
Recommended
Brushless DC (BLDC) Fan Control
The PIC16LF1579-I/GZ is appropriate for small BLDC fan and motor control boards requiring precise torque and speed loops. Its four 16-bit PWMs generate complementary three-phase gate-drive signals with adjustable dead-time via the PWM dead-band control, while the integrated comparators handle zero-cross detection from BEMF feedback without external op-amps. Operating at 32 MHz from a 3.3 V supply, the device performs sensorless back-EMF commutation within a tight interrupt budget, and the 14 KB Flash stores multi-speed profiles with soft-start ramps. The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) keeps the MCU footprint smaller than a typical SOT-23-6 gate driver. Choose this device for closed-loop control in low-power ceiling fans, server fans, and small drone ESCs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1579-I/GZ suits battery-powered wireless sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power sleep current (typically <100 nA in deep sleep) and 1.8 V minimum VDD that allows direct connection to a single Li-ion cell or 2x AA alkaline pack. The integrated 10-bit ADC samples a sensor (temperature, light, PIR motion) while the MCU sleeps most of the time, and the EUSART or I2C connects directly to a low-power RF transceiver like the Semtech SX1278 LoRa modem. The 14 KB Flash fits a moderate LoRaWAN stack or Zigbee cluster library. The UQFN-20 footprint suits coin-cell sensor enclosures where PCB area is below 10x10 mm.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16LF1579-I/GZ is well-suited to consumer appliance control boards (coffee makers, blenders, air purifiers) where a low-cost 8-bit MCU drives user interface, timer control, and motor regulation. Its four 16-bit PWMs manage heating-element PWM, fan speed, pump control, and indicator LED dimming simultaneously, while the 10-bit ADC reads NTC thermistor or rotary encoder position. The 14 KB Flash supports menu state machines and capacitive-touch firmware using the mTouch peripheral. The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) footprint is small enough for a single-layer board inside the appliance housing. Industrial-grade -40 to +85C rating handles under-hood automotive or kitchen oven environments.
Recommended
High-Density RGBW LED Strip Controller
The PIC16LF1579-I/GZ fits pixel-strip and architectural LED controllers requiring many independent high-resolution PWM channels. Four 16-bit PWMs drive four parallel LED driver strings, each daisy-chained to TI TLC59401 or similar current sinks for up to 16 LEDs per string at 65,536 brightness steps. The 32 MHz core executes per-channel color-correction algorithms and gamma compensation in real time, and the 14 KB Flash stores 32-bit color lookup tables. The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) package fits 5 mm-wide LED strip PCB cutouts. The 1.8-3.6 V range simplifies the controller selection by supporting direct 3.3 V regulation, common in low-power commercial lighting.
Recommended
Precision Timer / PWM Generator Module
The PIC16LF1579-I/GZ is well-suited as a stand-alone precision timer or PWM generator module in industrial control cabinets, replacing discrete 555 timers with software-configurable precision. Its 16-bit PWM options generate 1 Hz to 32 kHz output with sub-microsecond accuracy, while the 32 MHz instruction cycle supports deterministic interrupt handling for synchronous motor drives. The MSSP peripheral drives I2C/SPI to interface with industrial sensor HATs and PLC backplanes, and the 14 KB Flash stores PID-tuning profiles. The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) is suitable for the back of a DIN-rail mount module where PCB space is at a premium.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1579-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1579-I/GZ | PIC16F1578-I/GZ | PIC16LF1578-I/GZ | PIC16LF15344T-I/GZ | PIC16LF1509-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) | 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-pin UQFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 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 |
| PWM Resolution | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| PWM Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Four 16-bit PWMs versus PIC16LF1509-I/GZ four 10-bit PWMs (vs PIC16LF1509-I/GZ)
- 14 KB Flash versus PIC16LF1578-I/GZ 7 KB Flash (vs PIC16LF1578-I/GZ)
- 32 MHz CPU clock versus PIC16LF1509-I/GZ 20 MHz (vs PIC16LF1509-I/GZ)
Design Notes
Estimated power consumption at 32 MHz active mode is approximately 6 mA from a 3.3 V supply (typical 2 mA/MHz for PIC16 enhanced mid-range). In sleep mode, the nanoWatt XLP variant typically draws below 100 nA with WDT disabled, enabling multi-year battery life on a CR2032 coin cell if the MCU wakes only a few times per day. Always place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the IC, plus a 100 nF on the EPAD ground pour.
The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) package has a center exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a contiguous ground copper pour (recommended at least 10x10 mm) for thermal dissipation and electrical ground. Per the Microchip PIC16LF1579 package outline, do not route traces under the EPAD, and use a 0.3 mm via array (thermal vias) under the pad connecting top-side bottom-side copper pour - dropping thermal impedance to ~25 C/W.
Do not exceed the 3.6 V absolute maximum on VDD - the LF variant is not 5 V tolerant; for 5 V systems use PIC16F1579. Always configure the MCLR pin correctly: tie to VDD via 10 kOhm resistor for normal operation, or leave open if unused only in production. Failure to enable low-voltage programming (LVP) bit in CONFIG words can lock the device; always verify CONFIG bits with MPLAB X before final code commit.
Keep analog (ADC) traces short and routed over a continuous ground pour to minimize digital coupling noise into ADC readings. Place the analog reference decoupling capacitor (typically 100 nF) within 3 mm of the AVREF or VREF+ pin. When using the 16-bit PWM outputs to drive external FETs, place a 100 ohm series gate resistor within 5 mm of the FET gate to dampen ringing, and route gate-drive traces away from analog signal paths.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per DigiKey product listing (5033558). Industrial temperature grade (-40 to +85C) only - for automotive AEC-Q100 qualified alternatives, choose PIC16F1579 with extended qualification. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip product specifications.
