PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ - 14KB Flash 32MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.42 | $2.42 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.94 | $194.00 |
| 500 | $1.71 | $855.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.49 | $1,490.00 |
PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path and a RISC-style instruction set, integrating CPU core, non-volatile program storage, working RAM, EEPROM, and a rich set of on-chip peripherals (timers, ADC/DAC, PWM, communication interfaces, comparators). PIC microcontrollers sit in the broader hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. Low-voltage "LF" variants extend operation down to 1.8V, making them compatible with modern coin-cell, Li-ion, and energy-harvesting power rails.
Key features include four 16-bit PWMs (versus the 10-bit PWMs of older PIC16 families), 16KB of addressable Flash (8K x 14 words), 1KB SRAM, hardware Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as CWG and NCO, Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) for flexible I/O mapping, an integrated 5-bit DAC, and 10-bit ADC with computation support. The LF process technology drops core current draw to suit always-on and battery-powered designs.
The PIC16LF1579 architecture combines a Harvard-bus RISC core with Microchip's CIP ecosystem, allowing deterministic PWM, signal conditioning, and communications without CPU intervention. Peripheral Pin Select remaps digital peripherals to a wide range of I/O pins, simplifying PCB routing in dense mixed-signal layouts where analog and digital ground partitioning matters.
Typical applications include LED lighting drivers and color-mixing controllers, stepper and DC motor control, digital switched-mode power supplies, general-purpose sensor interfacing, and consumer white goods. The four 16-bit PWMs make it a popular choice for high-resolution lighting fade and dimming, where finer duty-cycle steps yield smoother visual transitions.
When designing with this device, observe the UQFN exposed-pad PCB layout requirement (thermal pad must be soldered to the ground plane for proper heat dissipation and electrical grounding) and place decoupling capacitors within 3 mm of each supply pin. PPS must be configured in firmware before first use of remappable peripherals; otherwise the EUSART and PWM outputs will remain on default pins.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing signals, parametrically matched drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16 family, and practical design notes not collected in a single place on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1579T-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 PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Comparators, Program Memory (Flash), DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1579-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1579-E/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1579T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.17 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1578T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1509T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1508T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574T-I/GZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC16 (8-bit RISC) |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| CPU Speed (Max) | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN-EP (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 16-bit with independent timers |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| DAC | 5-bit |
| Comparators | Yes |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes |
| NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator) | Yes |
| PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) | Yes |
| EUSART | 1 |
| MSL Level | MSL1 or MSL3 per Microchip UQFN profile - see package qualification report |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes |
| AEC-Q100 | Not qualified (consumer/industrial grade) |
PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — General-purpose I/O / MCLR |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA1 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA0 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — General-purpose I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RC5 — General-purpose I/O / PPS-remappable peripheral |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — General-purpose I/O / PPS-remappable peripheral |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — General-purpose I/O / PPS-remappable peripheral |
| Pin 14 | RC2 — General-purpose I/O / PPS-remappable peripheral |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — General-purpose I/O / PPS-remappable peripheral |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — General-purpose I/O / PPS-remappable peripheral |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — General-purpose I/O / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — General-purpose I/O / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB4 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - must be soldered to ground plane |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Drivers and Color Mixing, Stepper and DC Motor Control, Digital Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), General-Purpose Sensor Interfacing, Consumer White Goods and Home Appliances, Portable Battery-Operated Devices.
LED Lighting Drivers and Color Mixing
The PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ is well suited to multi-channel LED lighting drivers because it integrates four 16-bit PWMs with independent timers, enabling high-resolution dimming and color mixing across RGBW or warm-white channels. Each 16-bit PWM provides 65536 duty-cycle steps, producing visually smooth fades that 10-bit PWMs cannot match. The 32 MHz core and PPS let designers route PWM outputs to any available I/O pin, simplifying PCB layout when LED anodes and cathodes are scattered. The LF variant's 1.8V-3.6V supply supports direct Li-ion or USB-bus powered fixtures, while the integrated 10-bit ADC and 5-bit DAC enable closed-loop brightness feedback. The exposed thermal pad on the UQFN-20 (4x4) package simplifies heatsinking in higher-current LED strips.
Recommended
Stepper and DC Motor Control
The four 16-bit PWMs of the PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ map naturally to dual H-bridge stepper drivers or dual half-bridge DC motor controllers, where each PWM provides a high-resolution speed or microstepping reference. The CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) peripheral produces complementary PWM outputs with programmable dead-band delay, which is essential for half-bridge drivers to prevent shoot-through. At 32 MHz the core can update PID control loops and accept quadrature encoder feedback through PPS-routed EUSART or interrupt-on-change I/O. The LF process technology suits battery-powered cordless tools and small robots where 1.8V-3.6V operation maximizes runtime. The UQFN-20 (4x4) footprint saves board space in compact motion-control modules.
Recommended
Digital Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
Digital SMPS designs benefit from the PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ's high-resolution 16-bit PWMs and CWG peripheral for primary-side MOSFET drive and synchronous rectifier timing. The 10-bit ADC can sample output voltage and current feedback at up to 100 ksps, fast enough for voltage-mode and peak-current-mode control loops. The NCO (Numerically Controlled Oscillator) CIP generates precision frequency references without CPU intervention, easing jitter-sensitive designs. The 1.8V-3.6V LF supply aligns with auxiliary VCC rails derived from the power supply itself. PPS routing lets the designer place PWM, ADC, and comparator pins close to the analog front-end on a compact UQFN-20 board.
Recommended
General-Purpose Sensor Interfacing
The PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ integrates a 10-bit ADC, 5-bit DAC, comparators, and EUSART in a small UQFN-20 footprint, making it ideal for sensor hubs that aggregate analog and digital inputs. PPS routes the EUSART to any GPIO, simplifying RS-485 or RS-232 sensor cable routing. The LF voltage range (1.8V-3.6V) accepts 3.3V sensor rails directly. With 14KB program space, designers can include filtering algorithms and calibration constants without external EEPROM. The exposed pad and small 4x4 mm UQFN package fit inside sealed sensor enclosures where PCB area is constrained.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods and Home Appliances
Consumer appliances such as coffee machines, dishwashers, and washing machines require deterministic motor drive plus user-interface I/O. The PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ delivers four 16-bit PWMs for pump and valve control, an EUSART for user-panel communication, and enough GPIO for keypads and 7-segment displays. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade handles appliance cabinet environments. The exposed thermal pad on the UQFN package tolerates the warm conditions near heaters and motor housings. Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler shorten firmware development cycles for appliance manufacturers migrating from older PIC16 families.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Operated Devices
The LF (low-voltage) designation makes the PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ ideal for battery-powered applications: it runs directly from a single Li-ion cell (3.0-3.6V) or two AA alkaline cells (2.0-3.2V) without an additional regulator. The 32 MHz core provides fast wake-from-sleep response, and the CIP peripherals (CWG, NCO, comparators) operate independently of the CPU, allowing extended sleep periods that maximize battery life. The compact 4x4 mm UQFN-20 footprint fits wearables, wireless sensor tags, and handheld instruments. PPS keeps the PCB short even when digital peripherals are remapped for routing convenience in space-constrained enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1579-I/GZ | PIC16LF1579-E/GZ | PIC16F1579T-I/GZ | PIC16LF1578T-I/GZ | PIC16LF1509T-I/GZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin UQFN-EP (4x4) | 20-pin UQFN-EP (4x4) - same | 20-pin UQFN-EP (4x4) - same | 20-pin UQFN-EP (4x4) - same | 20-pin UQFN-EP (4x4) - same | 20-pin UQFN-EP (4x4) - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 16 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B |
| Core Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| PWM Resolution | 16-bit (4 channels) | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Four 16-bit PWMs (vs 10-bit on PIC16LF1509 family) (vs PIC16LF1509T-I/GZ)
- Low-voltage LF process for 1.8V operation (vs PIC16F1579T-I/GZ)
- Larger 14KB Flash with same 4x4 UQFN footprint (vs PIC16LF1509T-I/GZ)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 32 MHz, VDD=3.3V, all peripherals active, the PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ draws approximately 8 mA core current from the datasheet typical characteristics. Power dissipation is therefore roughly 26 mW, well within the UQFN-20 thermal envelope. The exposed pad (EP) on the UQFN package must be soldered to a continuous ground copper pour (recommended minimum 100 mm^2) to keep the junction temperature below 85C. Without a proper EP solder joint, thermal resistance rises sharply and the device may throttle or reset under sustained peripheral activity.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 1) and a bulk 1 uF-10 uF capacitor on the same node. The exposed pad (EP) must be soldered to the ground plane via at least 4 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pitch) for both electrical grounding and thermal dissipation. The UQFN-20 (4x4 mm) package has 0.5 mm pitch pads - use NSMD (non-solder-mask-defined) land patterns per Microchip package drawing TB3068 to maximize solder joint reliability. Avoid routing analog signal traces under the EP or under switching PWM outputs.
Configure PPS (Peripheral Pin Select) lock registers in firmware before relying on remapped peripherals - on reset, PPS functions default to PORTC pins only and PWM/EUSART may not appear on the pins your schematic assumes. The 5-bit DAC output range is ratiometric to VDD, not absolute; for applications requiring a fixed voltage reference use the FVR (Fixed Voltage Reference) peripheral instead. The /GZ suffix denotes the UQFN package; the same silicon in SSOP is /SS or /SO - do NOT assume same footprint.
Separate analog and digital ground regions on the PCB; tie them together at a single point near the PIC16LF1579T-I/GZ exposed pad to minimize ADC reference noise. Place the ADC reference decoupling capacitor (typically 100 nF) within 2 mm of the VREF+ pin if used. High-speed PWM traces (e.g., CWG outputs) should be kept short and routed over a continuous ground plane to reduce radiated EMI. The EUSART trace length should be matched if used in RS-485 mode at >1 Mbps.
Compliance Information
Consumer/industrial grade per Microchip product family page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive safety-critical applications. RoHS/REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance datasheet.
