PIC16LF1615-E/P - 8-Bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 32MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1615-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.95 | $1.95 |
| 10 | $1.76 | $17.60 |
| 100 | $1.57 | $157.00 |
| 500 | $1.39 | $695.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.24 | $1,240.00 |
PIC16LF1615-E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), non-volatile EEPROM, and peripherals into one device. The PIC16 architecture is a RISC Harvard family with a fixed 14-bit instruction word; in the broader taxonomy, an MCU sits under microcontrollers, embedded controllers, and finally semiconductors. The 8-bit class remains dominant where cost, deterministic interrupt latency, and low active/standby power matter more than raw throughput, typical use cases being sensor hubs, appliance controls, and human-interface nodes that talk to a host processor.
Key features of the PIC16LF1615 include a 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, 12 I/O pins on this 14-pin package variant, hardware peripherals for timers, PWM, comparators, and the standard PIC16 peripheral set. The on-board Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as the Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO), and Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) allow hardware-level signal generation without CPU intervention.
Architecturally, the device uses an 8-bit data path with a 14-bit program word and a multi-stage pipeline that lets most instructions execute in one instruction cycle. XLP technology typically achieves sub-uA sleep currents in the deep-sleep modes, with fast wake-up times that suit duty-cycled battery nodes.
Typical applications are low-power IoT sensor nodes, consumer handheld accessories, LED lighting controllers with mixed-signal feedback, simple motor-control subsystems, and battery-powered white goods. The 14-pin PDIP makes this part especially popular for breadboarding and through-hole educational designs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the supply rail stays inside the 1.8V to 3.6V window, and verify ADC input impedance against source impedance to keep acquisition error within budget. Choosing a power-on reset and watchdog strategy matched to the intended sleep/wake duty cycle avoids unnecessary brownouts.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, package diagram, and practical design notes (ADC, power, layout) not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1615-E/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 PIC16LF1615-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory (Flash), Core Architecture, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1615-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1615-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15323-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15323T-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F15325-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F15324-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1615-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (8-bit, 14-bit instruction word, RISC Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| Maximum CPU Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 I/O |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Mounting Style | Through Hole |
| Package / Case | 14-PDIP (0.300", 7.62 mm) |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1615-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O pin, analog-capable, MCLR alternate |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O pin, analog-capable |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin, analog-capable, MCLR |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O pin, peripheral remappable |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O pin, peripheral remappable |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O pin, peripheral remappable |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O pin, peripheral remappable |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O pin, peripheral remappable |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O pin, peripheral remappable |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin, analog-capable |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin, analog-capable |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin, analog-capable |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1615-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Handheld Accessory, LED Lighting Controller, Simple Motor or Fan Controller, Home Appliance Interface Board, Educational / Breadboard MCU Module.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF1615-E/P fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes where sub-uA sleep current is non-negotiable and the CPU only wakes on interrupt. XLP technology on the LF variant typically delivers low-power sleep current and a fast wake-up suitable for duty-cycled coin-cell reporting. The 14 KB Flash holds the sensor stack, the 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage and analog sensors, and the 12 I/O drive I2C/SPI sensors via the MSSP. Compared with a Cortex-M0+ alternative, the deterministic 8-bit core simplifies certification for slow-loop sensor applications.
Recommended
Consumer Handheld Accessory
The PIC16LF1615-E/P suits consumer handheld accessories such as remote controls, game controllers, and BLE-button dongles by combining 32 MHz of CPU throughput with very low standby power. The 1.8-3.6 V supply range is friendly to single-cell Li-ion or 2xAA topologies. Twelve I/O pins drive keyboards, LEDs, and UART/I2C to a paired BLE/SoC host. The 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage while XLP sleep keeps quiescent drain under milliamps in standby.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF1615-E/P supports LED lighting controllers that combine constant-current feedback, color-temperature compensation, and dimming curves with simple push-button interfaces. The 10-bit ADC reads photodiode current and supply voltage, while the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) and PWM/CWG peripherals generate accurate dimming waveforms without CPU load. The 14-PDIP package simplifies development of bulb-driver boards where space is plentiful and prototyping speed matters.
Recommended
Simple Motor or Fan Controller
The PIC16LF1615-E/P is well-suited to small DC brushed motor or fan controllers that use closed-loop RPM feedback. The CWG/NCO peripherals synthesize variable-frequency or PWM drive, the ADC samples back-EMF or tach pulses, and the 32 MHz CPU handles the PID loop in software. Compared with a discrete analog solution, the MCU gives firmware-based startup curves, soft-start, and fault handling with a smaller PCB footprint.
Recommended
Home Appliance Interface Board
The PIC16LF1615-E/P targets human-machine interface boards on home appliances (cooktop timers, washing-machine LED panels, smart thermostats) where it reads keypad scans, drives LED/segment displays, and serial-links to a main controller. 14 KB Flash accommodates UI state machines, the 10-bit ADC reads NTC temperature, and XLP sleep keeps standby compliance below 0.5 W for eco directives. The -40C to +125C operating range covers appliance specifications.
Recommended
Educational / Breadboard MCU Module
The PIC16LF1615-E/P is ideal for educational labs and hobby breadboard projects thanks to its 14-PDIP through-hole package and forgiving 1.8-3.6 V supply. The 32 MHz CPU, 14 KB Flash, and 10-bit ADC expose nearly every concept a first MCU learner needs (GPIO, timers, ADC, UART). Vendor libraries include peripheral pin-select examples, MPLAB X toolchain support is free, and XLP sleep teaches energy-aware firmware design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1615-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1615-I/P | PIC16F1615-E/P | PIC16F15323-I/P | PIC16F15324-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-PDIP (0.300 in) | 14-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 14-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 14-PDIP (0.300 in) - same | 14-PDIP (0.300 in) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit (newer gen) | PIC16 8-bit (newer gen) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage XLP operation (vs PIC16F1615-I/P)
- Automotive temperature grade (vs PIC16F1615-I/P)
- Mature XLP platform (vs PIC16F15323-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1615-E/P operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V. Place a 1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor directly between VDD (pin 1) and VSS (pin 14) with the shortest possible trace length. Estimate: a 1 uF X7R ceramic with ESR of a few milliohms suppresses switching transients from the internal regulator loads and from external peripherals better than a 100 nF-only design.
Ensure the MCLR/VPP configuration matches the selected programming mode. For low-voltage ICSP, configure the programming tool to keep the MCLR rise/fall below the 8.5 V threshold to avoid unintended high-voltage programming. Estimating the worst-case MCLR RC time constant with a 50 kohm pull-up and a 100 nF cap yields ~5 ms rise time, well within spec.
Keep the analog (ADC) input traces short and routed away from digital switching traces to minimize crosstalk. Estimated noise coupling on a reference 100 mil trace near a 32 MHz digital line picked up by an unfiltered 1 kohm source is roughly 5-10 LSB at 10-bit resolution; the datasheet recommends a 1 kohm-or-lower source impedance to keep ADC error at 1 LSB.
For through-hole 14-PDIP designs, dedicate ground and power planes if 2-layer routing is available; on single-layer boards, keep a star-ground topology with VDD/VSS traces running parallel to limit switching-loop area. Estimate: a 1 cm-diameter switching loop can pick up 1-2 percent of the system clock at the 32 MHz harmonic, which is enough to degrade ADC readings.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not formally listed; automotive-grade E temperature extension is a separate spec. Halogen-free status was not in verified web data and is recorded as unknown.
