PIC16LF1615-E/ST - 8-Bit 32MHz MCU 14KB 14-TSSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1615-E/ST ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.78 | $1.78 |
| 10 | $1.6 | $16.00 |
| 100 | $1.35 | $135.00 |
| 500 | $1.1 | $550.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
PIC16LF1615-E/ST Overview
A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a compact, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU core, program memory, RAM, EEPROM, and a rich set of peripherals including ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. PIC microcontrollers are classified within the broader 8-bit MCU hierarchy, alongside AVR, 8051, and STM8 architectures, and serve as power-optimized building blocks for embedded control.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC, 1KB of RAM, hardware PWM, complementary waveform generators (CWG), zero-cross detection (ZCD), and 24-bit signal measurement timer (SMT) peripherals specifically tailored for motor control, lighting, and general-purpose embedded designs. The integrated peripherals reduce external component count and BOM cost.
The device employs Microchip's enhanced mid-range core architecture with a hardware multiplier, supporting C and assembly development through MPLAB X IDE and the XC8 compiler. The 14-TSSOP package offers compact footprint with full peripheral access on every pin via peripheral pin select (PPS).
Typical applications include small BLDC motor control, LED lighting drivers, sensor nodes, battery-powered IoT endpoints, and general-purpose embedded controllers in consumer and industrial products.
When designing, ensure proper decoupling (100nF + bulk) near VDD, configure the PPS function map for your peripheral routing, and use the LF's wide 1.8V-3.6V range to support Li coin-cell and 2xAA battery stacks directly.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that complement - rather than duplicate - the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1615-E/ST — 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/ST (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory (Flash), RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1615-E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1614-E/ST
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1613-E/ST
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.57 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1574-E/ST
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1554-E/ST
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.97 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1615-E/ST Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16(L)F161x |
| Core | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM | 1 KB |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Number of Pins | 14 |
| Package | 14-TSSOP |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E suffix = extended) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP (eXtreme Low Power) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1615-E/ST Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/T1G — GPIO RA3 / ADC AN3 / Timer1 Gate |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — GPIO RA4 / ADC AN4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — GPIO RA5 / Master Clear (reset) / ICSP VPP |
| Pin 4 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO RA0 / ADC AN0 |
| Pin 6 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO RA1 / ADC AN1 |
| Pin 7 | RA2/AN2 — GPIO RA2 / ADC AN2 |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | RC0/SCL1 — GPIO RC0 / I2C SCL1 |
| Pin 10 | RC1/SDA1 — GPIO RC1 / I2C SDA1 |
| Pin 11 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 13 | RB4/AN10 — GPIO RB4 / ADC AN10 |
| Pin 14 | RB5/AN11 — GPIO RB5 / ADC AN11 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1615-E/ST is suitable for 6 applications: Small BLDC Motor Control, LED Lighting Drivers, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Controls, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, USB-C Cable Marker / Dongle Controllers.
Small BLDC Motor Control
The PIC16LF1615-E/ST is purpose-built for small BLDC and PMSM motor control in fans, pumps, and appliance subsystems. Its integrated CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) delivers complementary PWM outputs with programmable dead-band for driving half-bridges. The ZC32 device on the chip enables AC zero-cross sensing without external components, while the 24-bit SMT timer measures motor RPM and back-EMF periods. The 14-TSSOP package fits compact motor-control PCBs. Operate at 3.3V from a buck converter; use the 10-bit ADC for current sensing and the PIC's PPS to route peripherals efficiently.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC16LF1615-E/ST is well-suited for intelligent LED driver controllers in architectural and accent-lighting products. The 32 MHz CPU can drive software PWM dimming across multiple channels, while the CWG peripheral provides complementary PWM outputs needed for buck/boost LED driver topologies. The LF variant's 1.8-3.6V range enables battery-powered portable LED lamps and USB-powered fixtures without additional regulators. The 14-TSSOP supports reflow soldering in space-constrained lamp housings, and the 10-bit ADC provides feedback for color-mixing and current sensing. Use MPLAB X IDE and the XC8 compiler for development.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1615-E/ST's XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology and LF 1.8-3.6V range make it ideal for coin-cell or 2xAA battery-powered IoT sensor endpoints. Sleep currents in the nanoamp range extend battery life to years on a single CR2032. The 10-bit ADC reads sensor inputs (temperature, light, motion), while the 32 MHz CPU wakes periodically to process data and transmit via UART or I2C peripherals. The 14-TSSOP package fits small sensor housings. Pair with an RF transceiver or BLE SoC for wireless connectivity. Use the LF's deep-sleep modes aggressively to maximize battery life in duty-cycled applications.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controls
The PIC16LF1615-E/ST serves as the main control MCU in small consumer appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, and personal care products. With 14 KB Flash it can run user interfaces with capacitive touch sensing via the peripheral touch controller (PIC18). The CWG peripheral drives TRIAC or MOSFET dimming circuits, while the SMT timer counts pulses from flow sensors or rotary encoders. The -40C to +125C extended operating range (E suffix) covers appliance thermal environments. The 14-TSSOP supports automated SMT assembly at scale.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16LF1615-E/ST works as a smart sensor conditioner in industrial 4-20 mA loops, RTD/thermocouple front-ends, and process-control signal chains. The 10-bit ADC digitizes analog sensor outputs, while the 32 MHz CPU runs linearization algorithms (Steinhart-Hart for thermistors, polynomial for RTDs). The LF 1.3-3.6V supply is powered from a low-dropout regulator in the loop, or from a 24V-to-3.3V industrial DC-DC. UART/SPI outputs deliver processed data to a host PLC or gateway. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range supports industrial cabinet environments. PIC16LF1614-E/ST is a compatible 8KB Flash alternative for simpler conditioning tasks.
Recommended
USB-C Cable Marker / Dongle Controllers
The PIC16LF1615-E/ST functions as the brains of USB-C cable marker (eMarker) chips, protocol converters, and small USB dongles. With 14 KB Flash it can store USB descriptors, run CC (configuration channel) logic, and support USB PD messaging at basic levels. The 14-TSSOP package is small enough to embed inside USB-C connector housings. The LF 1.8-3.6V supply is directly compatible with USB VCONN levels. The CWG peripheral can generate USB data eye-patterns in non-standard signaling applications. For full USB PD, consider PIC16LF1454-E/ST with native USB peripheral.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1615-E/ST — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1615-E/ST | PIC16LF1614-E/ST | PIC16LF1613-E/ST | PIC16LF1574-E/ST | PIC16LF1554-E/ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-TSSOP | 14-TSSOP - same | 14-TSSOP - same | 14-TSSOP - same | 14-TSSOP - same | 14-TSSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 8 KB (-43%) | 8 KB (-43%) | 7 KB (-50%) | 7 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 16 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip CWG and SMT peripherals for motor/lighting control (vs PIC16LF1614-E/ST)
- 32 MHz CPU vs 16 MHz in older 14-pin PIC16LF parts (vs PIC16LF1574-E/ST)
- Lower voltage operation enables direct coin-cell power (vs PIC16F1615-E/ST)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1615-E/ST supports VDD from 1.8V to 3.6V. Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 8), plus a 4.7uF or 10uF bulk capacitor on the VDD rail. For battery-powered applications leveraging XLP, use a low-Iq LDO (e.g., MCP1700) with Iq < 2uA to avoid wasting the LF's deep-sleep nanoamp currents.
Route MCLR (pin 3) to either the reset circuit or to VDD through a 10k pull-up. For ICSP programming, expose ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT on the test points. With the 14-TSSOP's 0.65mm pitch, ensure your PCB house can fabricate 0.2mm traces/space. Place decoupling within 2mm of VDD/VSS to minimize parasitic ringing on the supply rail.
Do not apply VDD above 3.6V to the LF variant - this will damage the part. Choose the F variant (PIC16F1615-E/ST) for 5V-tolerant designs. The 32 MHz internal oscillator accuracy is typically +/- 2% over the full temperature span; if UART timing matters, calibrate with the FVR or use a crystal on OSC1/OSC2. Note: this 14-pin TSSOP does not expose OSC2 on a dedicated pin, so external high-precision clocking requires remapping.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip material declarations. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the 'E' suffix denotes extended temperature range (-40C to +125C), not automotive qualification.
