PIC16LF1615-I/ML - 8-bit MCU 14KB Flash 32MHz QFN-16 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1615-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.45 | $14.50 |
| 100 | $1.21 | $121.00 |
| 500 | $1.02 | $510.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.88 | $880.00 |
PIC16LF1615-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained computer-on-a-chip that integrates an 8-bit CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and a configurable set of peripheral interfaces (timers, ADC, communication ports, GPIO). The PIC16 architecture sits in the broader microcontroller taxonomy: 8-bit MCU -> embedded microcontroller -> microcontroller -> semiconductor. 8-bit MCUs remain dominant in cost-sensitive, deterministic-control applications where the computational overhead of 32-bit cores is unnecessary.
Key features of the PIC16LF1615-I/ML include up to 32 MHz operation from internal oscillator, hardware 10-bit ADC with computation, peripheral pin select for flexible signal routing, and XLP nanoWatt sleep modes that drop quiescent current to sub-microamp levels. The QFN-16 4x4 mm footprint suits compact, thermally-constrained layouts while the exposed pad lowers thermal resistance to the PCB copper.
The PIC16LF1615 is built around a modified Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word and hardware stack, paired with on-chip debugging via Microchip's MPLAB ICD interface. Internal oscillator accuracy is factory calibrated to within +/-1% across voltage and temperature, eliminating an external crystal in many designs. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and high-voltage ICSP for unprogrammed parts.
Typical applications include small DC motor control (BLDC, stepper, brushed), IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered consumer devices, low-cost home appliances, LED lighting controllers, and general-purpose logic replacement. The wide 1.8-3.6 V operating range lets it run directly from single-cell Li-ion or two-cell alkaline supplies.
When designing with this part, pay attention to decoupling: place 100 nF and 10 uF capacitors within 2 mm of VDD. Configure unused pins as outputs low to minimize current draw. Programming requires MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler; pick the LVP configuration word only if RB6/RB7 are free for ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1615-I/ML — 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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Timers, Package, Program Memory (Flash), ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1615-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1614-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1619-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF15324-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1554-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1704-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1615-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (max) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Timers | 24-bit SMT, CCP, Timer0/1/2 |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Low-Power Mode | XLP nanoWatt technology |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), HV-ICSP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1615-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA6/OSC2 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | RA7/OSC1 — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8-3.6 V) |
| Pin 9 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 12 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RA1/MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 16 | EP — Exposed thermal pad (solder to ground) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1615-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Small DC Motor Control, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Home Appliance Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Consumer Electronics User Interface, Logic Replacement and Glue Logic.
Small DC Motor Control
The PIC16LF1615-I/ML is a strong fit for small DC motor control loops where its integrated 24-bit Signal Measurement Timer (SMT) and CCP modules deliver precise back-EMF zero-cross detection and PWM generation without an external DSP. With 14 KB Flash and 32 MHz CPU, the device handles sensorless BLDC commutation tables, brushed-DC PI control, and stepper acceleration profiles within a single chip. The 1.8-3.6 V operating range suits battery-powered motor tools, while the QFN-16 (4x4 mm) package drops directly onto compact driver PCBs. The XLP nanoWatt sleep modes drop quiescent current under 1 uA when the motor is idle, extending battery life in cordless appliances and robotics.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1615-I/ML excels in battery-powered IoT sensor nodes where the 1.8-3.6 V supply matches single-cell Li-ion or 2x alkaline chemistries directly without a boost converter. Its XLP nanoWatt technology delivers sub-microamp sleep current between sensor reads, while the 10-bit ADC with computation handles temperature, voltage, and battery-monitoring conversions without CPU intervention. The 14 KB Flash accommodates BLE/Zigbee radio-driver stubs, OTA bootloaders, and application logic. With 32 MHz CPU clock, the device can wake, sample sensors, run FFT or threshold algorithms, and return to sleep in milliseconds, extending coin-cell battery life to multiple years.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control
The PIC16LF1615-I/ML is well-matched to home appliance control boards including coffee machines, induction cooktops, washing-machine user interfaces, and HVAC zone controllers. The 14 KB Flash stores user-interface state machines, safety logic, and proprietary protocol handlers, while the 32 MHz CPU executes debounced keypad scans, PWM buzzer control, and triac-fired AC load timing in real time. The QFN-16 (4x4 mm) footprint saves PCB area versus SOIC packages, and the 1.8-3.6 V range lets the part ride directly off a rectified 3.3 V rail without an additional regulator. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports under-cabinet and garage installations.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF1615-I/ML is a strong candidate for LED lighting controllers driving RGBW strips, architectural fixtures, and color-mixing luminaires. Its CCP and PWM peripherals produce multiple high-resolution PWM channels for dimming and color blending, while the 14 KB Flash fits DMX-512, DALI, or proprietary wireless protocols. The 10-bit ADC monitors supply current for constant-current feedback loops. The XLP nanoWatt sleep modes cut standby power below regulatory limits for energy-certified fixtures. Operating from 1.8-3.6 V lets the part run from a single-cell Li-ion for portable lighting or directly off a 3.3 V regulated supply for fixed installations.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics User Interface
The PIC16LF1615-I/ML handles user-interface duties in consumer electronics such as remote controls, e-cigarettes, smart thermostats, and small appliances with displays. The 10-bit ADC reads analog touch sliders, rotary encoders via timer captures, and battery voltage. The 14 KB Flash accommodates button mapping, gesture recognition state machines, and RF remote protocols like NEC or RC5. The QFN-16 4x4 mm package drops into ultra-thin form factors, and the 1.8-3.6 V range matches single-cell Li-ion or 2x AAA alkaline batteries. The XLP sleep modes put the device into nanowatt standby while waiting for a button press or wireless wake-up interrupt.
Recommended
Logic Replacement and Glue Logic
The PIC16LF1615-I/ML serves as a flexible, single-chip replacement for discrete logic gates, 555 timers, and small PLAs in cost-driven designs. The 14 KB Flash can encode combinational or sequential logic that would otherwise consume multiple 74-series packages, while the 32 MHz CPU and hardware peripherals eliminate analog timing components. The CCP and SMT peripherals provide hardware PWM and pulse measurement that exceed the precision of legacy 555-based timing circuits. The QFN-16 4x4 mm footprint replaces 4-6 SOIC packages, reducing PCB area and BOM cost. The 1.8-3.6 V supply range and industrial temperature grade suit industrial-control retrofit boards and legacy-product redesigns.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1615-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1615-I/ML | PIC16LF1614-I/ML | PIC16LF15324-I/ML | PIC16LF1554-I/ML | PIC16F1704-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 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 | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| CPU Speed (max) | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| 24-bit SMT Peripheral | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| XLP nanoWatt Low Power | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash memory in this QFN-16 footprint tier (vs PIC16LF1614-I/ML)
- Lower voltage operation for battery-powered designs (vs PIC16F1615-I/ML)
- 24-bit Signal Measurement Timer peripheral (vs PIC16LF1554-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. The PIC16LF1615's internal voltage regulator requires low-impedance supply at all frequencies up to 100 MHz to suppress switching transients from the charge pump used during Flash programming. For battery applications, add a bulk tantalum or ceramic 10-47 uF reservoir at the cell to prevent voltage droop during transmit bursts in companion radio modules.
The QFN-16 package exposes a thermal pad (pin 16) that must be soldered to a ground copper pour of at least 1 square inch to achieve the rated theta-JA of approximately 35 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board. Without proper EP soldering, junction temperature can exceed 125 C during sustained 32 MHz operation. For industrial -40C to +85C ambient designs, keep CPU duty cycle below 90% when VDD exceeds 3.3 V, since dynamic current scales linearly with clock frequency and voltage.
Route the ICSP signals RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT to an in-line programming header or test pad pattern that supports both production programming and field firmware updates. Keep the MCLR/VPP trace short and away from high-frequency switching nodes to prevent false resets. For HV-ICSP programming on unprogrammed parts, route a dedicated high-voltage (typically 8-13 V) trace to the MCLR pin through a 10 kohm isolation resistor.
Configure all unused I/O pins as digital outputs driving low to minimize current leakage into floating inputs that can cause extra supply current draw of 50-200 uA per pin. Do not exceed VDD + 0.3 V on any I/O pin or risk latch-up. When migrating from PIC16F1615 (F variant) to PIC16LF1615, verify that your supply never drops below 2.3 V during LF operation, since the LF core requires 1.8 V minimum but Flash programming needs 2.3 V minimum.
When using the internal 32 MHz HFINTOSC, the calibrated accuracy is +/-1% across voltage and temperature - sufficient for UART up to 115200 baud and PWM timing. For higher baud rates or time-critical protocols like DMX-512 or DALI, switch to an external 16 MHz crystal with two 15 pF load capacitors connected to OSC1/OSC2. Place the crystal within 5 mm of the OSC pins and shield the traces with a grounded guard ring to suppress noise injection from adjacent switching signals.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product documentation. Lead-free QFN package with matte tin plating. AEC-Q100 not qualified - choose automotive-grade PIC16F1615-E/ML variants for automotive applications. Conflict-minerals reporting (CMRT/EMRT) available from Microchip compliance portal.
