PIC16LF1615T-I/ML - 14KB Flash 8-Bit MCU, 32MHz, 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1615T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.55 | $1.55 |
| 10 | $1.4 | $14.00 |
| 100 | $1.25 | $125.00 |
| 500 | $1.12 | $560.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.01 | $1,010.00 |
PIC16LF1615T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, low-power computing device integrating a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), peripherals (ADC, timers, communication interfaces), and clock generation on a single silicon die. MCUs belong to the broader category of embedded microcontrollers, sitting below microprocessors (MPUs) in system-on-chip hierarchy and powering applications where deterministic, low-power, real-time control is required. The PIC® XLP™ (eXtreme Low Power) family extends this hierarchy by targeting battery-operated and energy-harvesting designs.
Key features include the XLP™ ultra-low-power technology enabling sub-µA sleep currents, hardware math accelerator (MathACL) for 16-bit arithmetic without CPU overhead, Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) for custom combinational/sequential logic, and integrated peripherals such as zero-cross detect (ZCD) and complementary waveform generator (CWG). The 32 MHz core delivers 8 MIPS of throughput, while C compiler-friendly Harvard architecture and the MPLAB® X IDE + MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC) toolchain simplify firmware development.
The architecture is based on the enhanced mid-range PIC® core with a 14-bit instruction word and hardware stack. Program execution is deterministic with a fixed instruction cycle, supporting low-latency interrupt response needed in real-time control loops. The device integrates 1024 bytes of EEPROM for non-volatile data storage, supporting endurance typically above 100k cycles.
Typical applications include small appliance control, LED lighting ballasts, fan and pump control, sensor signal conditioning nodes, and low-power IoT sensor edge nodes. Its combination of 14 KB Flash and a rich analog/digital peripheral set makes it a fit for designs consolidating discrete logic into one MCU.
When designing with the PIC16LF1615T-I/ML, ensure input supply decoupling (≥100 nF + ≥1 µF bulk) is placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin. The exposed thermal pad (EP) of the QFN package must be soldered to a continuous ground plane to meet thermal and electrical performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, application-specific design notes, and parametric comparisons not bundled in the Microchip datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1615T-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 PIC16LF1615T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, I/O Pins, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1615T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.07 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1559T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1554T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.79 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF15356-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1516T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF15354T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1615T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC® enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 1024 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Communication | UART, SPI, I²C |
| Low-Power Technology | XLP™ (eXtreme Low Power) |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| MSL Level | 1 (per Heisener/JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF1615T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port A bit 5) |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port A bit 4) |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port A bit 3) / MCLR alternate |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port C bit 5) |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port C bit 4) |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port C bit 3) |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port C bit 2) |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port C bit 1) |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port C bit 0) |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port A bit 2) |
| Pin 12 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port A bit 1) / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port A bit 0) / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 15 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port A bit 7) / OSC1 |
| Pin 16 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O / I/O (Port A bit 6) / OSC2 |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - solder to ground plane |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1615T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Small Appliance Control, LED Lighting Ballast / Driver Control, Fan / Pump Motor Control, Sensor Edge Node / IoT Terminal, Battery Charger Supervisory MCU, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
Small Appliance Control
The PIC16LF1615T-I/ML fits small appliance control boards due to its 32 MHz core providing 8 MIPS, 14 KB Flash, and XLP™ sub-µA sleep current. For a coffee maker or kettle controller, it reads temperature via the 10-bit ADC, drives a triac/relay via PWM, and supervises safety timers. Compared to a discrete logic-only design, consolidating logic into this MCU saves PCB area. The 1.8 V-3.6 V VDD range is ideal for direct Li-ion or 2×AA battery operation. Its 12 I/O pins are sufficient for keypad input, LED indicators, and the main load.
Recommended
LED Lighting Ballast / Driver Control
The PIC16LF1615T-I/ML suits LED lighting ballasts through its integrated CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator), 10-bit ADC, and ZCD (Zero-Cross Detect) peripherals, which together implement dimmable constant-current LED drivers without external PWM ICs. With 14 KB Flash and 32 MHz core, it can run a DALI or 0-10 V dimming protocol stack and a thermal-folding algorithm. The XLP™ sleep mode drops to sub-µA when standby, critical for emergency-lighting battery backup. Compared to a dedicated LED driver IC, this approach adds programmability but requires firmware.
Recommended
Fan / Pump Motor Control
The PIC16LF1615T-I/ML handles single-phase brushless DC fan or small pump control with its 32 MHz core (8 MIPS), hardware 16-bit MathACL for closed-loop RPM math, and PWM + CWG peripherals for synchronous rectification. With 14 KB Flash it can store PID loop coefficients, fault logs, and a small protocol stack (I²C/UART) for external supervision. The XLP™ sleep current is critical for battery-backed pump alarms. Its 1.8 V-3.6 V range directly supports 2×AA or Li-ion battery inputs. Use the Configurable Logic Cell to debounce Hall-sensor inputs in firmware-free logic.
Recommended
Sensor Edge Node / IoT Terminal
The PIC16LF1615T-I/ML is a strong fit for battery-powered IoT sensor edge nodes thanks to its XLP™ sub-µA sleep current, 32 MHz active processing, and 14 KB Flash. For a temperature/humidity sensor node reporting every 60 s via a sub-GHz or LoRaWAN module, the MCU spends most of its time in sleep and wakes the radio only on transmission. Its 1.8 V-3.6 V VDD directly supports coin-cell or Li-ion batteries. The 10-bit ADC handles sensor digitization at 0.5 °C resolution. The CLC peripheral can implement glue logic for the radio without external gates.
Recommended
Battery Charger Supervisory MCU
The PIC16LF1615T-I/ML fits handheld battery charger supervisory roles with its 10-bit ADC for V/I monitoring and 14 KB Flash for CC/CV algorithm state machines. With 32 MHz core, it can sample at 1 kHz and run PID-style charge regulation. The 1.8 V-3.6 V VDD range is ideal for single-cell Li-ion chargers with NTC thermistor safety monitoring. The CLC peripheral can implement protection logic (over-voltage, over-temperature) in parallel with firmware, ensuring fail-safe behavior. Its 1024-byte EEPROM stores charge-profile parameters and tamper counters.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LF1615T-I/ML supports industrial sensor signal conditioning nodes: thermocouple/RTD linearization, 4-20 mA loop transmitter emulation, or strain-gauge bridge excitation. With its 10-bit ADC, 14 KB Flash for lookup tables, and 32 MHz core for floating-point math emulation, it can convert raw ADC readings into calibrated engineering units (°C, psi, N). The hardware CLC peripheral can debounce noisy digital inputs without firmware polling. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range ensures reliable operation in factory-floor enclosures. UART/SPI enables communication with downstream PLCs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1615T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1615T-I/ML | PIC16LF1559T-I/ML | PIC16LF1554T-I/ML | PIC16LF15356-I/MV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 16-QFN (4x4) | 16-QFN (4x4) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) - same | 16-QFN (4x4) - same |
| Program Memory | 14 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash (-50%) | 28 KB Flash (+100%) |
| Data RAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B (-50%) | 2 KB (+100%) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (+28%) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz (8 MIPS) | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Functional Safety (FuSa) | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Unit Price (Qty 1) | $1.55 | $1.65 | $1.45 | $1.20 | $1.85 |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage (1.8 V) VDD operation for battery-powered designs (vs PIC16F1615T-I/ML)
- 14 KB Flash with same-family upgrade path (vs PIC16LF1554T-I/ML)
- XLP™ sub-µA sleep current for energy-harvesting nodes (vs PIC16LF1516T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place the decoupling capacitor (≥100 nF X7R ceramic in 0402 or 0603) within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a ≥1 µF bulk cap on the same rail. The exposed thermal pad (EP) of the 16-QFN package MUST be soldered to a continuous ground plane with thermal vias for heat spreading; otherwise thermal resistance rises and RF emissions may increase. Keep analog signal traces short and isolated from switching signals to maintain 10-bit ADC accuracy.
For XLP™ sleep-current design, set all unused I/O pins to outputs driven low and disable unused peripherals via the PMD (Peripheral Module Disable) registers. Use Sleep mode with WDT disabled to reach sub-µA. Wake sources are INT pin, WDT timeout, or peripheral interrupt. For 32 MHz active operation, ensure VDD stays above 1.8 V (per datasheet electrical characteristics); brown-out at 1.8 V may corrupt Flash. Enable BOR via configuration bits for reliable boot-up.
Route the ICSP pins (ICSPDAT = RA0, ICSPCLK = RA1) to an in-circuit programming header or test pad so that firmware can be updated after PCB assembly. The MCLR pin (RA3 alternate) must have a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD for normal operation and a diode clamp to VDD for in-circuit programming isolation. Use a 4-layer stack-up with a dedicated ground plane to minimize EMI; ground pours on the top layer also help the EP function as a thermal path.
Common pitfalls with the PIC16LF1615T-I/ML: (1) Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD - the LF variant is a low-voltage part and latch-up occurs above the absolute maximum; choose the F variant if 5 V is required. (2) Ensure the configuration bits select the correct oscillator source - default is INTOSC at 32 MHz, but for low-power applications the 31 kHz LFINTOSC may be preferred. (3) When migrating from PIC16F1615 to PIC16LF1615, check that any 5 V-rail peripherals have a level shifter; the LF I/O is 3.3 V CMOS.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40 to +85 °C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose a Q100-grade variant (e.g., PIC16F1615T-I/ML automotive) for automotive applications.
