PIC16LF1704-E/SL - 8-bit MCU, 4KB Flash, 32MHz, 14-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1704-E/SL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.45 | $1.45 |
| 10 | $1.28 | $12.80 |
| 100 | $1.1 | $110.00 |
| 500 | $0.95 | $475.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.82 | $820.00 |
PIC16LF1704-E/SL Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip processor with an 8-bit data path, on-chip Flash program memory, RAM, peripherals and a CPU optimised for byte-oriented control tasks. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, PIC microcontrollers sit under microcontrollers, which are a subcategory of microprocessors and ultimately integrated circuits. The 'LF' prefix in PIC16LF1654-style part numbers designates low-voltage operation (down to 1.8V), which is critical for battery-powered designs.
Key features include 7KB total Flash (4K x 14 words), 512B RAM, 10-bit ADC, an 8-bit DAC, two operational amplifiers, a high-speed comparator, and an Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (EUSART) plus Master I2C and SPI interfaces. According to the Microchip product page, the XLP technology achieves nanoWatt standby currents that make the part attractive for energy-harvesting and battery-backed sensor nodes.
The architecture is built around the enhanced mid-range 16F core with a hardware multiplier and 49 instructions, providing deterministic interrupt latency and a small code footprint. The 32MHz internal oscillator combined with the analog peripherals enables single-chip sensor-conditioning loops without external op-amps or ADC drivers.
Typical applications include IoT sensor nodes, LED lighting control, smoke and CO detectors, low-power remote controls, white goods sensor interfaces, and battery chargers with charge-state indication. The wide temperature range also qualifies it for under-hood automotive modules and industrial HVAC controls.
The PIC16LF1704-E/SL is supported by MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB Code Configurator, and the XC8 compiler, providing free toolchain access from prototype through production. When designing, leave adequate decoupling (100nF plus 10uF bulk) within 5mm of VDD and AVSS pins, and respect the absolute maximum ratings for VDD to avoid latch-up.
This page synthesizes real-time distributor stock, parametric drop-in alternatives and practical design notes that go beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides for the PIC16LF1704-E/SL.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1704-E/SL — 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 PIC16LF1704-E/SL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Comparators, Operating Temperature, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1704-I/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.97 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1704-I/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1704-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1703-I/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1503-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1704-E/SL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F170x/171x |
| Core | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 512 B |
| Max CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| DAC | 8-bit |
| Operational Amplifiers | 2 x on-chip |
| Comparators | High-speed comparator |
| EUSART | 1 |
| I2C | 1 (Master) |
| SPI | 1 |
| I/O Pins | 12 (approx., 14-pin SOIC) |
| Package | 14-SOIC (SL) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E = extended) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1704-E/SL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — General-purpose I/O / DAC output reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR — General-purpose I/O / Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 12 | RA2 — General-purpose I/O |
| Pin 13 | RA1/ICSPCLK — General-purpose I/O / ICSP clock programming |
| Pin 14 | RA0/ICSPDAT — General-purpose I/O / ICSP data programming |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1704-E/SL is suitable for 7 applications: IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting Control, Smoke and CO Detectors, Low-Power Remote Controls, White Goods Sensor Interface, Battery Chargers with State-of-Charge Indication, Automotive Sensor Modules.
IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1704-E/SL is a strong fit for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its 1.8V-3.6V LF silicon combined with XLP nanoWatt sleep enables multi-year lifetimes on CR2032 cells. The on-chip 10-bit ADC, two op-amps and comparator let the MCU directly condition a thermistor, photodiode or gas-sensor bridge without external analog ICs, shrinking BOM cost. The 32MHz core handles 8.12kSps ADC oversampling for noise reduction while sleeping the rest of the time. EUSART plus Master I2C connect to radios like the MRF24J40 or sensors over I2C, and the 14-SOIC package keeps the node under 10x10mm. Recommended companions include a Sub-GHz transceiver and a Li coin cell.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
The PIC16LF1704-E/SL drives constant-current LED strings via PWM and on-chip op-amps used as transconductance stages. Its 8-bit DAC sets dimming targets while the comparator watches overcurrent faults without external circuitry. The 32MHz core generates clean PWM at 16kHz above audible band, and LF silicon accepts 2-3 AA cells directly. Integrated EUSART supports DMX512 or DALI-like protocols after bit-banging, keeping the BOM under $1 for decorative lighting. The wide temperature grade suits enclosed luminaires up to 85C ambient. Place a 100nF X7R decoupling cap within 5mm of VDD for clean switching.
Recommended
Smoke and CO Detectors
The PIC16LF1704-E/SL is well-matched to smoke/CO detector photoelectric chambers because its analog peripherals directly handle the IR photodiode bridge. Two on-chip op-amps condition the photo-sensor signal while the high-speed comparator triggers on smoke-scatter thresholds, all without external components. The 7KB Flash stores self-test algorithms and UL 268 calibration tables, while 512B RAM buffers alarm hysteresis state. The -40C to +125C grade covers attic and basement installations. LF operation extends 9V battery life past five years, satisfying UL 217 standby requirements. Recommended companions include a piezo buzzer driver and a low-battery indicator LDO.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Controls
The PIC16LF1704-E/SL powers IR/RF remote controls with its LF nanoWatt sleep current under 50nA, extending AAA battery life to multiple years. The 32MHz core generates 38kHz IR carrier with hardware PWM precision, while the 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage through an internal divider for low-battery alerts. The 14-SOIC package fits within slim remote enclosures under 8mm thickness. EUSART supports 2-way RF links with companion transceivers for advanced remotes. Recommended companions include an IR LED driver transistor and a low-dropout 3V regulator.
Recommended
White Goods Sensor Interface
The PIC16LF1704-E/SL serves as the sensor-conditioning MCU in washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators, where its extended temperature range handles under-cabinet heat. Two on-chip op-amps amplify NTC thermistor signals for water temperature control, while the 8-bit DAC drives triac firing angles on heater elements. The 10-bit ADC reads turbidity, level and motor current sensors through sequenced scans. EUSART connects to the main appliance controller over RS-485, while Master I2C reads EEPROM calibration data. The 7KB Flash holds IEC 60730 Class B self-test firmware required for safety compliance. Recommended companions include an EEPROM and a triac driver.
Recommended
Battery Chargers with State-of-Charge Indication
The PIC16LF1704-E/SL provides charge-control plus state-of-charge indication in single-cell Li-ion or NiMH chargers. Its on-chip op-amps sense charge and discharge currents across a low-side shunt, while the 10-bit ADC performs coulomb counting to estimate remaining capacity. The 8-bit DAC sets CV/CC charge profile references, eliminating external DAC chips. Master I2C drives a small OLED or LED bar-graph for SOC display, and EUSART outputs telemetry for USB-charging docks. LF silicon runs directly from USB 5V through a 3.3V LDO with no efficiency loss. Recommended companions include a charge MOSFET and a USB input LDO.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Modules
The PIC16LF1704-E/SL's -40C to +125C extended grade makes it acceptable for cabin and body-electronics sensor modules such as rain-light tunnel sensors and seat-occupancy detection. Its 1.8V-3.6V LF range lets it run from a 3.3V LDO fed off the 12V battery rail, while EUSART and Master I2C connect to the body-control module over LIN transceivers. Two op-amps and the on-chip comparator handle photoelectric or capacitive sensor conditioning without external components. Note that AEC-Q100 Grade 0 is NOT qualified; for under-hood applications select an AEC-Q100 qualified MCU. The 14-SOIC package withstands conformal coating and vibration typical of automotive assemblies.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1704-E/SL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1704-I/SL | PIC16LF1704-I/SL | PIC16LF1704-E/ML | PIC16LF1703-I/SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 14-SOIC (SL) | 14-SOIC (SL) - same | 14-SOIC (SL) - same | 16-QFN (ML) - same die | 14-SOIC (SL) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| VDD Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.3 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 3.5 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B (-50%) |
| Op-Amps On-Chip | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DAC | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip dual op-amp plus comparator eliminating external analog ICs (vs PIC16LF1503-I/MV)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade in the same 14-SOIC (vs PIC16LF1704-I/SL)
- Low-voltage LF silicon with 1.8V minimum on BV operation (vs PIC16F1704-I/SL)
- 7KB Flash doubles the PIC16LF1703-I/SL's program memory (vs PIC16LF1703-I/SL)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 11) and a 10uF bulk capacitor on the same rail, following the Microchip PIC16F170x/171x datasheet power-supply layout recommendation. For battery applications, leave a small (4.7uF) bulk reservoir on VDD to handle EUSART transmission current spikes; this prevents SART-induced brown-outs that can corrupt register state. The LF silicon's 1.8V minimum implies that a fully discharged Li coin cell below 1.8V will trigger BOR (Brown-Out Reset); design battery monitoring accordingly.
At the maximum operating frequency of 32MHz with all peripherals active, the PIC16LF1704-E/SL draws approximately 4-6 mA, dissipating well under 25 mW in the 14-SOIC package. Thermal rise above ambient is therefore negligible (<2C with a 100x4J signal-plane copper pour). However, in the -40C to +125C extended grade, validate that nearby power components (LDO, passives) do not push the local ambient past 85C in fully enclosed designs. For under-hood automotive use, select the AEC-Q100 qualified MCU instead, since this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
Route the ICSP programming signals (ICSPCLK on RA1 and ICSPDAT on RA0) with traces shorter than 50mm and avoid running them parallel to switching signals; this keeps in-circuit programming noise-free. Place the MCLR pull-up (typically 10k ohm) close to pin 3 and add a 100nF cap to ground for noise immunity. Per Microchip's PinPack compatibility chart, the 14-SOIC footprint supports programming on most PICkit and MPLAB Snap debuggers without isolation circuits.
Do not assume the LF silicon can tolerate 5V on VDD - absolute maximum VDD is 4.0V; a 5V rail requires the F-silicon PIC16F1704 variant instead. When migrating firmware from PIC16F1704 to PIC16LF1704, re-validate BOR and ADC reference voltages, since LF silicon uses different voltage thresholds. Avoid leaving unused comparator or op-amp inputs floating; per datasheet, unused analog inputs should be tied to VSS or VDD to prevent shoot-through current that can wake the MCU unexpectedly from sleep.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select an automotive-qualified PIC16 variant for under-hood applications. Halogen-free and lead-free per Microchip packaging specifications.
