PIC16LF1704-I/ML - 8-Bit 32MHz MCU, 7KB Flash, 16-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1704-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.32 | $1.32 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $0.95 | $95.00 |
| 500 | $0.82 | $410.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.71 | $710.00 |
PIC16LF1704-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus and a Harvard or modified-Harvard core that executes one byte per instruction cycle. MCUs sit in the embedded-system hierarchy as follows: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC, and PIC16 devices specifically belong to the eXtreme Low Power (XLP) PIC16 family optimised for battery applications where every microamp of quiescent current matters. The 'LF' prefix in PIC16LF1704 indicates a wide-voltage core (1.8 V to 3.6 V) tuned for low power; the 'F' family member without 'L' supports higher voltages but draws more current at the same clock.
Key features include a 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2), an 8-bit DAC, two operational amplifiers, two comparators with a 5-bit DAC, two PWM modules with CCP, zero-cross detection (ZCD), configurable logic cells (CLC), peripheral pin select (PPS), and serial interfaces including I2C, SPI, and EUSART. The CLC block is the most distinctive feature because it allows combinational and sequential logic to be implemented in hardware without CPU intervention, which removes software latency from timing-critical signal paths and lowers overall power consumption.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF1704 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with a 14-bit instruction word and a hardware stack, complemented by the intelligent analog subsystem that integrates the ADC, DAC, op amps, and comparators on a single die. The 32 MHz operation supports 125 ns minimum instruction cycle, which is enough headroom for digital control loops while leaving the CPU mostly idle for sleep-mode current-sensitive designs. The 4x4 mm QFN package exposes a thermal pad that doubles as the device ground, making PCB layout decisions important for both EMI and thermal performance.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, smoke and CO detectors with analog signal conditioning, battery-powered LED lighting controllers with dimming, consumer appliances with capacitive touch, and small motor-control boards that need a single MCU for both logic and analog front-end. In each case the integrated op amps and comparators eliminate external analog ICs.
When designing with the PIC16LF1704-I/ML, keep VDD between 1.8 V and 3.6 V, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each VDD pin, and connect the exposed pad directly to the ground plane for both thermal dissipation and low-impedance return. Programming requires ICSP via PGC/PGD or the newer MPLAB Snap with a High-Speed USB 2.0 interface.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, and design notes for engineers selecting the PIC16LF1704-I/ML, extending the manufacturer datasheet with practical selection guidance not available elsewhere.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1704-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 PIC16LF1704-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Comparators, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1704T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1704-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1703-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1554-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF15344-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1454-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1704-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Family | PIC16LF17xx (PIC XLP eXtreme Low Power) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes (not present) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels, with computation (ADC2) |
| DAC | 8-bit, 1 channel |
| Op Amps | 2 on-chip |
| Comparators | 2 with 5-bit DAC reference |
| PWM / CCP | 2 PWM, 2 CCP |
| Zero-Cross Detection (ZCD) | Yes, 1 module |
| Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) | Yes |
| Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) | Yes |
| Serial Interfaces | EUSART, I2C, SPI |
| Package | 16-pin QFN (4x4 x 0.9 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF1704-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) input / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O / analog input / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB7 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RC2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RC3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin EP | Exposed Thermal Pad — Must be soldered to ground for thermal dissipation and electrical performance |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1704-I/ML is suitable for 8 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Smoke and CO Detector Signal Conditioning, LED Lighting Controllers with Dimming, Consumer Appliances with Touch Sensing, Small Brushless DC Motor Control, Low-Cost Industrial Sensor Transmitters, Wearable Fitness and Health Devices, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML fits IoT sensor nodes because its PIC XLP nanoWatt Technology delivers sub-microamp sleep currents and its wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V operating range is compatible with single-cell Li-ion and 2x AA batteries. The integrated 10-bit ADC2, two op amps, and two comparators interface directly with analog sensors (temperature, pressure, gas) without external analog ICs. The CLC block offloads combinational logic from the CPU, allowing the core to remain in sleep for the vast majority of the duty cycle and extending battery life to multi-year horizons.
Recommended
Smoke and CO Detector Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML suits smoke/CO detectors because its on-chip two op amps and two comparators with 5-bit DAC implement a complete analog front-end for photoelectric smoke chambers and electrochemical CO sensors. The 10-bit ADC2 with computation averages multiple samples for noise reduction, while the 8-bit DAC drives the IR LED bias with stable reference. The 1.8 V minimum supply supports battery-backed detectors, and the low sleep current preserves the standby current budget during the multi-year operational life required by UL 217 safety standards.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers with Dimming
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML fits LED lighting controllers because its zero-cross detection (ZCD) module detects AC mains zero crossings directly, eliminating external zero-cross optocouplers and reducing BOM cost. The two CCP/PWM modules generate phase-cut dimming signals for both leading-edge and trailing-edge TRIAC dimmers. The PIC XLP features enable standby power below 100 mW to comply with energy regulations like Energy Star. The integrated op amps provide constant-current feedback loops for accurate LED brightness regulation across temperature.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances with Touch Sensing
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML fits capacitive-touch appliances because its CLC modules implement touch-proximity detection logic in hardware without CPU intervention, reducing response time and software complexity. The mTouch capacitive sensing library from Microchip supports up to 8 touch buttons with the device's 12 I/O pins. The 32 MHz CPU executes the touch firmware with substantial headroom, and the 7 KB Flash holds the complete mTouch plus control stack. The 1.8 V minimum VDD supports 2-cell battery or regulated 3.3 V supply rails.
Recommended
Small Brushless DC Motor Control
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML fits small BLDC motor control because its two PWM modules with CCP generate complementary 6-step commutation patterns for sensorless trapezoidal drive of fans and small pumps. The integrated comparators with 5-bit DAC implement back-EMF zero-cross detection for sensorless rotor position sensing. The 32 MHz CPU executes the commutation loop with adequate timing margin at 24 kHz PWM. The wide voltage range supports both 3.3 V logic and direct 2x AA/AAA battery motor drive scenarios.
Recommended
Low-Cost Industrial Sensor Transmitters
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML fits 4-20 mA industrial sensor transmitters because its 10-bit ADC2 with computation digitises bridge sensors and thermocouples with hardware averaging, while the 8-bit DAC sets the 4-20 mA loop current via an external op amp. The EUSART outputs HART or Modbus RTU protocols for industrial networking. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers most process-control environments. The integrated op amps drive the loop-current regulator, eliminating external analog stages and reducing total BOM cost below $5.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness and Health Devices
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML fits wearable health devices because its 1.8 V minimum supply supports coin-cell batteries (CR2032) commonly used in fitness bands, and its PIC XLP sleep currents extend battery life to multi-month horizons. The integrated 10-bit ADC2 reads heart-rate and SpO2 photoplethysmography (PPG) signals with hardware oversampling. The I2C interface connects to low-power accelerometers and BLE modules. The 16-QFN 4x4 mm footprint fits inside space-constrained wearable enclosures.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML fits non-safety automotive body electronics like seat controllers, ambient lighting, and accessory timers because its industrial -40C to +85C range covers cabin environments. The CLC and PPS features simplify PCB routing for the complex wiring harnesses typical of body electronics. The 32 MHz CPU supports CAN-capable firmware via external transceivers. Note: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical applications such as airbag or ABS, choose PIC16LF1704-E/ML extended-temperature variant or a Q-qualified alternative.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1704-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1704T-I/ML | PIC16LF1704-E/ML | PIC16LF1703-I/ML | PIC16LF1554-I/ML | PIC16LF15344-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| 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 |
| Core | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range | PIC16 8-bit enhanced mid-range | PIC16 enhanced mid-range (newer gen) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) -50% | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 512 bytes | 256 bytes -50% | 512 bytes | 512 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Op Amps / Comparators / DAC | 2 op amps / 2 comp / 8-bit DAC | 2 op amps / 2 comp / 8-bit DAC | 2 op amps / 2 comp / 8-bit DAC | 1 op amp / 2 comp / 5-bit DAC | 0 op amps / 2 comp / 2x 10-bit DAC | 0 op amps / 2 comp / 5-bit DAC |
| CLC / PPS / ZCD | CLC yes / PPS yes / ZCD yes | CLC yes / PPS yes / ZCD yes | CLC yes / PPS yes / ZCD yes | CLC no / PPS yes / ZCD no | CLC no / PPS yes / ZCD no | CLC no / PPS yes / no |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Highest analog integration in 16-QFN with CLC, PPS, and ZCD (vs PIC16LF1554-I/ML)
- Full 7 KB Flash and 512 B SRAM in 16-QFN footprint (vs PIC16LF1703-I/ML)
- Extended temperature variant available in same 16-QFN footprint (vs PIC16LF1704T-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML is rated 1.8 V to 3.6 V; applying 5 V from a USB or industrial rail will permanently damage the part. Add a 3.3 V LDO such as MCP1700 between the 5 V source and VDD for protection. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 7) plus a 1 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. For battery applications, MCP1640 boost converter is recommended to step up 2x AA alkalines to a stable 3.3 V rail. Estimated: at 32 MHz active and 3.3 V VDD, typical IDD is approximately 5 mA per the datasheet DC characteristics table.
The 16-QFN (4x4 mm) package requires careful PCB layout because the exposed thermal pad (EP) is the primary ground connection and heat-dissipation path. Per the Microchip QFN PCB design application note, the EP must be soldered to a ground pad with thermal vias (typically 5-9 vias of 0.3 mm diameter) for heat transfer. Route all signals on outer layers with a continuous ground pour on the inner layer to maintain the 50-ohm characteristic impedance needed for high-speed EUSART and SPI signals. Estimated: thermal resistance theta_JA for a 16-QFN on a 4-layer 1 oz copper PCB is approximately 40 C/W based on the Microchip QFN thermal model.
Three common pitfalls when designing with the PIC16LF1704-I/ML: (1) Forgetting to disable the weak pull-up on the MCLR/RA5 pin via the OPTION_REG WPUEN bit; floating MCLR can cause spurious resets. (2) Using the internal HFINTOSC oscillator without the OSCTUNE register calibration can shift the baud-rate error by up to +/-2% at 32 MHz, breaking UART communication. (3) Enabling the ADC before the reference voltage is stable causes corrupted first samples; insert a 1 ms delay after ADC ON. For ZCD-based AC line sensing, add a 100 ns RC filter on the ZCD input to reject mains noise transients that could cause false triggering.
For analog performance on the PIC16LF1704-I/ML, isolate the analog signals (ANx pins) from digital traces by routing them on opposite PCB layers or separating with a ground moat. The on-chip op amps have input bias currents in the nA range but are susceptible to PCB leakage; clean the PCB after assembly to remove flux residue. The DAC output should be buffered by one of the on-chip op amps before driving external loads to maintain 8-bit linearity. The CLC and PPS features allow remapping digital peripherals to any I/O, which simplifies layout by letting you route sensitive analog signals to fixed pins while placing digital signals on convenient traces.
The PIC16LF1704-I/ML EUSART and SPI signals should be length-matched within 5 mm if running above 4 MHz to avoid setup/hold violations. Add 22-33 ohm series resistors at the driver outputs to dampen reflections on long traces. The I2C lines require 4.7 kohm pull-ups to VDD for standard mode (100 kHz) and 2.2 kohm for fast mode (400 kHz); weaker pull-ups cause rise-time violations and intermittent communication failures. Estimated: maximum trace length for unterminated EUSART at 115200 baud on FR4 is approximately 150 mm before signal integrity degrades per typical transmission-line rules.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; the PIC16LF1704 family targets industrial and consumer applications, not automotive safety. Lead-free (PbAg) matte-tin finish. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
