PIC16LF1779-E/P - 8-Bit MCU, 28KB Flash, 32MHz, 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF1779-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.5 | $3.50 |
| 10 | $3.2 | $32.00 |
| 100 | $2.85 | $285.00 |
| 500 | $2.55 | $1,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.3 | $2,300.00 |
PIC16LF1779-E/P Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor that executes one instruction per clock cycle (most instructions) and integrates Flash, RAM, EEPROM, peripherals, and I/O onto a single die. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC MCUs sit under Microcontrollers -> Integrated Circuits -> Semiconductors; the PIC16F sub-family targets cost-sensitive 8-bit general-purpose and mixed-signal applications. The PIC16LF1779 in particular adds high-performance analog peripherals (10-bit ADC with computation, DACs, op-amps, comparators) suited to power-conversion, lighting, and motor-control loops.
Key features include four 10-bit PWM outputs with complementary/timer modes, multiple USART, SPI and I2C interfaces, configurable logic cells (CLC), numerical controlled oscillators (NCO), and zero-cross detection. The device supports up to 36 I/O pins, three 16-bit timers, and an on-chip 32 MHz internal oscillator with PLL. Its CMOS design with XLP technology typically yields standby currents in the microamp range, enabling battery-powered designs.
Typical applications include LED lighting and drivers, switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), battery chargers, DC-DC and power-factor correction converters, BLDC and stepper motor control, and general-purpose mixed-signal embedded platforms. Compared with discrete analog implementations, the PIC16LF1779 reduces BOM and PCB area while providing configurable firmware-driven control loops.
When designing with this part, ensure decoupling capacitors are placed close to VDD pins and use the internal oscillator with PLL if precise timing is required. The 40-pin PDIP package simplifies prototyping and rework on through-hole boards but consumes more board area than surface-mount alternatives.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, verified cross-reference options, and PCB-level design guidance that goes beyond the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select and source the PIC16LF1779-E/P with confidence.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF1779-E/P — 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 PIC16LF1779-E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF1779-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.11 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1779-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1519-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1519-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F45K22-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1567-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1779-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC XLP 16F Series |
| Program Memory Size | 28 KB (16K x 14 words) Flash |
| RAM Size | 2 KB (2048 bytes) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| I/O Pins | Up to 36 |
| Timers | 3 x 16-bit |
| PWM Outputs | 4 x 10-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | USART, SPI, I2C |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600 inch, 15.24 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole) |
PIC16LF1779-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — Input only / Master Clear (reset) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0/C1IN0+ — PORTA0 / Analog input 0 / Comparator 1 input |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1/C1IN1- — PORTA1 / Analog input 1 / Comparator 1 input |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/C1IN0-/DAC1OUT1 — PORTA2 / Analog input 2 / DAC1 output |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/C1IN1+ — PORTA3 / Analog input 3 / Comparator 1 input |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/C1OUT — PORTA4 / Analog input 4 / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/C2IN1+ — PORTA5 / Analog input 5 / Comparator 2 input |
| Pin 8 | RE0/AN6 — PORTE0 / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/AN7 — PORTE1 / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/AN8 — PORTE2 / Analog input 8 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — PORTA7 / Oscillator input |
| Pin 14 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — PORTA6 / Oscillator output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/SOSCO — PORTC0 / Secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 16 | RC1/SOSCI — PORTC1 / Secondary oscillator input |
| Pin 17 | RC2/AN11 — PORTC2 / Analog input 11 |
| Pin 18 | RC3/AN12 — PORTC3 / Analog input 12 |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — PORTD0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — PORTD1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — PORTD2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — PORTD3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — PORTC4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — PORTC5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — PORTC6 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — PORTC7 |
| Pin 27 | RD4 — PORTD4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5 — PORTD5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6 — PORTD6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7 — PORTD7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB0/AN12/CCP4 — PORTB0 / Analog input 12 / CCP4 |
| Pin 34 | RB1/AN10/C1IN3- — PORTB1 / Analog input 10 / Comparator input |
| Pin 35 | RB2/AN8-/C1IN2- — PORTB2 / Analog input 8- / Comparator input |
| Pin 36 | RB3/AN9/C1IN2+ — PORTB3 / Analog input 9 / Comparator input |
| Pin 37 | RB4/AN11 — PORTB4 / Analog input 11 |
| Pin 38 | RB5/AN13 — PORTB5 / Analog input 13 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB6 / In-Circuit Serial Programming clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB7 / In-Circuit Serial Programming data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF1779-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Control, LED Lighting and Drivers, Battery Charging and Power Management, BLDC and Stepper Motor Control, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Automotive Body Electronics.
Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Control
The PIC16LF1779-E/P suits SMPS primary-side and secondary-side control loops. Its 4-channel 10-bit PWM with complementary outputs and configurable dead-band drives MOSFET half-bridges directly, while the integrated op-amps (3 available) condition current-sense signals from the shunt without an external amplifier. The 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2) performs hardware-averaged oversampling for input voltage and output current telemetry. The 32 MHz core delivers the MIPS headroom for peak-current-mode control firmware, and the 1.8-3.6 V supply matches 3.3 V auxiliary rails. Compared with discrete analog PWM controllers, the 1779 replaces the controller IC plus op-amps with one MCU, reducing BOM and enabling firmware-driven topology changes (buck / boost / flyback) on the same hardware.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Drivers
The PIC16LF1779-E/P targets commercial and industrial LED lighting applications. Its 4 PWM channels with 10-bit resolution deliver smooth dimming down to <0.1% duty cycle without flicker; the integrated op-amps sense LED string current via high-side or low-side shunts, and the zero-cross detect (ZCD) peripheral simplifies TRIAC-dimmable retrofit lamp designs. The CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) peripherals implement hardware debouncing and timing logic for capacitive-touch dimming interfaces, freeing the CPU for comms tasks. With 28 KB Flash and 2 KB RAM, the device supports DALI, 0-10 V, and DMX512 lighting protocols in a single chip. The 40-pin PDIP package simplifies through-hole prototyping for luminaire modules.
Recommended
Battery Charging and Power Management
The PIC16LF1779-E/P integrates the analog front-end and control logic required for Li-ion, lead-acid, and NiMH chargers. Its built-in 5-bit DAC sets programmable charge-current references, while the op-amps amplify shunt-voltage drops across current-sense resistors at the battery terminal. The ADC with computation supports Coulomb-counting firmware for state-of-charge estimation. Operating from 1.8-3.6 V, the part can be powered directly from a single Li-ion cell, simplifying portable charger designs. Compared with dedicated charger ICs, the 1779 enables USB-PD and proprietary charging profiles via firmware updates without hardware revision.
Recommended
BLDC and Stepper Motor Control
The PIC16LF1779-E/P drives small BLDC and stepper motors in appliance, fan, and pump applications. Its 4 complementary PWM pairs with programmable dead-time generate the 6-step commutation signals for 3-phase BLDC motors, while the integrated op-amps amplify back-EMF sensing on the un-energized phase for sensorless control. The 32 MHz instruction rate executes Field-Oriented Control (FOC) or trapezoidal commutation firmware with cycle times under 50 us. The 10-bit ADC samples phase currents at the PWM midpoint for accurate torque estimation. With 36 I/O pins, the device can simultaneously control the motor, read Hall sensors or quadrature encoders, and drive indicator LEDs - all from a single MCU in a 40-pin DIP for easy prototyping.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16LF1779-E/P serves as a smart sensor conditioner for industrial 4-20 mA loops, RTDs, and bridge sensors. Its op-amps provide gain stages for strain-gauge or load-cell bridges, while the 10-bit ADC with computation delivers hardware-averaged readings. The USART, SPI, and I2C peripherals communicate with host PLCs or remote IO-Link masters. The CLC blocks implement window-comparator logic for sensor-fault detection without CPU intervention, reducing firmware load. Operating from -40C to +125C, the device withstands factory-floor temperature swings, and the 1.8-3.6 V supply is compatible with 3.3 V industrial backplanes.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LF1779-E/P (E temp grade -40C to +125C) fits non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, and HVAC blend-door actuators. Its PWM outputs drive small DC motors and LED strings, while the ADC reads potentiometers and temperature sensors. The CLC peripherals debounce mechanical switches and implement hardware timing for relay drivers, offloading the CPU. While not AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive projects requiring that grade should consider PIC16F1779-E/P variants with Q1 suffix or dsPIC33 automotive parts), the E temp grade makes the 1779-E/P usable in cabin-electronics environments below the AEC-Q100 threshold.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF1779-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF1779-I/P | PIC16F1779-E/P | PIC16LF1519-I/P | PIC16LF1519-E/P | PIC18F45K22-E/P | PIC16LF1567-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-pin PDIP | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 28 KB | 28 KB | 28 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB | 1.5 KB | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 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 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 64 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Integrated Op-Amps | Yes (3) | Yes (3) | Yes (3) | No | No | No | No |
| PWM Channels | 4 x 10-bit | 4 x 10-bit | 4 x 10-bit | 2 x 10-bit | 2 x 10-bit | 2 x 10-bit (CCP) | 16 x 10-bit (LED driver) |
| CLC / NCO Peripherals | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated analog peripherals (3 op-amps, DACs, comparators) (vs PIC16LF1519-I/P)
- Higher PWM channel count with 10-bit resolution (vs PIC16LF1519-I/P)
- XLP eXtreme Low Power technology with nA-range sleep currents (vs PIC18F45K22-E/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 32 MHz and 3.3 V VDD, the PIC16LF1779-E/P core draws approximately 7 mA. Add 1-2 mA for active peripherals (ADC + op-amps + PWM). For battery-powered designs, use the XLP sleep modes (DOZE, IDLE, SLEEP) - the typical sleep current is in the nA range. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to each VDD pin (pins 11 and 32) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic at the board supply entry.
The 40-pin PDIP package simplifies through-hole prototyping but consumes approximately 1 square inch of board area. When laying out the PCB, keep analog traces (ADC inputs, op-amp inputs) away from PWM switching traces to avoid capacitive coupling. Use a ground plane on the bottom layer and route analog and digital returns separately back to the VSS pins (12 and 31). Place the ICSP header (RB6/RB7) at the board edge for programming access without removing the MCU.
For ADC measurements to achieve the full 10-bit resolution, the analog supply must be clean. Add a ferrite bead between VDD and AVDD (if separated) and place 100 nF + 10 uF capacitors on AVDD. Use the ADC's computation mode (ADC2) with hardware averaging to reduce noise. For op-amp circuits, keep feedback components within 5 mm of the inverting input pin and use a ground pour under the feedback network to minimize stray capacitance.
Do not apply more than 3.6 V to any pin on the LF variant - the PIC16LF1779-E/P is NOT 5V tolerant. For designs requiring 5V tolerance, choose the PIC16F1779-E/P (1.8-5.5V) instead. The MCLR pin (RE3) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; leaving it floating causes intermittent resets. Configuration words must be programmed before the first instruction fetch; use MPLAB X IDE to generate the .cfg file matching your oscillator, watchdog, and code-protection settings.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety applications consider AEC-Q100-qualified dsPIC33EP variants. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.
