PIC16LF628AT-I/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF628AT-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.94 | $2.94 |
| 10 | $2.65 | $26.50 |
| 100 | $2.35 | $235.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
PIC16LF628AT-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The 8-bit PIC16 family is part of Microchip's mid-range RISC architecture, positioned between the baseline PIC10/PIC12 and the enhanced PIC18 families, and serves as a workhorse for cost-sensitive embedded designs across consumer, industrial, and automotive after-market segments.
Key features include a Harvard RISC architecture with 35 single-cycle instructions, an internal 4MHz oscillator (calibrated to ±1%), a hardware USART for serial communication, an analog comparator with two inputs, a capture/compare/PWM module, and nanoWatt Technology for ultra-low-power sleep currents as low as 100nA typical. The 20 MHz instruction rate delivers 5 MIPS of throughput, while 16 I/O pins each support independent weak pull-ups, interrupt-on-change, and digital-only or analog-comparator routing.
The PIC16LF628A silicon integrates a precision 4 MHz internal RC oscillator, removing the need for external crystals in many designs. The on-chip comparator can generate interrupts, trigger timer capture, or wake the device from sleep. Brown-out reset (BOR) and power-on reset (POR) circuitry protect Flash integrity at low supply voltages, while the ICD2/ICD3 debug interface allows in-circuit programming and breakpoint debug through two reserved pins.
Typical applications include remote control transmitters, sensor interface nodes, low-power battery sensor hubs, small appliance controllers, and hobby robotics. Its 2.0V minimum supply also suits single-cell lithium or two-AA-battery products where voltage headroom is constrained.
When designing with this MCU, observe the 2.0V to 5.5V supply range and derate maximum Fosc above 4V (20 MHz @ 4V+; 4 MHz @ 2V). Reserve RA4/T0CKI and RA5/MCLR/VPP pin functions carefully, as they share I/O with programming/debugging functions. The 20-pin SSOP is a 0.65 mm pitch package that requires standard SMT reflow and inspection.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF628AT-I/SS — 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 PIC16LF628AT-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Internal Oscillator, Package, Timers, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF628A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF628AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF628A-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628AT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF627A-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF648A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF628AT-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 224 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (5 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209 in / 5.30 mm body) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz calibrated, software-tunable |
| Communication Peripherals | 1x USART (hardware) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 ECCP module |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| ADC | None (no ADC on PIC16LF628A) |
| Sleep Current | 100 nA typical (nanoWatt) |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, single-cycle |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (software-enabled) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP via RA5/MCLR and RB6/RB7 |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes (BOR) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF628AT-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/CMP1 — Bidirectional I/O / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O (open-drain) / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Input-only / Master Clear (reset) / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O / USART RX / synchronous data |
| Pin 8 | RB2/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O / USART TX / synchronous clock |
| Pin 9 | RB3/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Pin 10 | RB4/PGM — Bidirectional I/O / LVP programming |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator output |
| Pin 16 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (digital) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V-5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF628AT-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control Transmitter, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Small Appliance Controller, Automotive Aftermarket Accessory, Hobby Robotics and Education, LED Lighting Controller.
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16LF628AT-I/SS suits handheld IR/RF remote controls where low cost and low standby power dominate. Its nanoWatt Technology delivers typical sleep currents around 100 nA, allowing CR2032 coin-cell transmitters to ship with years of battery life while waiting for button activity. The 16 I/O pins comfortably drive a 4x4 matrix keypad, the hardware USART supports IR-modulated protocols, and the internal 4 MHz calibrated oscillator eliminates the external ceramic resonator, cutting BOM cost in a 20-pin SSOP that is small enough for thin remote housings. Code fits easily within the 3.5KB Flash for the state machine, button de-bounce, and rolling-code encryption. The LF 2.0V-5.5V range spans a wide Li-ion deployment zone, and the internal comparator with Timer1 can serve as a battery-low detector without an external ADC.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
Wireless sensor nodes running on 2x AA or single-cell Li-coin cells benefit from the PIC16LF628AT-I/SS nanoWatt sleep current near 100 nA and 2.0V-5.5V LF supply range. With the Watchdog Timer disabled in sleep, the MCU consumes almost nothing until the on-chip analog comparator or interrupt-on-change wakes it for a sensor reading. The 3.5KB Flash holds the sensor driver, calibration table, and a lightweight RF protocol. The 20-pin SSOP occupies minimal PCB area, and the internal 4 MHz oscillator saves board space versus a discrete crystal. For periodic wake-and-transmit duty cycles below 1%, battery life easily exceeds 5 years at 2200 mAh. The same comparator plus Timer1 forms an inexpensive sigma-delta ADC for thermistor or moisture-bridge sensors without an external ADC chip.
Recommended
Small Appliance Controller
Small appliances like coffee grinders, blenders, and countertop ovens integrate the PIC16LF628AT-I/SS as a cost-effective control MCU. The 20 MHz instruction rate delivers 5 MIPS throughput, sufficient for 50 Hz mains-zero-cross detection, triac phase-angle dimming, and RPM feedback from a Hall sensor input. The ECCP PWM module drives MOSFET gates for brushed DC motors, the hardware USART provides a service-port debug channel, and the 16 I/O pins route to keypad, LCD, relay drivers, and over-temperature sensors. The 20-pin SSOP is robust for hand-soldered rework at small production scale, and the 2.0V-5.5V supply range accommodates rectified-12V-rail-derived 5V regulators with brown-out margin. Code space is ample for the state machine, look-up tables for heater profiles, and safety interlocks.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessory
Inside automotive aftermarket modules such as alarm sensors, parking aids, and interior LED dimmers, the PIC16LF628AT-I/SS serves as the control MCU in the 20-pin SSOP footprint. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating is acceptable for cabin and trunk applications; for under-hood ECUs consider PIC16F with -40C to +125C. The 5V-tolerant I/O with weak pull-ups interfaces cleanly with opto-isolated automotive buses, and the analog comparator monitors reverse-battery and load-dump events. Code in 3.5KB Flash implements wake-on-CAN-LIN via the comparator, plus PWM for LED current regulation. LF voltage range handles the cranking dip from 6V to 9V, and brown-out reset prevents Flash corruption during load-dump transients when paired with a TVS clamp.
Recommended
Hobby Robotics and Education
Hobby robotics platforms, educational kits, and DIY maker boards have used the PIC16F628A family for over a decade due to its simplicity, low cost, and breadboard-friendly 20-pin PDIP sibling. The PIC16LF628AT-I/SS in 20-pin SSOP serves compact surface-mount designs for line-following robots, simple servo controllers, and sensor-fusion boards. The 5 MIPS performance handles PID loops at 1 kHz update rates for hobby servos, while the ECCP PWM generates precision servo pulses. The USART bridges to Bluetooth or XBee modules for remote telemetry. With 16 I/O pins, it connects to bumper switches, IR range sensors, motor drivers, and status LEDs. Code space accommodates line-following algorithms, and the LF supply range supports LiPo packs down to 2.5V cut-off without regulator overhead.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
Architectural and decorative LED lighting drivers embed the PIC16LF628AT-I/SS for DMX-512-style or analog 0-10V dimming control. The 20 MHz / 5 MIPS core comfortably handles WS2812B bit-banging at 800 kHz, while the ECCP PWM module drives constant-current LED strings up to 10 kHz without flicker. The 16 I/O pins route to multiple LED channels, button inputs, status LEDs, and a UART for protocol reception. The internal 4 MHz oscillator removes external crystal cost, and the 20-pin SSOP fits into slim aluminum-profile housings. LF 2.0V-5.5V operation simplifies designs using 24V-rail buck converters and 3.3V-rail MCU supplies. Code space accommodates color-space conversion, gamma correction tables, and addressable LED protocols for complex scenes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF628AT-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF628A-I/SS | PIC16F628A-I/SS | PIC16F628AT-I/SS | PIC16LF627A-I/P | PIC16LF648A-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin PDIP - different (through-hole) | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB (-50%) | 7 KB (+100%) |
| RAM | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 256 bytes (+14%) |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes (+100%) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (standard) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (standard) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Price (1k qty, USD) | $1.85 | $1.85 (tube) | $1.55 | $1.55 | $1.45 | $2.10 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended low-voltage 2.0V-5.5V operation (vs PIC16F628A-I/SS)
- Internal 4 MHz calibrated oscillator eliminates external crystal (vs PIC16F84A-I/P)
- Double the program memory versus PIC16LF627A (vs PIC16LF627A-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 20 MHz and 5V VDD, the PIC16LF628AT-I/SS draws approximately 11 mA active current. At 32 kHz LF mode with sleep, sleep current drops to roughly 100 nA typical. For battery designs, duty-cycle sleep aggressively: enable WDT only as needed, switch to 31 kHz LF oscillator during sleep, and disable unused peripherals via PCON/CMCON registers. Always include a 100 nF decoupling cap within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output.
RA5/MCLR/VPP is input-only and shared with the reset and ICSP programming voltage. Do not drive RA5 from a low-impedance source during reset, or the device will fail to start. If MCLR is disabled (CONFIG MCLRE = 0), RA5 becomes a general-purpose input. Similarly, RB4 doubles as LVP programming entry - if LVP is enabled, an inadvertent low pulse at power-up can enter programming mode and halt application code. Recommend always enabling HV programming (LVP=OFF) in production firmware.
Place the 20-pin SSOP on a 0.65 mm-pitch land pattern with 0.4 mm-wide pads and a thermal relief spoke pattern. Reserve a 2x3 through-hole programming header footprint (5x1 with 0.1 in pitch) near the MCU for ICSP access during prototyping. Keep the ICSP traces (PGC/PGD) short, away from switching nodes, and use a series 100 ohm resistor on PGC and PGD to dampen ringing during programming. The 20-pin SSOP has a center VDD/VSS pair (pins 14, 5, 19) - use wide ground and power pours to maintain clean return paths.
RA4 is open-drain and requires an external pull-up for high-level output. Avoid using RA4 as a high-speed output or with capacitive loads above 50 pF. For USART communications above 57600 baud, route RX/TX traces over a continuous ground plane and add 22 ohm series resistors at the driver end to dampen reflections. The internal comparator has input leakage near 1 nA - for low-impedance sensors this is negligible, but high-impedance resistive dividers may need buffer amplifiers.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade only; not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive use consider PIC16F628AT-I/SS in automotive-grade lots or PIC16F with -40C to +125C rating.
