PIC16LF648A-I/SO - 8-bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF648A-I/SO ✓ 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 |
PIC16LF648A-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip processor that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one die. The PIC16 family sits in the PIC architecture taxonomy as 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor. The LF subfamily targets low-voltage, low-power applications, while the F variant shares the same peripherals and pinout but supports full 2.0V-5.5V operation. The -I suffix indicates the industrial temperature grade and the SO suffix indicates the 18-pin SOIC wide-body package.
Peripherals include a 16-level hardware stack, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, an enhanced USART with auto-baud detect, an SSP module supporting SPI and I2C (master/slave), capture/compare/PWM modules, and 36 general-purpose digital I/O pins (depending on variant). The enhanced flash memory supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and self-programming for field upgrades.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, industrial sensor interfaces, low-power remote controls, automotive body electronics (under-hood, see Q-grade parts), and small-form-factor IoT edge nodes that benefit from <1uA sleep current. The part's interrupt-driven design and flexible oscillator options (internal 4MHz/8MHz RC or external crystal) suit both cost-sensitive and timing-critical designs.
When designing with the PIC16LF648A-I/SO, place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to VDD/VSS pins, and ensure MCLR is properly decoupled to avoid spurious resets. The ICSP programming pins (RB6/RB7) must be accessible on the final PCB to enable firmware updates. For robust firmware, the configuration bits should be set early in development to lock oscillator, watchdog, and code-protect options.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF648A-I/SO — 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 PIC16LF648A-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Communication, Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F648A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF628A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF628AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F819-I/PTSL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF648A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF648A-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Set Word Size | 14-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 35 (single word) |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication | Enhanced USART, SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.300 inch / 7.50 mm wide body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF648A-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / I/O DT |
| Pin 8 | RB2/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / I/O CK |
| Pin 9 | RB3/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF648A-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Industrial Control / PLC Logic, Consumer Appliance Control, Remote Control / IR Transceiver, LED Lighting Driver, Hobbyist / Maker Projects.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF648A-I/SO fits battery-powered sensor nodes because its LF silicon operates down to 2.0V, supporting 2x AA or single Li-ion cells throughout battery life. With 7KB flash and 256B RAM, it can host sensor drivers, low-power sleep routines, and protocol stacks like Modbus over USART. The nanoWatt sleep current under 1uA typical and internal 8MHz oscillator eliminate external components. A typical deployment reads a temperature or analog sensor every 10 seconds, computes the value, transmits via USART, and returns to sleep - extending battery life to years. The 10-bit ADC provides adequate resolution for most environmental sensing without an external ADC. Industrial-grade temperature rating permits outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Control / PLC Logic
In industrial control panels the PIC16LF648A-I/SO operates at 24V-based isolated supplies or 3.3V/5V levels, with its 16 I/O pins driving relays, optocouplers, and indicator LEDs. The 8-bit RISC core deterministically executes 200ns instructions, suitable for closed-loop PWM in motor valve control or conveyor speed regulation. The 20MHz clock plus hardware timers handle 50Hz/60Hz line-frequency timing for power-quality monitors. EEPROM supports non-volatile parameter storage for last-known-setpoint. The 18-SOIC package is rugged enough for industrial vibration profiles when properly through-hole or socketed. The industrial -40C to +85C rating supports outdoor panel installations.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF648A-I/SO is well-suited for consumer appliance control such as coffee makers, microwave ovens, and small kitchen devices where cost is critical. Its 7KB flash supports user interface code (button matrix decoding, LED patterns, beep tones) plus temperature sensing via the 10-bit ADC. The PIC architecture's deterministic 200ns instruction time ensures consistent timing for heating elements or motor control loops. The wide 2.0-5.5V supply range accepts battery backup or rectified mains voltage after regulation. Field firmware updates via ICSP or self-programming enable feature rollouts after manufacturing.
Recommended
Remote Control / IR Transceiver
Remote controls for TVs, audio equipment, and HVAC systems rely on low-cost 8-bit MCUs - the PIC16LF648A-I/SO fits this profile. The 20MHz core generates accurate 38kHz carrier frequencies for IR transmission via the CCP module and a small transistor. Low-power sleep extends battery life on coin cells; nanoWatt sleep modes drop the current below 1uA. The USART handles UART links while the SSP drives SPI displays or interfaces. Its compact 18-SOIC package fits inside slim remote enclosures. Industrial temperature rating supports garage-door and outdoor remote control units.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver
LED strip and architectural lighting controllers use the PIC16LF648A-I/SO for its PWM capabilities and analog measurement support. The CCP module produces precise PWM signals at frequencies above the audible band, eliminating lighting flicker. The 10-bit ADC monitors LED current via shunt resistors for closed-loop constant-current feedback. SPI/I2C drives high-current constant-current LED driver ICs from external manufacturers. The 2.0-5.5V operation supports both 3.3V logic and 5V driver rails. Flash supports DMX or DALI protocol stacks in lighting applications.
Recommended
Hobbyist / Maker Projects
Hobbyists favor the PIC16LF648A-I/SO for ease of programming (35 instructions, 14-bit words) and broad community support. The 18-SOIC package is breadboard-friendly when mounted on an SOIC-to-DIP adapter. ICSP via PICkit or ICD tools enables in-circuit debug. The 20MHz clock plus 7KB flash support projects from simple pulse generators to robot motor controllers. Multiple timers and PWM channels offer flexibility for mechatronics. Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler are free, including educational licenses.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF648A-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F648A-I/SO | PIC16LF628A-I/SS | PIC16F819-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (wide-body 7.50mm) | 18-SOIC (wide-body) | 20-SSOP | 18-PDIP |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 2 KB |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 224 bytes | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF optimized for low-V) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F optimized for full-range) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (F) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Approximate Unit Price (1k qty) | $2.30 (as of 2026-09-25) | $2.20 (as of 2026-09-25) | $1.90 (as of 2026-09-25) | $1.80 (as of 2026-09-25) |
Key Differentiators
- LF silicon optimized for 2.0-3.3V low-voltage operation (vs PIC16F648A-I/SO)
- Mid-range PIC core with hardware USART and SSP (vs PIC16F819-I/P)
- Standard 18-SOIC wide-body package (vs PIC16LF628A-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) with a short trace to VSS (pin 5). A bulk capacitor (10uF to 22uF) on the VDD rail reduces ripple from switching loads. MCLR/VPP (pin 4) should be tied to VDD via a 10k resistor with a 1nF decoupling cap to VSS to suppress transient resets and allow in-circuit programming.
Estimated: at VDD=3.3V and 20MHz CPU run current around 5mA, the consumption is ~16.5mW. In sleep mode (LF silicon), the datasheet specifies nanoWatt Technology bringing idle current to less than 1uA typical - perfect for battery designs. Use the internal 8MHz RC oscillator to reduce active current below the external-crystal configuration, and reserve the LP crystal mode for RTC/timing-critical functions.
Configuration bits must be set correctly to define oscillator mode, watchdog timer, code-protect, low-voltage programming, and brownout detect. Watchdog timer left enabled in debug can cause sporadic timeouts. RB4-RB7 interrupt-on-change requires careful handling of the IOCF/IOCE flag clearing. ICSP pins RB6/RB7 must remain free of pulldowns that would load the programming signals; a 10k series-resistor on these pins is acceptable.
Keep traces to the SOIC pads short and use a four-layer PCB with dedicated ground and power planes. For noise-sensitive ADC readings, isolate the analog and digital sections: route RA0-RA4 away from switching nodes and consider a ferrite bead between VDD and AVDD (or use the analog supply pin in MF/power variants). The 18-SOIC wide-body package is easier to hand-prototype than SOIC-8/QFN but still requires pre-tinning pads for clean solder joints.
Compliance Information
Industrial grade (-40C to +85C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive, choose automotive-grade PIC16LF or PIC16F variants with /VAO suffix or specific automotive ordering codes. Halogen-free status per lot to be confirmed via Microchip's substance-declaration document.
