PIC16LF648AT-I/SS - 8-bit PIC MCU, 7KB Flash, 20MHz, SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF648AT-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.27 | $4.27 |
| 10 | $3.82 | $38.20 |
| 100 | $3.18 | $318.00 |
| 500 | $2.74 | $1,370.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.39 | $2,390.00 |
PIC16LF648AT-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, peripherals, and I/O into one package. Within the broader hierarchy, an MCU belongs to the category of embedded processors, sitting below microprocessors (MPUs) and above digital signal controllers (DSCs). The PIC16F family from Microchip is built around a RISC Harvard-architecture core with 35 single-word instructions, optimized for deterministic real-time control in cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC16LF648AT-I/SS include 16 digital I/O pins, an internal 8 MHz oscillator (with factory calibration to ±1%), a 10-bit ADC with 8 channels, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, a USART module for serial communication, and an internal voltage reference. The LF prefix designates the low-voltage F-version that operates from 2.0V up.
Technically, the PIC16LF648A core uses a 14-bit instruction word with a two-stage pipeline, achieving 5 MIPS peak throughput at 20 MHz. The Flash program memory supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and in-circuit debugging via two pins, enabling field firmware updates and eliminating external programming hardware. The device is well suited to battery-powered and energy-conscious designs.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, battery chargers, small industrial sensors, remote controls, low-cost instrumentation, automotive interior accessories, and hobby/educational embedded projects. The wide voltage range and integrated peripherals simplify bill-of-materials in compact PCB designs.
When designing with this MCU, allocate one I/O pin for the ICSP clock (RB6) and one for ICSP data (RB7) so that in-system firmware updates remain possible after board assembly. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and tie unused I/O to defined logic levels to minimize current consumption.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SSOP-20 alternatives, parametric comparison tables, and practical design notes not typically consolidated on a single product listing, supporting faster engineering and procurement decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF648AT-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 PIC16LF648AT-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Communication, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF648A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F648A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF648AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF648AT-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF627AT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF628AT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF648AT-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC® 16F |
| Core | PIC16F (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication | USART |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (factory calibrated ±1%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm Width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | MSL 1 (per Microchip datasheet) |
PIC16LF648AT-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/AN4/C2OUT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input AN4; Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O; analog input AN3; Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA3/AN2/C1OUT — Bidirectional I/O; analog input AN2; Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input AN1 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input AN0 |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O; analog input AN4 |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output; clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 11 | RB7/T1OSI/PGD — Bidirectional I/O; Timer 1 oscillator input; ICSP data pin |
| Pin 12 | RB6/T1OSO/PGC — Bidirectional I/O; Timer 1 oscillator output; ICSP clock pin |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB3/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O; Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB2/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O; USART asynchronous transmit; USART synchronous clock |
| Pin 17 | RB1/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O; USART asynchronous receive; USART synchronous data |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O; external interrupt input |
| Pin 19 | RA7/OSC1 — Bidirectional I/O; alternate OSC1 pin (alternate oscillator mode) |
| Pin 20 | RA6/OSC2 — Bidirectional I/O; alternate OSC2 pin (alternate oscillator mode) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF648AT-I/SS is suitable for 8 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Remote Control and HMI, Industrial Sensor and Process Module, Battery Charger Controller, Automotive Interior Accessory Module, Educational and Hobby Embedded Projects, Test and Measurement Probe.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF648AT-I/SS is well matched to consumer appliance controllers where a mid-tier 8-bit MCU drives relays, switches, and indicator LEDs. Its 7 KB Flash stores state-machine logic and menu firmware; 256 B RAM handles transient variables; and 16 I/O pins drive multiplexed displays and keypads. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range supports direct Li-ion or 3x AA battery operation without an extra LDO. The internal 8 MHz oscillator calibrated to ±1% eliminates external resonator PCB space, reducing BOM cost. The SSOP-20 footprint fits compact PCBAs for toasters, coffee machines, and small kitchen appliances, and the integrated USART enables diagnostic communication with the main appliance controller or factory test jigs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
Low-power wireless and wired sensor nodes benefit from the PIC16LF648AT-I/SS's 2.0 V minimum supply and 8 MHz internal oscillator calibrated to ±1%. The 10-bit 8-channel ADC directly digitizes thermistor, photodiode, or potentiometer outputs without external signal conditioning, while 256 B of RAM buffers time-series data between USART or GPIO transmissions to a host. The 20-SSOP package allows compact PCB integration with coin-cell or 2x AA battery holders. The 7 KB Flash accommodates small protocol stacks and sensor-fusion routines. Sleep current is dominated by the application circuit since the MCU itself supports a low-power sleep mode under firmware control, which is essential for solar or energy-harvesting sensor designs targeting multi-year battery life.
Recommended
Remote Control and HMI
Handheld remote controls and human-machine interface (HMI) panels benefit from the PIC16LF648AT-I/SS's 16 I/O pins driving button matrices, IR LEDs, or LCD segment drivers. The internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates external timing components, while the 7 KB Flash accommodates user-configurable button mappings and IR protocol libraries (RC5, NEC, SIRC). The 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage for low-battery indicators, and the USART supports firmware debug or wired control links to docking stations. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range suits direct 2x AA or single-cell Li-ion operation, and the SSOP-20 footprint fits inside thin plastic enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and Process Module
Industrial DIN-rail sensor and process modules use the PIC16LF648AT-I/SS to digitize analog process variables, drive isolated outputs, and communicate over USART to a PLC or gateway. The 10-bit ADC with 8 channels handles multiple 4-20 mA loop inputs via external current-sense resistors, while the 16 I/O pins drive opto-isolated relay or MOSFET outputs. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range tolerates wide 24 V industrial bus rails after external regulation, and the -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range supports deployment in unheated cabinets. The SSOP-20 footprint occupies little PCB area, leaving room for isolation barriers and connector headers.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
The PIC16LF648AT-I/SS suits small-form-factor Li-ion, NiMH, and lead-acid charger controllers where the MCU monitors cell voltage, current shunt, and temperature while driving a PWM switching element. The 10-bit ADC samples battery voltage and charge current with sufficient accuracy for CC/CV charge profiles, and the 256 B RAM tracks time-of-charge and state-of-charge estimates. The 7 KB Flash stores lookup tables for chemistry-specific termination algorithms, and 16 I/O pins drive status LEDs, enable outputs, and fault relays. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range supports direct operation from USB or 5 V adapters, while the SSOP-20 footprint fits compact USB charger dongles.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory Module
Aftermarket and non-safety automotive interior accessories such as ambient lighting controllers, seat heaters, and convenience modules benefit from the PIC16LF648AT-I/SS's industrial temperature range and PWM-capable I/O pins. The MCU drives MOSFET gate drivers for seat-heater elements, multiplexed RGB LED strips, or motorized accessory drives. The 10-bit ADC reads cabin temperature or potentiometer inputs, while the USART links to a CAN bus transceiver for diagnostic communication. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply tolerates 12 V battery cranking transients after external regulation. Note that this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical or OEM automotive applications select a Q-graded PIC16 MCU instead per Microchip datasheet guidelines.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Embedded Projects
Hobbyists, students, and makers benefit from the PIC16LF648AT-I/SS's simple RISC architecture, ICSP programming via two pins, and breadboard-friendly SSOP-20 breakout adapter footprint. The 35-instruction PIC16 instruction set is well documented in textbooks and online tutorials, with PICKit programmers readily available at low cost. The 7 KB Flash accommodates full project firmware including small RTOS kernels, and 256 B RAM is sufficient for hobby projects reading sensors and driving displays. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range allows direct 3.3 V or 5 V Arduino-style operation, and the SSOP-20 footprint adapts easily to SOIC-20 breakout boards for breadboarding.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Probe
Handheld test and measurement probes such as logic analyzers, digital multimeter attachments, and signal injectors use the PIC16LF648AT-I/SS as a low-cost measurement and communication core. The 10-bit ADC reads analog probe inputs, while 16 I/O pins trigger external circuitry or drive indicator LEDs. The USART transmits measurement data over USB-to-serial bridges or Bluetooth modules to a host tablet or PC. The 7 KB Flash stores calibration tables and probe identification, and the SSOP-20 footprint fits compact handheld enclosures. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range supports direct Li-ion battery operation, while the industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range tolerates field use.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF648AT-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF648A-I/SS | PIC16F648A-I/SS | PIC16LF627AT-I/SS | PIC16LF628AT-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 224 B | 224 B |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| USART | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz, ±1% | 8 MHz, ±1% | 8 MHz, ±1% | 8 MHz, ±1% | 8 MHz, ±1% |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.0 V minimum supply vs 3.0 V for the F version (vs PIC16F648A-I/SS)
- Higher 7 KB Flash capacity vs 3.5 KB for sibling 6x7/6x8 parts (vs PIC16LF628AT-I/SS)
- Integrated USART module not present on the PIC16LF628A family (vs PIC16LF628AT-I/SS)
- SSOP-20 package with internal oscillator eliminates external components (vs PIC16LF648AT-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 10) and a bulk 10 uF capacitor near the MCU supply input to suppress switching noise. Tie the VSS pin (pin 9) to a low-impedance ground plane. For designs using the internal oscillator, leave OSC1 (pin 7) and OSC2 (pin 8) unconnected or configure them as general-purpose I/O to reduce leakage and EMI. The SSOP-20 thermal pad (if present) should be soldered to a small ground copper pour to improve mechanical robustness.
The PIC16LF648AT-I/SS LF variant operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V; if you migrate firmware from the standard F version (3.0 V to 5.5 V minimum), confirm brown-out and ADC reference settings are recalibrated for the lower Vmin. Reserve RB6 and RB7 as ICSP clock and data pins, or add test-point access for in-circuit programming during prototyping. In-circuit debugging disables these pins' GPIO functions; design the schematic so that critical signals are not permanently tied to RB6 or RB7.
Route the ICSP signals RB6 (PGC) and RB7 (PGD) with short, parallel traces to a 0.1" header footprint, and add ESD protection diodes or resistors to prevent programmer damage during field firmware updates. Analog inputs AN0-AN7 should be routed away from switching nodes such as PWM outputs and relay coils to minimize ADC noise coupling; add a small RC filter on each analog input if the source impedance exceeds 10 kohm per Microchip datasheet guidance. Place the optional crystal or resonator (when not using the internal oscillator) close to pins 7-8 with a guard ground pour.
When using the USART at 115200 baud or higher, ensure the baud-rate generator is fed from a stable clock source (internal 8 MHz oscillator at ±1% accuracy is sufficient for typical 8-bit UART timing margins). Add series resistors on RB1/RX and RB2/TX if these pins connect to off-board connectors to limit transient current during ESD events. For ADC accuracy, allow at least 10 us acquisition time after switching channels, per Microchip datasheet guidance on the 10-bit ADC acquisition timing.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose a Q-graded PIC16 variant for safety-critical automotive applications. Halogen-free status not stated in provided data; marked unknown.
