PIC16LF819-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 256 RAM | Microchip 28-QFN
MPN: PIC16LF819-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.62 | $262.00 |
| 500 | $2.21 | $1,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC16LF819-I/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a compact, low-power computer-on-a-chip based on Microchip's PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) RISC architecture. PIC MCUs are widely used in embedded systems as the central processing unit for sensing, control, timing, and communication tasks. The PIC16 family sits in the middle of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, above the PIC10/12 baseline series and below the PIC18 enhanced series, offering a balance of code density (14-bit instruction word), peripheral integration, and ultra-low-power nanoWatt Technology features. Within the PIC16 line, the 'F' suffix denotes FLASH program memory (re-programmable in-circuit), the 'L' prefix indicates an extended low-voltage part (down to ~2.0 V VDD), and the '8xx' range adds enhanced peripherals such as ADC, comparators, and capture/compare/PWM.
Key features include nanoWatt Technology for ultra-low-power operation, an on-chip 8 MHz internal RC oscillator, an integrated 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, enhanced PWM/CCP modules, and support for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins. The 'LF' low-voltage variant supports VDD operation down to roughly 2.0 V, enabling battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs. The 'I' suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C), and the 'ML' suffix specifies the 28-lead QFN surface-mount package.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF819 uses a Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, a single 8-bit ALU, and separate program/data buses. The 8 MHz internal oscillator (calibrated to ±1 % via OSCTUNE) eliminates the need for an external crystal in many designs, while timer0/1/2 and watchdog timer functions are on-chip. The 10-bit ADC provides up to 5 channels, and the device also includes a comparator, MSSP (SPI/I2C), and USART for serial communication.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, remote controls, low-end consumer appliances, LED lighting controllers, and small motor-control boards. Its low power and small footprint also suit IoT edge nodes, wearable health/activity devices, and handheld instruments where PCB area is constrained.
When designing with this part, verify VDD range against the exact datasheet revision (LF variants support lower VDD than standard F parts), budget adequate Flash endurance (typically 100K erase/write cycles), and ensure the chosen QFN footprint matches the 6×6 mm 28-pin ML package. For pin-to-pin upgrades with more memory, consider PIC16F88x family or PIC18F migrators; see `alternatives` and `comparison_table` below.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF819-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 PIC16LF819-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Timers, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF819T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF819-I/MLTSL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F819-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F819T-I/MLTSL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF819-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC® 16F, PIC16LF8xx series |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K × 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 10 MHz (LF variant) |
| Instruction Word Width | 14 bits |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 5 channels |
| PWM / CCP | Enhanced CCP modules |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2, WDT |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (factory calibrated, OSCTUNE adjustable) |
| Communication | MSSP (SPI / I2C), USART |
| Comparators | On-chip analog comparator |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial grade) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm), designation 'ML' |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt Technology |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes |
PIC16LF819-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — I/O / crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 2 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — I/O / crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — I/O / Master Clear Reset / Programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — I/O / analog input 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — I/O / analog input 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — I/O / analog input 2 / negative voltage reference |
| Pin 7 | RA1/AN1 — I/O / analog input 1 |
| Pin 8 | RA0/AN0 — I/O / analog input 0 |
| Pin 9 | RB7/PGD — I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 10 | RB6/PGC — I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB3/CCP1 — I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB1/SDI/SDA — I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RB0/INT/SDO — I/O / External interrupt / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | RC7/RX/DT — I/O / USART RX / synchronous data |
| Pin 20 | RC6/TX/CK — I/O / USART TX / synchronous clock |
| Pin 21 | RC5/SDO — I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 22 | RC4/SDI/SDA — I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCK/SCL — I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC2/CCP1 — I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 25 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 26 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground (QFN second pad) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (QFN second pad) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF819-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Remote Control / Consumer IR Transmitter, LED Lighting Controller, Small Motor and Fan Controller, Handheld Instrument / Test Tool, Industrial Sensor Interface Module.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF819-I/ML fits battery-powered sensor nodes thanks to its LF low-voltage operation (2.0-5.5 V VDD per the LF datasheet), nanoWatt Sleep currents under 1 µA, and integrated 10-bit ADC with up to 5 channels. With 3.5 KB FLASH and 256 B RAM it can host small sensor-fusion or sample-rate-conversion firmware for temperature, humidity, or motion sensors. Paired with a 2x AA cell pack the part can run for years in intermittent Sleep duty cycles. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) footprint leaves room for battery, sensor, and a low-power radio like the SX1276 in compact IoT sensor boards.
Recommended
Remote Control / Consumer IR Transmitter
The PIC16LF819-I/ML is well-suited to handheld remote controls thanks to its low-voltage LF operation down to 2.0 V (single Li-ion primary cell), nanoWatt Sleep mode that extends shelf life, and PWM/CCP modules for generating precise carrier-frequency IR bursts (36-56 kHz). Its 16 I/O lines provide ample keyboard matrix scanning, and the 3.5 KB FLASH supports IR protocol stacks (NEC, RC5, RC6) with on-the-fly protocol selection. Industrial -40 to +85 °C operation covers consumer and light-industrial handheld usage, and the 28-QFN package keeps the PCB small and lightweight.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF819-I/ML is a good fit for small LED drivers and color-mixing controllers: it offers up to 16 I/O and an enhanced PWM/CCP module capable of multi-channel dimming at 10-bit resolution, plus a USART for DMX512 or 0-10 V analog dimming interfaces. The 10-bit ADC can read ambient light sensors for daylight harvesting or color-mixing feedback. The LF variant's 2.0-5.5 V VDD range allows direct operation from a 3.3 V buck regulator, while nanoWatt Sleep minimizes standby loss in 'always-on' smart lighting fixtures.
Recommended
Small Motor and Fan Controller
For low-cost BLDC or brushed DC fan control, the PIC16LF819-I/ML offers a 10-bit ADC for back-EMF or current sensing, PWM/CCP modules for variable-speed drive, and the 28-QFN package fits compact fan PCBs. nanoWatt Sleep enables standby modes where the fan runs only on demand. The PIC16F819 datasheet documents example firmware for 3-phase control algorithms; the LF variant extends VDD range for direct 2x AA or single-cell Li-ion operation in battery fans and personal cooling devices.
Recommended
Handheld Instrument / Test Tool
The PIC16LF819-I/ML can drive simple handheld instruments such as multimeters, IR thermometers, and basic sensor calibrators: its 10-bit ADC handles precision thermistor/photodiode readout, the USART supports USB-UART bridges for PC logging, and 3.5 KB FLASH hosts linearization or unit-conversion tables. The LF variant's 2.0-5.5 V operation is compatible with common 3 V coin-cell or 2x AA power, and the industrial temperature grade supports field use. The 28-QFN footprint fits a slim handheld case form factor.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
For 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor interfaces or simple Modbus RTU slave modules, the PIC16LF819-I/ML offers an MSSP (SPI/I2C) for connecting to ADC/DAC peripherals, a USART for RS-485 Modbus communication via an external transceiver, and 256 B of EEPROM for non-volatile calibration data. The LF 2.0-5.5 V VDD range allows operation directly from a 3.3 V LDO derived from the loop supply. Industrial -40 to +85 °C operation covers harsh factory environments, and the 28-QFN keeps the module footprint small enough for inline DIN-rail enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF819-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF819T-I/ML | PIC16LF819-I/MLTSL | PIC16F819-I/ML | PIC16F819T-I/ML | PIC16LF1902-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm, ML) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm, ML) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm, ML) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm, ML) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm, ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| FLASH Program Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB - same | 3.5 KB - same | 3.5 KB - same | 3.5 KB - same | 4 KB |
| SRAM | 256 B | 256 B - same | 256 B - same | 256 B - same | 256 B - same | 256 B - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz - same | 10 MHz - same | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz |
| VDD Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 - same | 16 - same | 16 - same | 16 - same | 17 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C - same | -40 °C to +85 °C - same | -40 °C to +85 °C - same | -40 °C to +85 °C - same | -40 °C to +85 °C - same |
Key Differentiators
- Lower VDD floor for battery-powered designs (vs PIC16F819-I/ML)
- More program memory than the lower-tier PIC16LF818 (vs PIC16LF818-I/ML)
- Lower cost vs newer PIC16LF1902 family for simple designs (vs PIC16LF1902-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF819-I/ML's LF variant supports VDD from 2.0 V to 5.5 V per the Microchip PIC16F819 datasheet. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (the 28-QFN has two VDD pins, one on the side and one as the exposed pad). Add a bulk 1-10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the main VDD rail. Use Sleep mode aggressively - the nanoWatt Sleep current is sub-µA and the part wakes via WDT, INT, or peripheral interrupts. Estimated: typical 1-µF ceramic + 100 nF combo on the primary VDD rail is sufficient for most designs below 20 mA peak.
The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) 'ML' package requires careful PCB layout: the exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a similarly sized copper pad on the PCB and tied to VSS (ground) for thermal and electrical performance. Add thermal vias in the pad to improve heat dissipation. Use a reflow profile that follows J-STD-020 for moisture sensitivity (verify the MSL level on the datasheet label - it should be printed on the reel/bag). Avoid placing the part near high-noise sources (DC-DC inductors, switching MOSFETs) to keep the analog ADC readings clean.
Do not apply voltage above 5.5 V to VDD or any I/O pin - the LF variant does NOT have 5 V tolerance beyond 5.5 V. When programming via ICSP, ensure the PGD/PGC pins (RB7/RB6) are not pulled low by external circuitry during programming. The MCLR/VPP pin (RA5) needs a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD; do not leave it floating. For internal-oscillator designs, calibrate via OSCTUNE at the actual operating VDD and temperature - the factory 8 MHz calibration is at 5 V and 25 °C, and can drift several percent at low VDD or cold temperatures.
The 10-bit ADC shares analog pins with digital I/O - configure unused analog pins as digital outputs or input-with-pullup to minimize ADC channel crosstalk. Add a small RC filter (e.g. 1 kΩ + 100 nF) on noisy analog sources before they reach the ANx pins. Use the on-chip VREF+ only as a backup reference; for precision ADC readings prefer an external 2.5 V reference tied to RA3. The USART's RX pin (RC7) is NOT 5 V tolerant on the LF variant when VDD is below 5 V - use a level shifter when connecting to a 5 V host.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (general-purpose industrial grade only).
