PIC10LF320-I/MC - 8-Bit MCU, 448B Flash, 16MHz, DFN-8 | Microchip
MPN: PIC10LF320-I/MC ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.79 | $0.79 |
| 10 | $0.72 | $7.20 |
| 100 | $0.59 | $59.00 |
| 500 | $0.48 | $240.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.41 | $410.00 |
PIC10LF320-I/MC Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory, RAM, and peripherals. The PIC10F family is Microchip's smallest 8-bit MCU line, optimized for ultra-compact designs where only a few pins are needed. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC10LF320 sits at the entry level of 8-bit microcontrollers, below 16-bit PIC24 and 32-bit PIC32MX families, and is used as a co-processor or main controller in cost-sensitive consumer products. The 'LF' suffix denotes the low-voltage variant (1.8–3.6 V) suitable for single-cell Li-ion or 2xAA battery operation.
Key features include 35 single-cycle instructions (excluding branches), DC–16 MHz operating speed, an 8-level hardware stack, on-chip calibrated 16 MHz and 31 kHz oscillators, three I/O with interrupt-on-change and weak pull-ups, and Timer0/Timer2 with programmable prescalers. The two 10-bit PWM modules and 8-bit ADC with up to four channels support LED dimming, sensor sampling, and simple closed-loop control. With a 250 ns instruction cycle, the device delivers 4 MIPS throughput.
The PIC10LF320 employs an enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core with single-cycle instruction execution (except branches) and a Harvard architecture that separates program and data buses for predictable, deterministic timing. The integrated 8 MHz LP oscillator plus the 16 MHz HF oscillator provide clock flexibility, while the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface allows Flash reprogramming after PCB assembly, enabling field updates and reducing rework cost. The device is also designed to operate over -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range.
Typical applications include LED lighting drivers and decorative strips, simple sensor interfaces, battery-powered IoT edge nodes, replacement of discrete logic, small motor control in toys and appliances, and wearable devices. The small DFN-8 footprint also makes it attractive for in-line cable assemblies and dongles where PCB space is at a premium. The wide operating voltage allows direct connection to 1.8–3.6 V sensors without level shifters.
When designing with this device, note that the DFN-8 (2x3 mm) package is pin-compatible with PIC10F320/322 family members; layout can be reused for product variants differing only in Flash size or peripheral count. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler and the PICkit programmer for development, and always include a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor close to VDD.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the official Microchip datasheet for engineers selecting the PIC10LF320-I/MC.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC10LF320-I/MC — 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 PIC10LF320-I/MC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture, Data EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC10LF322-I/MC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC10F320-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.26 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10F322-I/MC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10LF320-I/OT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC10LF320-I/MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (enhanced mid-range) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 448 bytes (256 x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 64 x 8 bytes (64 bytes) |
| Data EEPROM | Not available on this family |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 250 ns at 16 MHz |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-cycle (excluding branches) |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 8 levels |
| I/O Pins | 4 (3 GPIO + 1 input-only) |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 4 channels |
| PWM Modules | 2 (10-bit resolution) |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit w/ prescaler), Timer2 (8-bit w/ prescaler + postscaler) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz HF (calibrated) + 31 kHz LF |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (2 x 3 mm), designated MC |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC10LF320-I/MC Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/GP3 — Digital I/O pin 3 (input-only); can wake device from sleep; no output driver |
| Pin 2 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V); decouple with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor |
| Pin 3 | RA2/GP2 — Digital I/O pin 2; AN2 analog input; PWM1 output |
| Pin 4 | RA1/GP1 — Digital I/O pin 1; AN1 analog input; ICSPCLK programming |
| Pin 5 | RA0/GP0 — Digital I/O pin 0; AN0 analog input; ICSPDAT programming |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | EP — Exposed thermal pad; tie to VSS for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC10LF320-I/MC is suitable for 7 applications: Decorative LED Lighting and Strip Drivers, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Replacement of Discrete Logic and Timers, Toy and Appliance Motor Control, Wearable Indicators and Haptic Feedback, Cable Dongles and Inline Adapters, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
Decorative LED Lighting and Strip Drivers
The PIC10LF320-I/MC's two integrated 10-bit PWM modules and 25 mA high-current GPIO pins make it a natural fit for low-channel-count LED strip and decorative lighting controllers. With Flash at 448 bytes and 64 bytes RAM, the device comfortably handles chase patterns, fades, and color-mixing routines for 2–3 channel RGB or single-channel white strips. The 1.8–3.6 V operating range connects directly to a 3.3 V regulator from a 5 V USB or 12 V LED driver input, simplifying power architecture. Its 16 MHz CPU supports smooth PWM transitions at frequencies above the flicker fusion threshold (~100 Hz), eliminating visible flicker in human-eye applications.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
For disposable or long-life IoT sensor tags, the PIC10LF320-I/MC's 1.8 V minimum VDD allows operation directly from a single CR2032 coin cell or two AA alkaline batteries without boost conversion. The integrated 31 kHz LF oscillator and sleep modes minimize quiescent current, while the 8-bit ADC reads temperature, light, or moisture sensors for periodic wake-and-transmit cycles. With 448 bytes of Flash, simple sensor algorithms fit comfortably, and the ICSP interface allows firmware updates in the field via test points. The 2x3 mm DFN footprint suits credit-card-sized or smaller form factors common in smart packaging and asset tracking.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic and Timers
Engineers often replace 555 timers, RC delay circuits, and small logic gates with the PIC10LF320-I/MC to consolidate multiple functions onto one programmable device. A single PIC10LF320 can implement monostable/astable timing, sequencing, conditional logic, and PWM generation simultaneously. The 250 ns instruction cycle at 16 MHz provides timing resolution that rivals analog timers, and software adjustments eliminate the rework cost of changing RC values. The wide 1.8–3.6 V supply tolerance handles unregulated battery rails, while internal calibrated oscillators remove external timing components.
Recommended
Toy and Appliance Motor Control
Small brushed-DC and low-current motor drivers in toys, fans, and small appliances use the PIC10LF320-I/MC for speed and direction control. The 10-bit PWM generates motor-drive waveforms, while the ADC reads back tachometer or current-sense signals for closed-loop regulation. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS40001585D), 25 mA sink/source GPIO can drive small MOSFET gates directly, eliminating predriver stages in sub-1 A applications. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range ensures reliability in appliance environments.
Recommended
Wearable Indicators and Haptic Feedback
Wearables such as fitness bands, smart watches, and medical patches use the PIC10LF320-I/MC to drive vibration motors, RGB status LEDs, and simple user-button handling. The 8-pin DFN at 2x3 mm fits inside wearable enclosures where every square millimeter matters. With three GPIO plus interrupt-on-change, the device can read a single button while driving two PWM channels for haptic and indicator LEDs. Low-power sleep modes preserve battery life during idle periods.
Recommended
Cable Dongles and Inline Adapters
USB cable dongles, inline protocol adapters, and smart-cable assemblies use the PIC10LF320-I/MC as a low-cost co-processor for protocol conversion, authentication, or signal conditioning. The 6 functional pins are sufficient for UART-to-I2C bridging, simple authentication handshakes, or LED status indication. The DFN-8 2x3 mm package fits inside the connector backshell or on a tiny in-line PCB. Operating from 1.8–3.6 V allows direct bus-powered operation without an additional regulator.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
In factory automation and process control, the PIC10LF320-I/MC digitizes analog sensor outputs (4–20 mA loops, thermistors, photodiodes) and converts them to PWM or frequency outputs for transmission over noisy industrial buses. The 8-bit ADC combined with 10-bit PWM creates a digital-to-analog style signal chain at very low cost. The -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range meets factory-floor requirements, and the integrated calibrated oscillator eliminates crystal-related failure modes in high-vibration environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC10LF320-I/MC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC10LF322-I/MC | PIC10F320-I/MC | PIC10F322-I/MC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same | 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 448 bytes (256 x 14) | 896 bytes (512 x 14) | 448 bytes (256 x 14) | 896 bytes (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 4 (3 GPIO + 1 input-only) | 4 (3 GPIO + 1 input-only) | 4 (3 GPIO + 1 input-only) | 4 (3 GPIO + 1 input-only) |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 4 channels | 8-bit, up to 4 channels | 8-bit, up to 4 channels | 8-bit, up to 4 channels |
| PWM Modules | 2 (10-bit) | 2 (10-bit) | 2 (10-bit) | 2 (10-bit) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest voltage operation in the PIC10F320 family (vs PIC10F320-I/MC)
- 2x larger Flash in same package (vs PIC10LF320-I/MC baseline)
- Integrated calibrated 16 MHz oscillator (vs External crystal designs)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 2) and a bulk capacitor (1–10 µF) on the supply rail. The PIC10LF320-I/MC has very low quiescent current in sleep mode (< 1 µA typical), so a high-ESR bulk capacitor may discharge slowly; choose X7R or X5R ceramic. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS40001585D), VDD rise time must be monotonic for proper POR; an RC network with < 100 ms time constant is typical. Estimated: with I_sleep = 1 µA and C_bulk = 10 µF, discharge time constant τ = 10,000 s.
The 8-pin DFN (2x3 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on pin 8 that must be soldered to the PCB for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Tie the EP to VSS (ground) with at least 4 thermal vias to the ground plane for best heat spreading. Per IPC-7351, the DFN land pattern requires a 0.4 mm x 0.3 mm pad for each side pin and a 1.6 mm x 1.4 mm central thermal pad. NSMD (non-solder mask defined) pads are preferred over SMD for this fine-pitch package.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0 V (per the Microchip datasheet) or the part may latch up. The RA3 pin is input-only and cannot drive output - attempting to drive it high as an output will not work and may cause contention. ICSP pins RA0 (ICSPDAT) and RA1 (ICSPCLK) are shared with GPIO, so isolate them with 4.7 kΩ series resistors if in-circuit programming is desired while external circuitry is attached.
Keep analog input traces (AN0–AN2) short and away from PWM or digital switching traces to minimize ADC noise coupling. If using the ADC at high sample rates, add a small RC filter (1 kΩ + 100 nF) on the analog input pin. Route the ICSP programming traces (ICSPDAT on RA0, ICSPCLK on RA1) to a 2x3 or 1x6 header with no series components; the PICkit programmer expects direct access to these pins during debug.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page ordering information. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications use automotive-grade equivalent. Conflict-minerals compliant per Microchip policy.
