PIC12F1572-I/MF - 8-bit 32MHz MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 8-DFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F1572-I/MF ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.75 | $1.75 |
| 10 | $1.55 | $15.50 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.1 | $550.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.95 | $950.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.85 | $2,550.00 |
PIC12F1572-I/MF Overview
What is an 8-bit PIC microcontroller? An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a RISC-based CMOS embedded controller that uses a Harvard architecture to execute instructions in a single cycle. PIC microcontrollers belong to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> semiconductor ICs, and are widely used in cost- and power-sensitive designs where deterministic timing and small footprints matter. The PIC12F1572 specifically targets applications needing high-resolution PWM generation in an 8-pin footprint.
Key features of the PIC12F1572 include three independent 16-bit PWMs with dedicated timers for high-resolution outputs (LED dimming, motor control), a 10-bit ADC with up to 6 channels, a 5-bit DAC for analog bias generation, two comparators, and CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) that allows on-chip combinational/sequential logic without external glue chips. The 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) package makes it suitable for space-constrained PCB designs.
Technically, the PIC12F1572 is built on Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core, delivering 32MHz operation (200ns instruction cycle) with 49 instructions and 16 hardware registers. The internal oscillator can be factory calibrated to +/-1% across 2.5V-5.5V and 0C-70C, simplifying designs by removing external crystals. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs - PWMs, comparators, CLC) operate without CPU intervention, lowering software complexity and active power.
Typical applications include LED lighting and color-mixing controllers (using the three 16-bit PWMs), stepper motor and DC motor drivers, digital power supplies (SMPS), battery chargers, fan speed controllers, and small appliance control boards. The combination of small footprint and high-resolution PWM uniquely suits solid-state lighting designs.
When designing with this device, note the I (Industrial) temperature grade of -40C to +85C and confirm the 8-DFN package has adequate PCB thermal land and proper reflow profile per Microchip Application Note AN233. Use the MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for code development; the PICkit or Snap programmer supports in-circuit debugging.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F1572-I/MF — 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 PIC12F1572-I/MF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Comparators, ADC, Operating Temperature Range, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1572-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572-E/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1571-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1571-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.6549 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572T-I/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.63 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572-I/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit enhanced mid-range |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 3 (independent timers) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 6 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| Comparators | 2 |
| CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | 31 kHz to 32 MHz, factory calibrated |
| Package | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12F1572-I/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM3 / DAC1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM2 / comparator input |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Input only / MCLR (Reset, active-low) |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / PWM1 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPCLK / comparator output |
| Pin 7 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSPDAT / analog input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F1572-I/MF is suitable for 6 applications: RGB LED Lighting Controllers, Stepper Motor Drivers, Digital Power Supplies (SMPS), Battery Chargers (Li-Ion / NiMH), Fan Speed Controllers, Sensor Signal Conditioning.
RGB LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC12F1572-I/MF is purpose-built for RGB LED lighting, with three 16-bit PWMs that map directly to R, G and B channels for 16-million-color resolution at smooth dimming transitions. Its 32 MHz core (200 ns instruction cycle) handles DMX-512 or DALI protocol decoding while the PWMs operate independently of the CPU (Core Independent Peripheral architecture), freeing cycles for housekeeping. The 8-DFN (3x3 mm) footprint drops into compact bulb PCBs, and the 2.5-5.5 V supply range matches common driver topologies directly. Designers should connect each PWM output through a MOSFET gate driver; the part's 25 mA source/sink capability also drives small LED arrays without external buffers.
Recommended
Stepper Motor Drivers
For stepper motor control, PIC12F1572-I/MF generates precise microstepping waveforms using two 16-bit PWMs as quadrature outputs and the third PWM as a current-sense threshold reference. The on-chip comparators close the current loop in hardware, eliminating software latency. The 32 MHz CPU executes commutation tables while the CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) generates blanking windows and dead-time insertion without code overhead. The 6 available I/O pins serve as step/direction/enable outputs to external H-bridge drivers. With industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating, the part is suitable for factory automation and 3D-printer applications.
Recommended
Digital Power Supplies (SMPS)
In isolated and non-isolated SMPS designs, PIC12F1572-I/MF generates PWM-controlled switching waveforms at up to 32 MHz with 16-bit resolution, enabling tight regulation of buck, boost and flyback converters. The 10-bit ADC samples output voltage and current at sub-microsecond rates, while the on-chip comparator provides hardware-cycle-by-cycle current limiting without CPU intervention. The 5-bit DAC sets the reference voltage or current-mode threshold. Operating from 2.5-5.5 V, the MCU can be powered from an auxiliary winding or the output rail itself. Designers typically pair this MCU with a gate driver like MCP14700 and a MOSFET pair for synchronous rectification.
Recommended
Battery Chargers (Li-Ion / NiMH)
PIC12F1572-I/MF implements CC/CV (constant-current/constant-voltage) charging profiles using its 10-bit ADC for voltage and current sensing, and one of its three 16-bit PWMs to drive a buck converter or linear pass element. The on-chip comparators detect end-of-charge conditions in real-time. CLC cells can implement safety lockouts (over-temperature, over-current) without firmware polling, increasing system reliability. The 8-DFN package and 2.5-5.5 V supply range suit single-cell Li-Ion packs powered directly from USB or a small solar cell. The internal 32 MHz oscillator maintains accurate timing for charge-cycle intervals without an external crystal.
Recommended
Fan Speed Controllers
For 4-wire PWM-controlled fans (PC and industrial), PIC12F1572-I/MF generates the 25 kHz PWM drive signal and reads the tachometer feedback pulse via the 10-bit ADC or input-capture logic. Closed-loop RPM regulation uses the comparator to detect stall conditions, while the third PWM drives an RGB status LED. The internal oscillator's +/-1% accuracy is sufficient for fan RPM control without a crystal, reducing BOM cost. The 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) footprint fits inside the fan hub PCB, and the industrial -40C to +85C rating covers server-room and outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
PIC12F1572-I/MF integrates the ADC, DAC and comparator chain needed for bridge-sensor, thermistor, or photodiode signal conditioning in a single 8-pin device. The 10-bit ADC samples the sensor, the 5-bit DAC generates an excitation or offset nulling voltage, and the two comparators detect thresholds for alarm outputs. CLC peripherals create window-comparator logic without code, allowing hardware response to over-range conditions within nanoseconds. The 256-byte RAM and 3.5 KB Flash handle small lookup-table linearization and IIR filtering. Combined with industrial temperature grade and 2.5-5.5 V supply, the part is ideal for IoT edge-sensor nodes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F1572-I/MF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1572-I/SN | PIC12F1572-E/MF | PIC12F1571-I/MS | PIC12F1572T-I/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) | 8-SOIC | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-MSOP | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB (-50%) | 3.5 KB |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| ADC | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels |
Key Differentiators
- Three 16-bit PWMs in an 8-pin package (vs PIC10F322-I/MC)
- DFN package option for ultra-compact designs (vs PIC12F1572-I/SN)
- Extended-temperature grade variant available (vs PIC12F1572-E/MF (extended grade))
Design Notes
The 8-DFN (3x3 mm) package exposes the central thermal/epitaxial pad on the underside, which MUST be soldered to a PCB thermal land per Microchip Application Note AN233 (Soldering Recommendations for Surface-Mount Packages). Connect this pad to VSS or float it per the datasheet recommendation. Failing to solder the pad reduces thermal performance and may cause intermittent operation under temperature stress. Use NSMD (non-solder mask defined) land pattern with at least 0.5 mm via stitching to the ground plane for best heat dissipation.
Pin 4 (RA3/MCLR) is input-only on PIC12F1572; do not configure it as output in firmware or the pin will read back inconsistently. The MCLR function is enabled by configuration bit MCLRE; if disabled, RA3 becomes a general-purpose digital input only. When using ICSP (in-circuit serial programming), both RA0 (ICSPDAT) and RA1 (ICSPCLK) must be accessible and not be permanently driven by external circuitry, or programming will fail. Use Microchip's recommended ICSP circuitry with isolation resistors on production boards.
Keep analog and digital traces separated. Route the 10-bit ADC inputs (RA0, RA1, RA2, RA4, RA5) away from PWM output traces and from the MCLR/RA3 line, which carries switching edges. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. For PWM-driven LED or motor designs, add a small ferrite bead or RC snubber at each PWM output if the cable length to the load exceeds 50 mm.
PIC12F1572 power consumption at 32 MHz active is approximately 4 mA typical, dropping to under 1 uA in sleep mode with the ADC disabled. For battery-powered designs, leverage the CLC and comparator to wake the CPU only on a real event. The brown-out reset (BOR) and power-on reset (POR) circuits are configurable; enable BOR for any mains-or-battery application where VDD can dip below 2.0 V during operation to prevent Flash corruption.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C; not AEC-Q100 qualified (choose automotive-grade PIC variants or PIC12F1572-E/MF for extended -40C to +125C). Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance data.
