PIC12F1572-I/SN - 8-Bit MCU, 32MHz, 3.5KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC12F1572-I/SN β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.1 | $1.10 |
| 10 | $1.02 | $10.20 |
| 100 | $0.93 | $93.00 |
| 500 | $0.84 | $420.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.75 | $750.00 |
PIC12F1572-I/SN Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as ADCs, timers, and communication interfaces. Within the broader embedded hierarchy, an 8-bit MCU belongs to the microcontroller category, which sits under microcontrollers and processors in the semiconductor taxonomy. The PIC12 family represents Microchip's compact, low-pin-count MCU line designed for cost-sensitive and space-constrained designs where minimal external components and small package size matter more than raw compute throughput.
Key features that differentiate the PIC12F1572 include its three 16-bit PWMs with independent timers β uncommon in 8-pin MCUs β enabling precision control applications such as LED lighting fade/dimming, motor speed control, and switched-mode power supplies. The integrated CWG complements the PWMs by providing complementary outputs with programmable dead-band delay, ideal for driving half-bridges or full-bridges in motor drive and lighting applications. Combined with the 10-bit ADC and 5-bit DAC, the part can implement closed-loop analog control without external signal conditioning ICs.
Architecturally, the PIC12F1572 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC core, which executes most instructions in a single cycle (200ns at 20MHz, 125ns at 32MHz). The Harvard architecture separates program and data buses, and the C-compiler-optimized instruction set enables efficient code generation. The on-chip 32MHz high-precision internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in most designs, further reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Typical applications include LED lighting dimming and color-mixing drivers, small DC motor and stepper control, switched-mode power supply control loops, general-purpose timer/PWM replacement of discrete logic, and battery-powered IoT edge sensors requiring analog sensing plus PWM actuation. The 8-pin SOIC package suits hand-solderable prototyping and standard SMT assembly lines.
When designing with this part, ensure the ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) are accessible on the PCB for in-circuit programming and debugging, and add a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD. The 16-bit PWM resolution is preserved only when the system clock is fast enough β at low FOSC values, the effective PWM resolution decreases because each PWM step requires a clock cycle.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same Microchip PIC12F157x family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12F1572-I/SN β 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/SN (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, Core Architecture, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1572T-I/SN
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1572-E/SN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1571-I/SN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.6549 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1571T-I/SN
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1571-I/MS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1501-I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1572-I/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz); 125 ns (at 32 MHz) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| DAC | 5-bit, 1 channel |
| Comparators | 2 |
| PWM Modules | 3 x 16-bit with independent timers |
| Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) | Yes |
| Communication | EUSART |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN), 3.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, -I suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12F1572-I/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | GP5/ICSPCLK β GPIO / ICSP clock |
| Pin 3 | GP4/ICSPDAT β GPIO / ICSP data |
| Pin 4 | GP3/MCLR/VPP β GPIO / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | GP2/AN2/TX/CWG1FLT β GPIO / ADC input / EUSART TX / CWG fault input |
| Pin 6 | GP1/AN1/C1IN1-/C2IN1-/DAC1REF+ β GPIO / ADC input / comparator input / DAC reference |
| Pin 7 | GP0/AN0/C1IN0+/DACOUT β GPIO / ADC input / comparator input / DAC output |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12F1572-I/SN is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting Dimming and Color Mixing, Small DC Motor and Stepper Control, Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Control Loops, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Sensor Nodes, Fan and Pump Speed Controllers, Hobby and Educational Development Platforms.
LED Lighting Dimming and Color Mixing
The PIC12F1572-I/SN fits LED lighting applications because its three independent 16-bit PWMs deliver 65536-step duty resolution, enabling flicker-free dimming and smooth color-mixing transitions in RGB or tunable-white luminaires. The Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) adds programmable dead-band control for high-side/low-side MOSFET drive in buck or boost LED driver topologies, reducing external gate-driver cost. With the internal 32MHz oscillator calibrated to within +/- 2% per the Microchip datasheet, PWM frequency accuracy is maintained without an external crystal. The 10-bit ADC reads photodiode or current-sense feedback for closed-loop luminous-flux or constant-current regulation. A typical implementation uses two PWMs for warm/cool white channels and the third for a status LED, with one GPIO reserved for a DMX or 0-10V dimming interface.
Recommended
Small DC Motor and Stepper Control
The PIC12F1572-I/SN suits small brushed DC and bipolar stepper motor control because three 16-bit PWMs can drive a half-bridge or full-bridge MOSFET stage via the on-chip CWG, while the CWG's programmable dead-band prevents shoot-through. The 32MHz instruction rate yields 125ns loop time, fast enough for PI or PID velocity control loops sampled at tens of kHz. Two analog comparators provide hardware overcurrent protection that can latch PWM outputs within one cycle, bypassing software latency. The 5-bit DAC is useful for setting comparator thresholds or generating reference voltages for the current-sense amplifier. In a typical stepper application, two PWMs drive the H-bridge for one coil pair while the third PWM modulates enable or microstep current; the 8-pin footprint keeps the entire controller under 10mm x 6mm PCB area.
Recommended
Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Control Loops
The PIC12F1572-I/SN is appropriate for small isolated or non-isolated SMPS controllers because its 16-bit PWM provides high-resolution duty-cycle control essential for tight output voltage regulation, while the CWG delivers complementary gate drive with adjustable dead-band for synchronous rectifier topologies. The 32MHz CPU clock supports digital control loop rates above 100kHz, enabling modern DSP-based control algorithms (peak current mode, average current mode) implemented in software. The 10-bit ADC samples the output voltage, input voltage, and current sense with sufficient resolution for a 3-5% regulated output. The integrated 5-bit DAC can trim the reference or generate a programmable soft-start ramp. A typical 5W-15W flyback or buck converter implementation uses one PWM for the main switch, the CWG for synchronous rectification, and three ADC channels for voltage and current feedback.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Sensor Nodes
The PIC12F1572-I/SN works well in battery-powered IoT edge sensors because its 8-pin SOIC footprint plus integrated peripherals reduce external component count, and the PIC enhanced mid-range core supports sleep modes with microamp-level current draw. The 10-bit ADC and 5-bit DAC support analog sensor conditioning (temperature, light, gas) without external signal-chain ICs, and the three PWMs can drive indicator LEDs, buzzers, or haptic actuators. The EUSART enables UART communication to a host MCU or radio module, while one GPIO can implement a wake-on-interrupt source to minimize average power. In a typical coin-cell sensor node, the part spends most of its time in sleep, waking on a timer interrupt to sample and transmit. The 256-byte RAM and 3.5KB Flash comfortably fit a sensor-fusion and simple-MAC firmware stack.
Recommended
Fan and Pump Speed Controllers
The PIC12F1572-I/SN is a strong fit for fan and pump speed controllers because the 16-bit PWM provides quiet, linear speed control across the full tachometer range, and the 32MHz CPU clock supports closed-loop RPM regulation using one ADC input for tach feedback and another for current sense. The CWG complements the PWM by driving a half-bridge for reversible or braking control in pump applications. The hardware comparators can latch overcurrent or stalled-rotor conditions within one PWM cycle, providing fast hardware protection. In a 12V brushless DC fan controller, a single PIC12F1572 implements the PWM commutation and tach feedback loop, replacing a discrete MCU-plus-gate-driver solution with one 8-pin IC.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Development Platforms
The PIC12F1572-I/SN is popular in hobby and educational contexts because the 8-pin DIP-compatible SOIC package is hand-solderable, the ICSP programming pins (GP4/ICSPDAT, GP5/ICSPCLK) are accessible on the package, and Microchip's MPLAB X IDE plus XC8 compiler provide a free development toolchain. The combination of three 16-bit PWMs, ADC, DAC, comparators, and EUSART in one 8-pin chip lets students explore PWM theory, closed-loop control, and serial communication in a single lab exercise. The PIC12F1572-E/SN extended-temperature variant and PIC12F1572T-I/SN tape-and-reel variant expose the same pinout, so lab prototypes transfer directly to production designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12F1572-I/SN β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1572T-I/SN | PIC12F1572-E/SN | PIC12F1571-I/SN | PIC12F1501-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN), 3.9 mm body | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-SOIC (SN) - same | 8-DIP (P) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) - 50% | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) - 50% |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 64 bytes - 75% |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz - 37.5% |
| PWM Channels | 3 x 16-bit | 3 x 16-bit | 3 x 16-bit | 3 x 16-bit | 1 x 10-bit - significantly lower |
| CWG (Complementary Waveform Generator) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No - not present |
| ADC | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels | 10-bit, 4 channels |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (-I industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C - extended | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Three independent 16-bit PWMs with CWG on an 8-pin MCU (vs PIC12F1501-I/P)
- Extended-temperature variant in the same footprint (vs PIC12F1572-I/SN)
- Higher Flash density with identical peripheral set (vs PIC12F1571-I/SN)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 1) to VSS (pin 8) with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the supply pins. For applications switching heavy MOSFET loads through the CWG outputs, add a bulk 1uF to 10uF capacitor near the IC. The PIC12F1572 internal 32MHz oscillator starts in microseconds, but a 10ms VDD rise time is recommended to ensure proper Power-on Reset behavior per the Microchip datasheet 40001723D. If using the MCLR/VPP pin as a reset, route a 10kohm pull-up to VDD and a 0.1uF cap to ground for noise immunity.
Route the ICSP programming pins GP4/ICSPDAT and GP5/ICSPCLK to a 2x3 or 1x6 header accessible from the PCB edge for in-circuit programming and debugging. Keep ICSP traces short and away from high-frequency switching signals (PWM outputs, CWG outputs) to avoid programming glitches. The 8-SOIC (SN) package has an exposed copper pad on the bottom that is internally floating but provides a thermal anchor β connect it to VSS for additional thermal mass if the application drives significant GPIO current. Place the 0.1uF decoupling capacitor on the same layer as the IC to minimize loop inductance.
Do not confuse the PIC12F1572 with the PIC12F1501: the PIC12F1501 has only one 10-bit PWM and lacks the CWG, making it unsuitable for half-bridge or complementary-drive applications. The 16-bit PWM resolution is preserved only when the system clock is fast enough β at low FOSC values, the effective PWM resolution decreases because each PWM step requires a clock cycle, so plan your FOSC selection against the required PWM frequency and step count. When using the CWG with dead-band, ensure the dead-band count is non-zero to prevent MOSFET shoot-through, but also not so large that it distorts PWM duty cycle. According to the Microchip PIC12(L)F1571/2 datasheet 40001723D, GPIO default-to-analog behavior at reset means unused analog-capable pins should be configured as digital outputs to avoid extra current draw.
Estimated: in an 8-SOIC package with theta_JA typically around 110 C/W (per Microchip package thermal data), driving four GPIOs at 25mA each from a 5V supply dissipates roughly 0.5W and yields a junction temperature rise of approximately 55 C above ambient. For higher-load designs, redirect heavy currents through the CWG-driven external MOSFETs rather than the GPIO pins directly, keeping the MCU well within its industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range. At maximum GPIO sink/source current (125mA total per datasheet 40001723D), a heatsink or copper-pour is unnecessary but PCB layout should keep the part away from heat-generating components.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; PIC12F1572-E/SN is the extended-temperature grade but is still not automotive-qualified. For AEC-Q100 requirements, Microchip recommends other PIC families.
