PIC12LF1552-E/SN - 8-Bit 32MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1552-E/SN ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.36 | $1.36 |
| 10 | $1.22 | $12.20 |
| 100 | $1.08 | $108.00 |
| 500 | $0.95 | $475.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.85 | $850.00 |
PIC12LF1552-E/SN Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces such as ADC, timers, and communication ports. PIC12F-series MCUs sit at the low end of the PIC12 architecture, optimized for cost-sensitive applications that need only 6 I/O pins and minimal code space. Within Microchip's broader hierarchy, the PIC12LF1552 belongs to PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC.
Key features include 32MHz CPU speed (8MHz instruction cycle with 4x PLL), hardware I2C/SPI, 6 I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 4 channels, multiple timer modules, and an internal 32kHz LFINTOSC. The 'LF' prefix denotes the wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range suited to battery-powered systems, and the 'E' suffix indicates the -40C to +125C extended operating temperature grade.
The PIC12LF1552 uses a RISC-based Harvard architecture with 14-bit instruction words, 8-bit data path, and 49 instruction opcode set. This yields compact code density and deterministic interrupt latency, making it well-suited to real-time control tasks where predictable timing is critical.
Typical applications include consumer electronics remote controls, low-cost sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers, capacitive touch HMI (mTouch), small appliance control, and battery-powered IoT edge devices. Its hardware I2C and tiny footprint also suit wearable and disposable medical accessories.
When designing, note that 3.5KB Flash limits code size; consider the PIC12LF1552-E/P (PDIP) variant for through-hole prototyping or PIC12LF1552T-I/SN for tape-and-reel volume production. Always decouple VDD with a 0.1uF ceramic cap placed within 3mm of the pin.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1552-E/SN — 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 PIC12LF1552-E/SN (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, RoHS Status, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12LF1552-I/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1552T-I/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.14 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1552-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1501-E/SN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12F1501-E/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12F1572-E/SN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1552-E/SN Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® 12F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 6 |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| ADC Channels | 4 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package | 8-SOIC (SN, 3.90 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC12LF1552-E/SN Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive power supply (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — GPIO RA5 / T1CKI / AN4 / CCP1 |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — GPIO RA4 / AN3 / SOSCO / CLKOUT |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — GPIO RA3 / MCLR (master clear reset) |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 / AN2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 / SDA / AN1 |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 / SCL / AN0 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1552-E/SN is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Remote Control, Capacitive Touch HMI (mTouch), Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Small Appliance Control, Wearable Health Device.
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC12LF1552-E/SN's 8-SOIC footprint, 1.8V-3.6V supply, and hardware I2C make it a strong fit for compact IR/RF remote controls. Its 32MHz CPU delivers enough bandwidth for IR protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, SIRC) at 38kHz carrier, while 3.5KB Flash holds complete protocol stacks plus custom button mapping. Six GPIO pins suffice for a 5x1 button matrix with one interrupt line. Low-power SLEEP mode extends coin-cell battery life to years.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch HMI (mTouch)
Microchip's mTouch technology leverages the PIC12LF1552-E/SN's 10-bit ADC and CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) for capacitive touch sensing. The MCU can scan 4 button channels with hardware noise rejection, making it ideal for mTouch evaluation kit platforms including water-rejection algorithms and proximity sensing. Operating at 3.3V from 1.8-3.6V, it draws minimal current during scans, suiting battery-powered touch panels.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC12LF1552-E/SN's 1.8V-3.6V supply and 32kHz LFINTOSC support battery-powered sensor nodes lasting years on a coin cell. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, or light sensors via I2C, while the 32MHz HFINTOSC wakes only for short burst transmissions. The 8-SOIC package occupies <30mm2 board area, suiting wearable form factors. Microchip's nanoWatt XLP technology provides multiple SLEEP modes below 1uA.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12LF1552-E/SN drives small RGB or single-channel LED controllers in decorative lighting. Its 32MHz CPU generates precise PWM for color mixing, while 3.5KB Flash stores lighting sequences and DMX/WS2812-style protocols. The 6 GPIO pins control multiple LED channels or button inputs, and 1.8-3.6V operation allows direct Li-ion or USB power. Hardware I2C enables digital LED driver chip interfacing.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
Coffee makers, blenders, and personal care devices use the PIC12LF1552-E/SN for motor control, button scanning, and user interface management. The 32MHz speed and hardware I2C support BLDC motor driver ICs, while 6 GPIO handle switch matrix and LED indicators. The 1.8-3.6V supply pairs with 3.3V LDO regulators, and the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade covers consumer and industrial appliance environments.
Recommended
Wearable Health Device
The PIC12LF1552-E/SN fits disposable and low-cost wearables like fitness bands, smart patches, and medical sensors. Its 8-SOIC package is small enough for compact PCB layouts, while the LF voltage range supports single coin-cell (CR2032) operation. The 10-bit ADC and I2C interface read biosensors (heart rate, SpO2, temperature), and XLP low-power modes extend battery life. The MCU's deterministic interrupt latency supports real-time sensor sampling.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1552-E/SN — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12LF1552-I/SN | PIC12LF1552T-I/SN | PIC12LF1501-E/SN | PIC12F1501-E/SN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 5.5V |
| Hardware I2C | Yes (MSSP) | Yes (MSSP) | Yes (MSSP) | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit + DAC |
Key Differentiators
- Higher 32MHz CPU vs 20MHz family members (vs PIC12LF1501-E/SN)
- Hardware I2C peripheral (vs PIC12LF1501-E/SN / PIC12F1501-E/SN)
- 2x Flash and 4x RAM vs PIC12F1501 family (vs PIC12F1501-E/SN)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 1) with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 3mm of the pin and connected to VSS (pin 8) with a short trace. For noisy environments, add a bulk 1uF-10uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic cap on the supply rail. The PIC12LF1552-E/SN's wide 1.8V-3.6V supply allows direct operation from a regulated 3.3V rail or a single Li-ion/coin cell.
Pin 4 (RA3/MCLR) is shared with the MCLR reset function. If MCLR is enabled (default), pin 4 must see a clean logic high for normal operation. Tie it directly to VDD through a 10kohm resistor if unused as GPIO. Floating MCLR causes erratic resets. Disable MCLR in CONFIG words to use RA3 as a normal GPIO. Also note that the 8-SOIC package has only 8 pins; not all peripherals are brought out.
For capacitive touch (mTouch) applications, route the ADC/sensor traces as short as possible, guard them with a GND ring, and place the PIC12LF1552-E/SN at least 5mm from noisy traces (PWM, switching). The CTMU-based mTouch library requires careful sensor layout to achieve specified sensitivity. Refer to Microchip AN1478 (mTouch Design Guidelines) for layout best practices.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC12LF1552-E/SN itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications, consult Microchip's PIC16 family. MSL Level 1 per JEDEC J-STD-020.
