PIC12LF1572-I/MF - 8-Bit 32MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1572-I/MF β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.95 | $0.95 |
| 10 | $0.86 | $8.60 |
| 100 | $0.74 | $74.00 |
| 500 | $0.62 | $310.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.51 | $510.00 |
PIC12LF1572-I/MF Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, Flash program memory, RAM, and on-chip peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and PWMs. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip use a Harvard RISC architecture, where program and data buses are separate, enabling single-cycle instruction execution and deterministic timing. The PIC12LF1572 belongs to the PIC12 sub-family of low-pin-count 8-bit MCUs and sits within Microchip's broader product hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> PIC microcontroller -> PIC12 family -> PIC12F sub-family -> power-management/lighting-oriented PIC12LF157x series. Its place in this taxonomy makes it a common building block in compact, low-cost embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC12LF1572 include three independent 16-bit PWMs with dedicated timers, high-resolution analog peripherals, a 10-bit ADC, comparators, EUSART (Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) for serial communication, and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that offload tasks from the CPU. The 16-bit PWM channels are the headline feature, providing fine-grained duty cycle control needed for LED dimming, motor control, and switch-mode power supply regulation. The device also supports high-voltage In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) for flexible programming in production.
Typical applications include LED lighting drivers (RGB and white), stepper motor control, DC-DC converter control loops, battery chargers, and small general-purpose embedded control boards. The 1.8V minimum supply allows direct connection to single-cell Li-Ion or two-cell alkaline battery stacks. Combined with its tiny 3x3 mm DFN footprint, the part enables very compact PCB designs in cost-sensitive consumer and industrial products.
When designing with this part, place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to the VDD pin and respect the 1.8V-3.6V supply range. For low-power sleep modes, configure the CPU and peripherals carefully via the SLP and IDLE bits to minimize quiescent current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1572-I/MF 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 PIC12LF1572-I/MF (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, ADC, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1572-I/MF
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12LF1571-I/MF
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.58 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12F1571-I/MF
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.76 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC12LF1572-I/MF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC12 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 6 |
| PWM Channels | 3 x 16-bit |
| Comparators | Yes |
| EUSART | Yes |
| ICSP / Debug | ICSP, High-Voltage ICSP |
| Package | 8-pin DFN (3x3 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LF1572-I/MF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 β GPIO / ICSPDAT / PWM3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β GPIO / ICSPCLK / PWM2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 β GPIO / MCLR (reset) |
| Pin 5 | RA2 β GPIO / PWM1 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA1 β GPIO / EUSART RX / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA0 β GPIO / EUSART TX / analog input |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1572-I/MF is suitable for 7 applications: RGB LED Lighting Drivers, Stepper Motor Control, Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Control, Battery Chargers & Power Banks, Wearable & IoT Sensor Hubs, Industrial Control & Sensor Conditioning, Smart Home Appliance User Interfaces.
RGB LED Lighting Drivers
The PIC12LF1572-I/MF's three independent 16-bit PWM channels directly drive RGB or RGBW LED strings with high-resolution color mixing and dimming. Each PWM provides up to 16-bit duty cycle resolution (65536 steps), eliminating visible flicker at low brightness levels and enabling smooth color temperature transitions. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range supports 1S Li-Ion and 2x AA battery configurations, ideal for portable decorative lighting. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) allow the PWMs to operate without CPU intervention, freeing the 32MHz core for communication stacks or sensor input. The 3x3 mm DFN package fits inside even ultra-compact bulb form factors.
Recommended
Stepper Motor Control
The three 16-bit PWMs combined with comparators and EUSART make the PIC12LF1572-I/MF well suited to micro-stepping drive of small stepper motors used in camera focus, valve actuators, and micro-positioners. The 16-bit PWM resolution delivers smooth torque ripple reduction at low RPM, while the on-chip comparator closes the current-control loop without external op-amps. Operating from 1.8V minimizes power dissipation in battery-driven actuator modules. The 6 I/O pins connect to a small stepper driver IC such as the A4988 or DRV8833, with the MCU providing sequence, microstep index, and fault monitoring.
Recommended
Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Control
The PIC12LF1572-I/MF functions as a digital controller for low-power DC-DC converters and isolated SMPS topologies, leveraging its 16-bit PWM for precise duty-cycle control and high-speed comparator for peak-current-mode feedback. The 32MHz instruction rate provides 31.25ns PWM granularity when clocked at full speed, more than sufficient for sub-MHz switching supplies. The high-voltage ICSP capability allows field programming without removing the IC from the board. With 1.8V operation, the MCU can be powered from an auxiliary winding on the transformer, eliminating auxiliary supply rails and reducing BOM cost.
Recommended
Battery Chargers & Power Banks
The PIC12LF1572-I/MF's 1.8V minimum supply and low-power sleep modes make it a natural fit for Li-Ion/LiPo charger MCUs in portable power banks. The 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and charging current, while the 16-bit PWMs drive a switching charger or linear regulator with high efficiency. The EUSART enables SMBus or I2C-like communication with fuel gauge ICs, allowing accurate state-of-charge reporting. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports outdoor and automotive-grade charger enclosures. The 3.5KB Flash holds a complete CC/CV charge profile plus safety timers.
Recommended
Wearable & IoT Sensor Hubs
Wearables and edge IoT sensor nodes demand small package footprints and ultra-low quiescent current. The PIC12LF1572-I/MF in 3x3 mm DFN saves PCB space while providing 6 GPIO for interfacing to motion sensors, temperature ICs, and BLE modules. Sleep currents in the microamp range extend coin-cell battery life into months or years. The 16-bit PWM can drive haptic feedback actuators directly. The EUSART interfaces with UART-based BLE modules (e.g., RN4870) without consuming extra pins for SPI. CIPs handle sensor wake-up timing without CPU intervention.
Recommended
Industrial Control & Sensor Conditioning
In factory automation subsystems the PIC12LF1572-I/MF serves as a smart front-end: 16-bit PWMs excite bridge sensors, the comparator detects threshold crossings, and the 10-bit ADC digitizes process variables. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range tolerates harsh cabinet environments. Galvanic isolation can be implemented with the high-voltage ICSP plus optocouplers, allowing the MCU to program safely across an isolation barrier. Industrial protocols such as Modbus RTU ride on the EUSART, while the on-chip CIPs minimize interrupt latency for time-critical control loops.
Recommended
Smart Home Appliance User Interfaces
The PIC12LF1572-I/MF drives capacitive touch buttons, LED indicators, and small status displays in white-goods user interfaces. The 16-bit PWMs smoothly fade status LEDs, while the comparator-based touch decoder eliminates dedicated touch ICs. EUSART links to the main appliance controller board, reporting user inputs and receiving configuration updates. The 1.8V-3.6V range supports direct connection to 3.3V rails shared with Wi-Fi modules. The compact DFN package fits inside slim control panels where every millimeter counts.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1572-I/MF β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1572-I/MF | PIC12LF1571-I/MF | PIC12F1571-I/MF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same | 8-DFN (3x3 mm) - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.3V to 5.5V |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB (-50%) | 1.75 KB (-50%) |
| PWM Channels | 3 x 16-bit | 3 x 16-bit | 2 x 16-bit | 2 x 16-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $0.95 | $0.95 | $0.85 | $0.85 |
Key Differentiators
- Three independent 16-bit PWMs in an 8-pin package (vs PIC12LF1571-I/MF)
- Lowest minimum supply voltage in the PIC12F157x family (vs PIC12F1572-I/MF)
- Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) for offloaded PWM/comparator logic (vs PIC12F635-I/MF)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of the VDD pin, ideally with a second 10uF bulk capacitor at the board-level supply rail. According to the Microchip PIC12(L)F1571/2 datasheet, voltage ripple above 50 mVpk on VDD can cause POR resets. For battery applications, include a series ferrite bead to suppress high-frequency noise from switch-mode converters sharing the same rail.
The 8-DFN package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a copper pour on the PCB for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Use at least 4 thermal vias in the EP land pattern to a bottom-side copper pour, per IPC-7351 DFN land pattern guidelines. For 32 MHz designs, keep traces under 10 mm and avoid running digital signals parallel to the ICSP lines to prevent crosstalk.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD - the 'LF' variant has no 5V tolerance. Verify the MCLR pin configuration in your code: by default it is enabled as a reset input, but it can be disabled for use as RA3 only via the CONFIG register. For ICSP programming, both ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT pins must be accessible; locking these via configuration bits will prevent re-programming without a high-voltage programmer.
Estimated: at full 32 MHz CPU speed with all peripherals active, the PIC12LF1572-I/MF draws approximately 3 mA from 3.3V, dissipating about 10 mW. The DFN-8 thermal resistance (theta_JA) is approximately 70 C/W (per Microchip packaging data), giving a junction temperature rise of less than 1 C above ambient - well below the 150 C maximum. No heatsink is required.
Route the ICSP clock and data lines away from PWM outputs to prevent capacitive coupling that can corrupt programming. Use a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR if it is used as a reset input. Place the crystal (if used) within 5 mm of OSC pins and surround it with a ground guard ring for noise immunity in industrial environments.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100 qualified PIC variants for automotive.
