PIC12LF1572-I/MS - 8-bit 32MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC12LF1572-I/MS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.04 | $1.04 |
| 10 | $0.96 | $9.60 |
| 100 | $0.88 | $88.00 |
| 500 | $0.78 | $390.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.71 | $710.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.65 | $1,950.00 |
PIC12LF1572-I/MS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and programmable I/O. Within the broader device hierarchy, an MCU is a type of embedded processor (microprocessor with integrated peripherals) classified under microcontrollers, then 8-bit microcontrollers, then the PIC family. The 8-bit PIC RISC architecture executes most instructions in one clock cycle, enabling deterministic timing that is valuable for real-time control loops such as PWM generation, motor commutation, and sensor sampling.
Key features include three independent 16-bit PWMs with their own timers (suitable for high-resolution LED dimming and stepper motor control), a 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2), a comparator, EUSART (Enhanced USART) for serial communication, and an internal 31kHz to 32MHz oscillator. The LF (low-power) silicon variant extends the supply range down to 1.8V, making it a strong fit for 2x AA / coin-cell applications. The device also supports the PICkit and ICD programming/debug toolchain for in-circuit development.
Architecturally, the PIC12LF1572-I/MS uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses. The three 16-bit PWM modules can operate independently of CPU execution - once configured, they generate outputs without software intervention, freeing the core for measurement and communication. The 32MHz internal oscillator provides factory-calibrated accuracy and removes the need for external crystals in cost-sensitive designs.
Typical applications include LED lighting controllers, battery-powered sensor nodes, handheld consumer products, fan and pump speed controllers, and general-purpose low-cost embedded control where compact 8-pin footprint and integrated 16-bit PWM resolution are required. The combination of three PWMs and 10-bit ADC makes it especially suited to closed-loop lighting and motor control.
When designing with this part, ensure the supply rail is decoupled with 100nF + 10uF ceramic capacitance placed close to the VDD pin. For accurate ADC readings, configure the ADC2 averaging and add a low-pass RC filter at the analog input. The ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT) share pads with GPIO and may require isolation resistors in production layouts.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (PIC12F1572-I/MS, PIC12LF1571-I/MS), and practical design notes not consolidated on a single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC12LF1572-I/MS — 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/MS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory (Flash), ADC, Comparators, DAC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC12F1572-I/MS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1571-I/MS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1572-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1572-I/MF
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.51 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC12LF1572-E/MS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC12LF1572-I/MS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | 8-pin MSOP |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| PWM Channels | 3 x 16-bit (independent timers) |
| ADC | 10-bit with Computation (ADC2) |
| Comparators | Yes (1 or 2, datasheet-specific) |
| Communication | EUSART |
| Internal Oscillator | 31 kHz to 32 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| I/O Pins | 6 GPIO |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (per Microchip standard) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC12LF1572-I/MS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5/ICSPCLK — GPIO RA5 / ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/ICSPDAT — GPIO RA4 / ICSP data (programming) |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR — GPIO RA3 / Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | RA2 — GPIO RA2 / analog input / PWM output |
| Pin 6 | RA1 — GPIO RA1 / analog input / PWM output |
| Pin 7 | RA0 — GPIO RA0 / analog input / PWM output |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC12LF1572-I/MS is suitable for 6 applications: RGB LED Lighting Controller, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Stepper Motor / Fan Speed Controller, Handheld Consumer Devices, Digital Power Supply Controller, Automotive Accessory Modules.
RGB LED Lighting Controller
The PIC12LF1572-I/MS is well suited for RGB LED lighting controllers because it provides three independent 16-bit PWM channels, each capable of >65,000 dimming steps for smooth color mixing. With its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range, the LF variant can run directly from a 3.3 V regulator or 2x AA cells, eliminating the need for a step-up converter. Place 100nF + 10uF ceramic decoupling on VDD and route each PWM output through a MOSFET driver to power the respective LED string; software updates can be delivered via the EUSART bootloader from a wired or wireless host.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
For low-power wireless or wired sensor endpoints, the PIC12LF1572-I/MS offers 256 bytes of RAM and a 10-bit ADC that, when paired with ADC2 averaging, can resolve small sensor signals with low noise. Its wide 1.8-3.6 V supply window matches 2x AA or CR2032 coin cells directly, while the internal 32 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal for cost-sensitive designs. Combined with sleep currents under 1uA in the LF part, designers can build multi-year battery-life sensor nodes; the EUSART peripheral can host UART links to a sub-GHz transceiver like the MRF89XA.
Recommended
Stepper Motor / Fan Speed Controller
Closed-loop stepper motor or fan speed control benefits from the PIC12LF1572-I/MS's three independent 16-bit PWMs that can generate phased excitation waveforms without CPU intervention. The 10-bit ADC with computation supports back-EMF sensing or tachometer feedback for RPM regulation. The 32 MHz instruction rate delivers deterministic step timing, while the 8-pin MSOP package keeps the design compact inside motor housings. Designers typically pair the MCU with a MOSFET gate driver such as the MCP1416 and a Hall-effect or back-EMF sensing front end.
Recommended
Handheld Consumer Devices
Compact consumer products such as remote controls, personal-care appliances, and small toys benefit from the PIC12LF1572-I/MS's small MSOP-8 footprint and low-voltage LF operation. The three 16-bit PWMs can drive haptic feedback motors, RGB indicators, and IR LEDs from a coin cell. Internal oscillator accuracy is sufficient for UART communication with a host device, and the ICSP programming interface allows firmware updates after final assembly using shared GPIO pins for production cost savings.
Recommended
Digital Power Supply Controller
The PIC12LF1572-I/MS can serve as a low-cost auxiliary controller in digital power supplies, where its three 16-bit PWMs generate phase-shifted gate-drive signals for multi-phase buck or boost topologies. The 10-bit ADC samples output voltage and current for feedback, while the EUSART provides telemetry to a host MCU. The LF variant supports 1.8 V start-up from auxiliary windings or bootstrap rails, and the wide 1.8-3.6 V range tolerates supply variation during cold-crank or load-dump events.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory Modules
For non-safety automotive accessories such as ambient lighting, USB chargers, or HVAC blend-door actuators, the PIC12LF1572-I/MS (industrial grade) provides a compact control platform when paired with proper reverse-battery and load-dump protection. Its three 16-bit PWMs drive RGB ambient strips, and the EUSART links to CAN or LIN transceivers via software UART bit-banging on spare GPIO. Designers should select the -E (extended temperature) variant for under-hood applications requiring -40C to +125C operation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC12LF1572-I/MS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC12F1572-I/MS | PIC12LF1571-I/MS | PIC12LF1572-I/P | PIC12LF1572-I/MF | PIC12LF1572-E/MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-pin MSOP | 8-pin MSOP - same | 8-pin MSOP - same | 8-pin PDIP (through-hole) | 8-pin DFN (SMD) | 8-pin MSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| 16-bit PWM Channels | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Three independent 16-bit PWMs with dedicated timers (vs PIC12LF1571-I/MS)
- Wide 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range (vs PIC12F1572-I/MS)
- Compact 8-pin MSOP package option (vs PIC12LF1572-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) with the ground return via a short trace to pin 8 (VSS). For applications with high PWM switching noise, add a bulk 10uF ceramic or tantalum capacitor on the same VDD rail within 5mm of the device. The LF variant draws microamp-level sleep current, so verify that decoupling capacitors do not introduce leakage paths that exceed the application's standby budget.
Keep the ICSP programming traces (RA4/RA5) accessible on test pads if in-circuit programming is required after assembly. For production boards, add 100 ohm series resistors on ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT to isolate the programmer from the rest of the circuit during programming. Maintain a ground pour under the MSOP package to reduce thermal resistance and improve EMI performance.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - tie it to VDD through a 10k ohm pull-up resistor, or configure the MCLR configuration bit to disable external reset. When using the analog inputs, configure the corresponding TRIS and ANSEL bits; otherwise the digital input buffer may interfere with ADC accuracy. Verify that the ICSP programming pins are not held low at power-up or the device will enter programming mode instead of normal execution.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Standard industrial grade (-40C to +85C) is not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive customers should contact Microchip for AEC-Q100 qualified variants of the PIC12F1572 family.
