PIC16F1512T-I/SO - 3.5KB Flash 8-bit MCU 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F1512T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.95 | $1.95 |
| 10 | $1.74 | $17.40 |
| 100 | $1.49 | $149.00 |
| 500 | $1.28 | $640.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.12 | $1,120.00 |
PIC16F1512T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, volatile and non-volatile memory, programmable I/O, and one or more peripheral blocks (timers, ADC, communication interfaces). The PIC16F1512 sits inside the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> enhanced mid-range PIC16 family -> Microchip PIC16F1xxx sub-family. The "/SO" suffix denotes the 28-pin Small Outline IC package, and the "T" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging for SMT assembly. Designers choose 8-bit PICs like this one when the application needs deterministic timing, low quiescent current, and a small code footprint at low BOM cost.
Key peripheral features include MI2C and SPI plus an EUSART with auto-baud detection, two CCP modules for capture, compare, or PWM generation, two 8-bit timers (TMR0/TMR2) plus one 16-bit timer (TMR1), a 17-channel 10-bit ADC with advanced acquisition controls, and 25 mA source/sink I/O capable of driving LEDs directly. Internal voltage reference, comparator, and power-managed sleep modes round out the analog/mixed-signal set. The XLP designation indicates the part is optimized for nanoWatt sleep currents suitable for battery-backed or energy-harvesting designs.
Architecturally the device uses a 14-bit instruction word, a single-cycle hardware multiplier, and the standard PIC Harvard bus. Programming and debugging are supported through the MPLAB X IDE ecosystem using any of the MPLAB PICkit, Snap, ICD, or REAL ICE in-circuit tools; the device also supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) via two pins (ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT). The combination of low pin count, generous ADC channels, and PWM resources makes the PIC16F1512 a common choice for sensor hubs, white-goods user interfaces, and small motor/lighting controllers.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes (using XLP sleep + MI2C sensors), white-goods and small-appliance control panels, LED lighting controllers driven by CCP PWM, small BLDC or brushed DC motor control via PWM + ADC feedback, industrial sensor signal conditioning with on-chip op-amp-free analog front-ends, and consumer remote controls using the EUSART or MI2C for host communication. The wide VDD range also lets it sit directly on 2-cell AA alkaline rails.
When designing with this device, prioritize unused I/O as outputs tied low to minimize sleep current, and place the 0.1 uF + 10 uF VDD decoupling pair within 5 mm of the supply pins to keep ADC SNR clean at 20 MHz operation. Configure ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT with their proper pull-ups or pulldowns per the datasheet programming section to ensure reliable in-circuit programming on the production line.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Microchip PIC16F151x family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F1512T-I/SO — 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 PIC16F1512T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Communication, Operating Temperature, Package, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F1512-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1513T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1512-I/MV
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1516T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1509T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1512T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Instruction Set Size | 49 instructions |
| Stack Levels | 16 |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data EEPROM/Flash | High-endurance block, 100,000 writes min. |
| SRAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| ADC | 10-bit, 17 channels |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 2 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| Communication | MI2C, SPI, EUSART with auto-baud |
| I/O Drive Strength | 25 mA source/sink per pin |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO), wide-body, 7.50 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape & Reel) |
| XLP Low-Power Family | Yes (nanoWatt technology) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F1512T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/T1CKI/MCLR — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, voltage reference, Timer1 clock, master clear (reset) |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T1G — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, Timer1 gate |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA6/AN6 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA7/AN7 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 8 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 9 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 27 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP data (programming) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F1512T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, White Goods and Small Appliance Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Small Motor and Fan Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Consumer Remote Controls and HIDs.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F1512T-I/SO is well suited to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its XLP eXtreme Low Power technology, which holds deep-sleep currents in the nanoWatt range, allowing multi-year coin-cell life when the MCU wakes only to take periodic sensor readings. Its 17-channel 10-bit ADC supports multi-sensor analog front-ends (temperature, light, voltage monitoring) without external muxing. The MI2C and SPI peripherals attach to common low-power sensors and sub-GHz radios, while the EUSART with auto-baud handles legacy host links. Running from 2.5 V minimum, it sits directly on a 2xAA alkaline stack. Compared with a 32-bit Cortex-M0+ alternative, the PIC16F1512T-I/SO reduces BOM cost while preserving deterministic ISR latency for time-stamped sensor events.
Recommended
White Goods and Small Appliance Control
The PIC16F1512T-I/SO fits white-goods and small-appliance control panels by integrating 17 ADC channels for keypad scanning, temperature sensing, and load current monitoring in a single 28-SOIC device. Its two CCP/PWM modules drive triac gate triggers or MOSFET half-bridges for heating elements, fan speeds, and pump control without external timer ICs. Industrial -40C to +85C rating supports refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing-machine compartments, while 25 mA source/sink I/O directly drives LED indicators and relay coils. Designers benefit from the PIC16F1512T-I/SO's deterministic interrupt latency for safety-critical lockout timing, plus 128-byte SRAM that is adequate for menu state machines and PID loops without an external EEPROM.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F1512T-I/SO serves LED lighting controllers where one or two CCP/PWM channels generate high-resolution dimming signals for constant-current LED drivers, while the EUSART or MI2C links the controller to a DMX, DALI, or wireless gateway MCU. Its 20 MHz core supports 16-bit PWM at 78 kHz with 8-bit dimming without CPU intervention, freeing the CPU for color-mixing algorithms and telemetry. The 17-channel ADC monitors LED string current, supply voltage, and temperature for closed-loop brightness compensation, while XLP sleep drops quiescent current below 50 nA between dimming commands. The 28-SOIC footprint is compatible with hand-solder prototypes and SMT production lines, simplifying engineering samples to mass production.
Recommended
Small Motor and Fan Control
The PIC16F1512T-I/SO drives small brushed DC, single-phase BLDC, or stepper motors in appliances and computer fans by using its two CCP/PWM outputs to generate complementary or single-ended drive signals for FET half-bridges. The 17-channel ADC samples back-EMF, current sense, and tachometer feedback to close the velocity/torque loop, while TMR1 (16-bit) provides accurate commutation timing in BLDC firmware. Up to 25 mA source/sink I/O directly drives small logic-level MOSFET gates or opto-isolated drivers without buffers. Compared to dedicated motor-control ICs, the PIC16F1512T-I/SO adds firmware-configurable start-up curves, fault handling, and diagnostics at lower BOM cost in low-horsepower applications.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F1512T-I/SO conditions signals from industrial sensors such as 4-20 mA loops, RTDs, thermistors, and bridge pressure sensors by combining its 17-channel 10-bit ADC with internal voltage reference and a comparator. The PIC16F1512T-I/SO computes linearization, filtering, and HART-style modulation in firmware, then transmits results via MI2C/SPI/EUSART to a host controller or display. The industrial -40C to +85C rating suits outdoor enclosures and factory-floor deployment, while 25 mA I/O sources power to passive sensors over long cable runs. Designers save cost and board space versus external ADC plus logic ICs, since the PIC16F1512T-I/SO replaces both with a single 28-SOIC device.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls and HIDs
The PIC16F1512T-I/SO powers low-cost consumer remote controls and human-interface devices where a keypad matrix, IR LED, and Zigbee/BLE sub-module must share one MCU. Its MI2C and SPI attach to sub-GHz or 2.4 GHz radio daughter boards, while the EUSART provides a backup IR or wired link. XLP sleep drops quiescent current below 1 uA between button presses, extending battery life on coin cells beyond 5 years. The 28-SOIC package remains hobbyist-friendly for hand-soldered prototypes, and the free XC8 toolchain plus MPLAB X IDE eliminates licensing costs for hobby and prosumer products. The PIC16F1512T-I/SO's 25 mA I/O directly drives IR LEDs without external transistors, shrinking BOM to MCU + battery + IR + button matrix.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F1512T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F1512-I/SO | PIC16F1513T-I/SO | PIC16F1516T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB (same die) | 7 KB (+100%) | 14 KB (+300%) |
| SRAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes (+100%) | 512 bytes (+300%) |
| ADC Channels | 17 ch x 10-bit | 17 ch x 10-bit | 17 ch x 10-bit | 17 ch x 10-bit |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Unit Price (qty-1, as of 2026-09-19) | $1.95 | $1.85 (tube) | $2.10 | $2.30 |
Key Differentiators
- Larger ADC channel count than PIC16F1509 family (vs PIC16F1509-I/SO)
- Identical silicon in tape-and-reel carrier (vs PIC16F1512-I/SO)
- Superset upgrade path in same package (vs PIC16F1513T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: To minimize sleep current on the PIC16F1512T-I/SO, configure all unused I/O pins as outputs driving low (or as inputs with their weak pull-ups disabled via WPUx registers). Disabling the ADC, comparators, and peripheral clocks in the PMD register before entering SLEEP drops quiescent current into the sub-uA range. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic near the IC body to suppress MCU inrush during sleep-to-active wakeup.
Keep the 16 MHz internal oscillator traces short and surround the VDD pins with a continuous ground plane to minimize EMI. Route the ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT pins directly to an in-circuit programming header or test pads to retain factory programming access without rework. Analog inputs (AN0-AN7) should be guarded with a ground track on both sides to reduce digital switching noise coupling into the ADC, since the ADC shares the I/O pins with high-current peripherals in this family.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD or you risk EEPROM corruption and EEPROM write-lock bits being incorrectly programmed. The MCLR/RA3 pin must have a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if not used as a reset input, otherwise the device may randomly enter reset on power-up. The brown-out reset (BOR) voltage should be configured to a level above the minimum VDD for the chosen oscillator frequency - leaving BOR disabled is a common field reliability failure.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC16F1512-E/SO extended-grade variants if automotive qualification is required.
