PIC16 Family (12 parts in our catalog)

The PIC16 family by Microchip Technology consists of versatile 8-bit mid-range microcontrollers based on a modified Harvard architecture. These devices bridge the gap between the entry-level PIC10/12 and the high-performance PIC18 series, offering a balance of low power consumption and integrated Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs). They are widely used in embedded systems requiring robust I/O control, integrated analog capabilities, and hardware-based timing functions, while maintaining a cost-effective footprint for high-volume consumer and industrial applications.

Key Features

• Enhanced Mid-range core with up to 49 instructions and 16 stack levels
• Core Independent Peripherals for reduced CPU overhead and power
• Extreme Low Power (XLP) technology for sub-uA sleep currents
• Integrated 10-bit or 12-bit ADC with computation (ADC2) modules
• Wide operating voltage range from 1.8V to 5.5V across F and LF variants

Sub-families

Typical Use Cases

PIC16 microcontrollers are primary candidates for small-scale automation and sensor interfacing where deterministic timing is critical. In industrial environments, they are frequently implemented in motor control circuits, power supply monitoring, and safety-critical logic thanks to integrated hardware limit timers and configurable logic cells. For consumer electronics, their low standby power makes them ideal for battery-operated handheld devices, wearable tech, and remote controls. The family's ability to handle basic communication protocols like I2C, SPI, and EUSART also allows them to serve as peripheral co-processors or bridge controllers in larger automotive or IoT ecosystems. Additionally, integrated PWM and op-amps facilitate their use in LED lighting control and signal conditioning for analog transducers.

Popular Variants

Top variants from across the family, with specs that differentiate them.

Alternatives to Consider