Microchip PIC16LF1459T-I/GZ: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

The Microchip PIC16LF1459T-I/GZ represents a significant offering within the expansive PIC® microcontroller family, specifically engineered for applications demanding high performance, ultra-low power consumption, and robust integrated peripherals in a minimal footprint. This device is a cornerstone for developers creating sophisticated embedded systems in consumer, industrial, and medical markets.

At its core, this MCU is built upon an enhanced mid-range 8-bit PIC architecture, leveraging the powerful nanoWatt XLP Technology. This technology is paramount for battery-sensitive and energy-harvesting applications, enabling extreme low-power operational modes where sleep currents can be as low as 20 nA. This makes it exceptionally suitable for devices that must operate for years on a single battery.

A defining feature of the PIC16LF1459 is its integrated USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) module. This peripheral includes an on-chip voltage regulator and a dedicated internal oscillator, eliminating the need for external crystals for USB operation and thereby reducing the total bill of materials and board space. The module supports both Human Interface Device (HID) and Custom driver classes, facilitating the development of peripherals like sensors, keyboards, and debuggers without complex driver installations.

The microcontroller boasts a substantial suite of peripherals. It includes a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 10 channels, multiple timers including a 16-bit capture/compare/PWM module, and serial communication interfaces like I²C and SPI. Furthermore, it features a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and a hardware Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD) module for advanced touch sensing applications, providing robust performance in noisy environments.

Housed in a compact 20-pin UQFN package, the `PIC16LF1459T-I/GZ` offers a high level of integration in a space-saving form factor. Its operational voltage ranges from 1.8V to 3.6V, and it is specified over an industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), ensuring reliability in harsh environmental conditions. The device is supported by Microchip's mature MPLAB® X IDE and the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), a graphical programming environment that dramatically accelerates firmware development through easy peripheral initialization and code generation.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16LF1459T-I/GZ is a highly integrated, feature-rich 8-bit MCU that stands out for its ultra-low-power USB capabilities. Its combination of nanoWatt XLP technology, a complete on-chip USB stack, and a rich peripheral set in a tiny package makes it an exceptional choice for connected, power-constrained designs.

Keywords: Ultra-low-power, USB 2.0, nanoWatt XLP, Embedded Peripherals, UQFN Package.