Microchip PIC16F916T-I/SS 8-Bit Microcontroller: Features, Architecture, and Application Design

The Microchip PIC16F916T-I/SS is a prominent member of the versatile PIC16F family of 8-bit microcontrollers, renowned for its robust performance, rich peripheral integration, and cost-effectiveness. Housed in a 28-pin Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP), this device is engineered to serve a wide array of embedded control applications, from consumer electronics to automotive systems and industrial automation.

Key Features and Architecture

At its core, the PIC16F916T-I/SS is built upon Microchip's enhanced Harvard architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction set. This design allows for separate program and data memory buses, enabling concurrent instruction fetching and data access, which significantly boosts execution speed and efficiency.

The microcontroller operates at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, delivering a performance of up to 5 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). Its memory configuration is substantial for its class, featuring:

8 KB of Flash program memory for flexible and reusable code storage.

368 bytes of RAM for data handling during runtime.

256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, which is crucial for storing critical data that must persist even after a power cycle, such as calibration constants or user settings.

A standout feature of the '916' series is its integrated LCD driver module. This peripheral can directly drive up to sixteen segments (e.g., for alphanumeric displays), making it an ideal choice for applications requiring a user interface without the need for an external driver IC. Other integrated peripherals include:

10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 9 channels.

Two analog comparators.

Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules for precise timing and motor control.

Enhanced USART for serial communication (RS-232, RS-485).

MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port) module supporting both I²C and SPI protocols.

The device also incorporates nanowatt-grade power management technology, featuring multiple oscillator options and software-selectable sleep modes. This allows designers to create applications that are highly optimized for ultra-low power consumption, which is critical for battery-operated devices.

Application Design Considerations

Designing with the PIC16F916T-I/SS involves leveraging its integrated features to minimize external components, thereby reducing the overall bill of materials (BOM) and board space.

1. LCD-Based Interface Design: For applications like smart thermostats, medical instruments, or appliance control panels, the internal LCD controller simplifies design. The firmware must be configured to initialize the LCD module, define the segment mapping, and update the display buffer accordingly.

2. Analog Sensing and Control: With its multi-channel 10-bit ADC and comparators, the MCU is perfectly suited for sensor interfacing. A typical design for a data logger would involve connecting sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure), configuring the ADC for periodic sampling, and storing the values in EEPROM. The internal voltage reference enhances measurement accuracy.

3. Low-Power Design: To maximize battery life in a portable device, developers should utilize the SLEEP mode and disable unused peripherals. The watchdog timer (WDT) can be employed to wake the processor at regular intervals for sampling tasks before putting it back to sleep, creating a very low duty cycle.

4. Communication: The onboard USART and MSSP modules facilitate connectivity. For instance, the USART can be used to communicate with a PC or a GSM module, while the I²C bus can connect to external memory chips or sensor hubs.

Development is supported by Microchip's comprehensive ecosystem, including the MPLAB X IDE and the PICKit™ programmer/debugger. Using the MCC (MPLAB Code Configurator) plugin, developers can generate initialization code and drivers for the complex peripherals through a graphical interface, dramatically accelerating the development process.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC16F916T-I/SS stands out as a highly integrated and power-efficient 8-bit MCU solution. Its unique combination of a capable core, substantial memory, a built-in LCD driver, and a rich set of analog and digital peripherals makes it an exceptionally versatile choice for designers aiming to create sophisticated, user-interactive, and low-power embedded systems with a minimal component count.

Keywords:

PIC16F916T-I/SS

8-bit Microcontroller

LCD Driver

Nanowatt Technology

Harvard Architecture