Microchip PIC16F690-I/P 8-Bit Microcontroller Overview and Application Guide

The Microchip PIC16F690-I/P is a versatile and cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller belonging to Microchip’s PIC® mid-range family. Housed in a 20-pin PDIP package, this device is designed for a wide range of embedded control applications, offering a balanced combination of performance, peripheral integration, and power efficiency.

Built around an enhanced Harvard architecture and a RISC-based CPU, the PIC16F690 operates at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, delivering up to 5 MIPS of processing power. It features 4 KB of Flash program memory, 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, and 256 bytes of SRAM, providing ample space for both code and data storage in many applications.

A key strength of this microcontroller lies in its rich set of integrated peripherals. It includes:

- Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, enabling precise measurement of analog signals from sensors.

- Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) Module: Facilitates tasks like measuring signal timing or generating PWM outputs for motor control.

- Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART): Supports serial communication protocols (UART) for connectivity with PCs, GPS modules, and other devices.

- Two Comparators: Useful for analog signal conditioning and monitoring.

Notably, the PIC16F690 incorporates nanoWatt Technology, making it ideal for battery-powered and low-power applications. It features multiple power-saving modes, including Sleep, where current consumption can drop to the nanoampere range, significantly extending battery life.

Application Guide

The PIC16F690 is exceptionally suited for a diverse array of applications, including:

- Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, smart toys, and small appliances.

- Automotive Systems: Sensors, actuators, and interior control modules.

- Industrial Control: Small-scale motor control, sensor interfaces, and logic controllers.

- Home Automation: Thermostats, lighting control, and security sensors.

Development is supported by a robust ecosystem, including the MPLAB® X IDE and the PICKit™ programmer/debugger, allowing for efficient code development, simulation, and in-circuit debugging.

---

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16F690-I/P stands out as a highly integrated and power-efficient 8-bit MCU, perfectly balancing capability and cost for a multitude of embedded control designs.

Keywords:

8-Bit Microcontroller, Low-Power Design, Peripheral Integration, Embedded Control, nanoWatt Technology