Microchip PIC16F916-I/SP 8-Bit Microcontroller Datasheet and Application Overview

The Microchip PIC16F916-I/SP is a versatile 8-bit microcontroller belonging to the enhanced mid-range PIC16F family. Housed in a 28-pin SPDIP package, this device is engineered for a broad spectrum of embedded control applications, balancing performance, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Core Architecture and Key Features

At its heart, the PIC16F916 employs an enhanced Harvard architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction set. It operates at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, delivering a performance of up to 5 MIPS. A standout feature of this MCU is its LCD drive capability, supporting up to 16 segments and 4 commons, making it exceptionally suited for consumer appliances, industrial control panels, and instrumentation requiring user-friendly displays.

The device is equipped with 8 KB of Flash program memory and 368 bytes of RAM, providing ample space for complex firmware. It also features 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory for storing critical data that must be retained even during power cycles. Its robust peripheral set includes:

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit ADC with up to 9 channels for precise analog signal acquisition.

Timers: Multiple timers including Timer1 with oscillator options for real-time clock (RTC) applications.

Communication Interfaces: Both MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port) module for I²C and SPI communication and an EUSART (Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) for serial data exchange (RS-232, RS-485).

Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP): Modules to accurately measure pulse lengths or generate pulse-width modulated signals for motor control.

Low-Power Performance and Robustness

The PIC16F916 is designed for power-sensitive applications. It features multiple oscillator options, including a low-power internal oscillator, and offers a suite of power-managing modes like SLEEP and Watchdog Timer (WDT) to minimize current consumption, often drawing just nanoamps in standby.

Application Overview

This microcontroller's blend of features makes it a prime choice for numerous applications:

Consumer Electronics: Control panels for white goods (microwaves, washing machines) with integrated LCD drivers.

Automotive Interfaces: Secondary control modules, dashboard displays, and sensor interfaces.

Industrial Control: Small-scale PLCs, sensor nodes, and actuator controllers leveraging its analog and communication peripherals.

Battery-Powered Devices: Remote controls, portable instruments, and handheld gadgets benefiting from its low-power operation.

Development Support

Microchip provides extensive development support for the PIC16F916 through the MPLAB X IDE and the PICkit™ series of programmers/debuggers. This ecosystem simplifies code development, debugging, and programming, significantly accelerating the time-to-market for products.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC16F916-I/SP is a highly integrated, cost-effective solution for designers needing an 8-bit MCU with dedicated LCD driving functionality, robust peripheral integration, and proven low-power performance. Its comprehensive feature set ensures design flexibility and reliability across a wide range of embedded control applications.

Keywords: 8-bit Microcontroller, LCD Driver, Low-Power Management, Embedded Control, PIC16F916