Microchip PIC16F690-I/SO 8-Bit Microcontroller Overview and Application Guide
The Microchip PIC16F690-I/SO is a versatile and cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller built on PIC® architecture, designed for a wide range of embedded control applications. This powerful yet compact MCU integrates numerous peripherals into a small 20-pin SOIC package, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained designs requiring high performance and low power consumption.
At its core, the PIC16F690 features an enhanced Harvard architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction set, allowing for efficient and flexible code execution. It operates at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, delivering up to 5 MIPS performance. The device includes 7 KB of Flash program memory, 256 bytes of EEPROM, and 256 bytes of SRAM, providing ample space for both code and data storage in many applications.
A key strength of the PIC16F690 lies in its rich peripheral integration. It incorporates multiple communication interfaces including EUSART (Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) for serial communication, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and I2C™ support for interfacing with various sensors and peripherals. The microcontroller also features 12 channels of 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC), two analog comparators, and a built-in temperature sensor, making it particularly suitable for analog signal processing and measurement applications.
The device includes three timer modules with multiple operating modes, providing flexibility for various timing and counting requirements. Particularly notable is the Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module which offers advanced pulse width modulation capabilities for precise motor control and power conversion applications.
Power management is another area where the PIC16F690 excels. It incorporates multiple power-saving modes including SLEEP mode which reduces power consumption to minimal levels, making it suitable for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications. The wide operating voltage range (2.0V to 5.5V) further enhances its suitability for portable devices.
In practical applications, the PIC16F690-I/SO demonstrates remarkable versatility. It serves as the central control unit in automotive systems such as dashboard displays and simple engine control modules. In consumer electronics, it powers remote controls, small appliances, and LED lighting systems. Industrial applications include sensor interfaces, motor control systems, and power management solutions. The medical field utilizes this microcontroller in portable monitoring devices and diagnostic equipment where reliability and low power consumption are critical.
Development support for the PIC16F690 is extensive, with Microchip providing the MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment and the freely available XC8 compiler. Numerous demonstration boards and application notes accelerate development cycles, while the in-circuit serial programming capability (ICSP) facilitates easy firmware updates even in deployed systems.
The robustness of the PIC16F690 is enhanced by its wide temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and strong electrostatic discharge protection, ensuring reliable operation in challenging environments. These characteristics, combined with its peripheral set and processing capabilities, make it a enduring choice for embedded designers seeking a balance between performance, features, and cost.
ICGOODFIND: The PIC16F690-I/SO represents an optimal balance of performance, peripheral integration, and power efficiency in a compact package, making it an excellent choice for diverse embedded control applications requiring reliable 8-bit processing capabilities.
Keywords: 8-bit Microcontroller, Peripheral Integration, Low Power Consumption, Embedded Control, Analog Processing
