Microchip PIC16F1824T-E/SL 8-Bit Microcontroller Technical Overview and Application Guide
The Microchip PIC16F1824T-E/SL is a high-performance, 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) from Microchip Technology’s extensive PIC16F family. Designed with a focus on core independent peripherals (CIPs), enhanced mid-range architecture, and low power consumption, this MCU is engineered to deliver robust performance in a compact package, making it an ideal solution for a wide array of embedded control applications.
Technical Overview
At the heart of the PIC16F1824T-E/SL lies an enhanced 8-bit RISC CPU core capable of operating at up to 32 MHz, achieving a performance level of 8 MIPS. It features 7 KB of programmable Flash memory and 256 bytes of RAM, providing ample space for application code and data handling. A key highlight is its 256 bytes of high-endurance EEPROM data memory, crucial for storing critical data that must be retained through power cycles.
The device integrates a rich set of Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) designed to perform tasks without constant CPU intervention, thereby increasing system efficiency and reducing power consumption. These include:
Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): Essential for advanced control of brushless DC (BLDC) motors and switch-mode power supplies (SMPS).
Configurable Logic Cell (CLC): Allows the creation of custom logic functions, interfacing between various peripherals to reduce external components.
mTouch Capacitive Sensing Module: Enables the implementation of robust touch sensing interfaces for buttons, sliders, and proximity detection.
Communication is facilitated through multiple serial interfaces, including an Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART), a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), and an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C)™ module, ensuring easy connectivity with sensors, displays, and other peripherals.
The analog capabilities are equally impressive, featuring a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 12 channels and two 5-bit Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), along with two comparators. These features make it suitable for precision sensing and measurement applications.
Operating from a 1.8V to 5.5V supply range, this MCU supports a wide spectrum of power modes, including nanoWatt XLP technology for ultra-low-power applications. It is offered in a 14-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, denoted by the "/SL" suffix, which is suitable for automated PCB assembly.
Application Guide
The combination of its peripheral set and low-power operation makes the PIC16F1824T-E/SL exceptionally versatile. Key application areas include:
Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, touch panels, and small appliances.
Automotive: Interior body control modules, sensors, and lighting systems.
Industrial: Low-power sensors, actuator control, and human-machine interface (HMI) panels.
Internet of Things (IoT): Simple edge nodes and sensor hubs requiring efficient data collection and communication.
Motor Control: Basic control of small brushed and brushless DC motors using its CIPs like the CWG.
Designers can leverage Microchip's comprehensive development ecosystem, including the MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the PICkit™ 4 In-Circuit Debugger, to streamline firmware development and debugging processes.
The PIC16F1824T-E/SL stands out as a highly integrated and power-efficient 8-bit MCU. Its strength lies in its rich set of Core Independent Peripherals, which offload tasks from the CPU, enabling the design of more complex, responsive, and lower-power systems. The robust analog and communication features, combined with its compact form factor, make it a superior choice for cost-sensitive and space-constrained embedded designs across consumer, industrial, and automotive markets.
Keywords:
1. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs)
2. 8-bit Microcontroller
3. Low Power Consumption
4. Enhanced Mid-Range Core
5. Capacitive Sensing (mTouch)
