Microchip PIC16F684-I/SL 8-Bit Microcontroller: Data Sheet and Product Overview

The Microchip PIC16F684-I/SL is a high-performance, cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) from Microchip Technology's extensive PIC® (Programmable Intelligent Computer) family. Housed in a compact 14-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, this device is engineered for a wide array of embedded control applications, offering a powerful blend of core independent peripherals, analog capabilities, and low-power operation.

Built around an enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC CPU core, the PIC16F684 operates at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, delivering a robust 5 MIPS of performance. This processing power is efficiently managed by its Harvard architecture, which features a 14-bit wide instruction set for optimized code execution. The MCU is equipped with 2 KB of Flash program memory, 128 bytes of RAM, and 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, providing ample space for both application code and non-volatile data storage.

A key strength of the PIC16F684 lies in its rich set of integrated peripherals, which are designed to reduce CPU overhead and system component count. It features a versatile 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 11 channels, enabling precise measurement of multiple analog signals. For timing and control tasks, it includes two analog comparators, one 8-bit timer, and two 16-bit timers. Furthermore, it incorporates an Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module, offering advanced pulse-width modulation capabilities for motor control and power conversion applications.

Notably, the device includes a Hardware Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD) module for advanced touch sensing, making it an excellent choice for implementing capacitive touch interfaces without external components. Its nanoWatt Technology ensures extremely low power consumption, supporting multiple power-saving modes (Sleep, IDLE) that are critical for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.

The "I" in its part number denotes an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments. The SOIC package is suitable for automated PCB assembly, facilitating high-volume manufacturing.

ICGOOODFIND: The PIC16F684-I/SL is a highly integrated and versatile 8-bit MCU, perfectly suited for space-constrained and cost-sensitive designs. Its powerful analog features, core independent peripherals, and ultra-low-power management make it an ideal solution for applications including consumer electronics, automotive interfaces, sensor nodes, lighting control, and low-power motor control.

Keywords: 8-bit Microcontroller, PIC16F684, nanoWatt Technology, Core Independent Peripherals, Capacitive Touch Sensing.