Microchip PIC16F1823T-I/ML Microcontroller: Datasheet, Features, and Application Design Guide

The Microchip PIC16F1823T-I/ML is a standout member of the versatile PIC16F182x family of 8-bit microcontrollers. Housed in a compact 4x4 mm 20-pin QFN (ML) package, this device is engineered for applications demanding high performance, low power consumption, and a rich set of peripheral integration in a minimal footprint. This article provides a detailed overview of its datasheet, core features, and key considerations for application design.

Datasheet Overview and Core Specifications

The datasheet for the PIC16F1823 is the essential guide for any design engineer. It details the complete architectural and electrical characteristics of the microcontroller. Key specifications include:

Core: High-performance RISC CPU with 49 instructions and a 16-level deep hardware stack.

Speed: Operates up to 32 MHz, delivering 8 MIPS of performance.

Memory: Features 3.5 KB of Flash program memory and 128 bytes of RAM.

Precision: Incorporates a 16 MHz internal oscillator with a precision of ±1% and software tunable for oscillator-free applications, saving board space and cost.

Operating Voltage: Supports a wide range from 1.8V to 5.5V, making it suitable for both battery-powered and line-powered designs.

Temperature Range: The "I" suffix denotes an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, ensuring reliability in harsh environments.

Key Features and Peripherals

The PIC16F1823T-I/ML is packed with advanced peripherals that reduce system component count and complexity.

mTouch Capacitive Sensing: The microcontroller includes hardware for implementing robust capacitive touch interfaces (buttons, sliders, proximity) without external components.

Enhanced Communication: It is equipped with multiple serial communication modules, including EUSART (UART), SPI, and I2C, facilitating easy connection to sensors, displays, and other ICs.

Timing and Control: Features multiple timers, including 8-bit and 16-bit timers, and a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) output, which is ideal for controlling brushless DC (BLDC) motors and other power conversion applications.

Analog Capabilities: Includes a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 12 channels and two comparators, providing essential functionality for sensor data acquisition and real-time signal monitoring.

Low-Power Management: Offers multiple power-saving modes (Sleep, Idle) and a Watchdog Timer (WDT) for ultra-low-power applications, crucial for portable and battery-operated devices.

Application Design Guide

Designing with the PIC16F1823 requires a methodical approach:

1. Power Supply Decoupling: Place 100nF and 10μF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the VDD and VSS pins to ensure stable operation and mitigate noise.

2. Clock Configuration: Decide between the internal oscillator for cost-sensitive designs or an external crystal for timing-critical applications. The internal oscillator is highly reliable for most use cases.

3. Peripheral Utilization: Leverage the on-chip peripherals to their fullest. Use the CWG for motor control, the mTouch module for user interfaces, and the EUSART for debugging or data logging.

4. Pin Management: Carefully plan pin assignments using the Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature, which allows remapping of digital peripheral functions to different pins, offering unparalleled flexibility in PCB routing.

5. Development Tools: Utilize Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE and the PICKit™ 4 or MPLAB Snap programmers/debuggers for code development, flashing, and in-circuit debugging.

ICGOOODFIND

The Microchip PIC16F1823T-I/ML is a highly integrated and flexible 8-bit MCU, perfectly suited for space-constrained, cost-sensitive, and power-aware designs. Its robust set of peripherals, including capacitive touch, motor control waveforms, and communication interfaces, makes it an excellent choice for a wide array of applications such as consumer appliances, automotive interfaces, industrial control, and Internet of Things (IoT) edge nodes.

Keywords: PIC Microcontroller, Capacitive Touch, Low-Power Design, Peripheral Integration, QFN Package.