Microchip PIC16F876AT-I/SO 8-Bit Microcontroller: Data Sheet and Design Guide

The PIC16F876AT-I/SO from Microchip Technology represents a versatile and robust 8-bit microcontroller, engineered to deliver high performance and flexibility for a wide range of embedded applications. Housed in a 28-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, this device is part of the popular PIC16F87x family, which is renowned for its integrated analog and digital peripherals, low-power operation, and ease of use in both prototyping and production environments.

Core Architecture and Performance

At the heart of the PIC16F876AT-I/SO lies an enhanced Harvard architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction set, enabling efficient and rapid execution of code. The microcontroller operates at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, achieving a throughput of up to 5 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). This processing power is supported by 8K x 14 words of Flash program memory, which offers in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) capability, allowing for flexible and iterative firmware updates without removing the chip from the circuit board. Additionally, it features 368 bytes of RAM and 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, providing ample space for data storage and manipulation.

Rich Set of Integrated Peripherals

A key strength of the PIC16F876AT-I/SO is its rich peripheral set, which minimizes the need for external components, thereby reducing system cost and board space. It includes:

- Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit resolution ADC with up to 5 channels, ideal for precision sensor interfacing and data acquisition.

- Timers/Counters: Three timers (Timer0, Timer1, and Timer2), with Timer1 supporting oscillator options for real-time clock (RTC) applications.

- Communication Interfaces: Both SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) modules facilitate seamless communication with other peripherals like sensors, memory chips, and displays. A USART (Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) is also included for serial communication with PCs or other devices.

- Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) Modules: Two CCP modules provide functionality for pulse width modulation, crucial for motor control, power regulation, and signal generation.

Low-Power Features and Operating Characteristics

Designed for power-sensitive applications, the microcontroller supports multiple operating modes, including Sleep mode, where power consumption drops to negligible levels. It can operate over a wide voltage range (2.0V to 5.5V), making it suitable for battery-powered devices. The robust design ensures high noise immunity and reliability in industrial environments.

Design Considerations and Development Support

Successful implementation of the PIC16F876AT-I/SO requires careful attention to the design guidelines provided in the datasheet. Key considerations include:

- Clock Source Selection: Options range from low-power crystal oscillators to internal RC oscillators, balancing accuracy and power consumption.

- PCB Layout and Decoupling: Proper decoupling capacitors near the power pins are essential to ensure stable operation and mitigate noise.

- In-Circuit Debugging (ICD): The microcontroller supports ICD via ICSP, enabling real-time debugging and accelerating development cycles.

Microchip provides a comprehensive ecosystem of development tools, including the MPLAB X IDE and PICKit programmers, which streamline code development, simulation, and programming.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC16F876AT-I/SO is a highly integrated, cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller that excels in applications requiring analog interfacing, communication, and control. Its blend of performance, peripherals, and low-power operation makes it a preferred choice for designers in automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, and IoT domains.

Keywords:

1. PIC16F876AT-I/SO

2. 8-Bit Microcontroller

3. In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP)

4. Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

5. Low-Power Operation