Microchip PIC16F1847-I/SO 8-Bit Microcontroller: Data Sheet and Design Guide
The Microchip PIC16F1847-I/SO is a high-performance, low-power 8-bit microcontroller built on Microchip’s enhanced mid-range core (PIC16F1xxx). This powerful yet cost-effective MCU is housed in a 20-pin SOIC package, making it suitable for space-constrained applications while offering a rich set of integrated peripherals. Its architecture is designed to serve a wide array of applications, including automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial control, and Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints.
Core Architecture and Performance
At the heart of the PIC16F1847 lies an enhanced Harvard architecture core with a 16-level deep hardware stack and 49 instructions. It operates at a maximum frequency of 32 MHz, delivering up to 8 MIPS of performance. A key feature is its nanowatt XLP technology, which enables extremely low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-operated devices. The core integrates 8 KB of program memory (Flash) and 512 bytes of RAM, providing ample space for complex firmware.
Integrated Peripherals for Enhanced Functionality
This microcontroller stands out due to its extensive suite of on-chip peripherals, which reduces external component count, lowers system cost, and simplifies design:
mTouch Capacitive Sensing Module: Allows for the implementation of robust touch sensing interfaces without external components.
Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): A highly flexible module for generating complementary PWM signals, essential for controlling brushless DC (BLDC) motors and other power conversion applications.
Enhanced Communication Interfaces: It includes EUSART (for LIN and RS-232), SPI, and I2C modules, providing versatile connectivity options for system expansion and sensor communication.
10-Bit ADC with 11 Channels: A high-resolution Analog-to-Digital Converter capable of monitoring multiple analog signals with ease.
Two Comparators and a 5-bit DAC: Useful for analog signal conditioning and monitoring.
Hardware Memory Access (HLVD): Provides a low-voltage detect function, enhancing system reliability.
Development Ecosystem and Design Guide Insights
Designing with the PIC16F1847 is supported by a comprehensive ecosystem. The MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), coupled with the PICKit™ or MPLAB ICD debuggers, provides a seamless experience for coding, debugging, and programming. The device is also supported by the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), a graphical tool that generates initialization code and drivers for the on-chip peripherals, dramatically accelerating development time.
Key design considerations highlighted in the guide include:
Power Management: Leveraging the built-in IDLE and DOZE modes to optimize power consumption based on processing demands.
Signal Integrity: Careful PCB layout, especially for the analog and capacitive sensing circuits, is critical to ensure accuracy and noise immunity.
Thermal Management: While the SOIC package offers good thermal characteristics, designs involving the CWG for motor control must account for heat dissipation.
The Microchip PIC16F1847-I/SO is a remarkably versatile 8-bit microcontroller that successfully balances processing power, peripheral integration, and energy efficiency. Its rich feature set, particularly the CWG and mTouch modules, makes it a superior choice for designers tackling advanced control and user interface challenges. Supported by a mature and powerful development ecosystem, it significantly shortens the design cycle, making it an excellent component for a vast range of modern embedded systems.
Keywords:
1. PIC16F1847-I/SO
2. 8-Bit Microcontroller
3. Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG)
4. mTouch Capacitive Sensing
5. Nanowatt XLP Technology
