Microchip PIC16F723A-I/SS 8-Bit Microcontroller Technical Overview and Application Guide
The Microchip PIC16F723A-I/SS is a high-performance, 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) from Microchip Technology’s extensive PIC® MCU portfolio. Built on an enhanced mid-range core with a 16-level deep hardware stack and 49 instructions, this device combines robust performance with a rich set of peripheral features, making it a versatile solution for a wide array of embedded control applications in consumer, industrial, and automotive systems.
Housed in a 28-pin Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP), the PIC16F723A-I/SS is designed for space-constrained applications requiring a high level of integration. Its operational voltage ranges from 2.0V to 5.5V, enabling flexibility in both battery-powered and line-powered designs. The device operates at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, delivering up to 5 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) performance.
A key strength of this microcontroller lies in its sophisticated memory architecture. It features 14 KB of self-read/write Flash program memory, which allows for flexible in-application firmware updates. This is complemented by 368 bytes of RAM for data handling and 256 bytes of high-endurance EEPROM data memory for storing critical parameters without power.
The peripheral set is exceptionally comprehensive, designed to minimize external component count and reduce total system cost. Notable features include:
Analog Capabilities: A 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 12 channels provides precise measurement of analog signals. It also includes two analog comparators with programmable reference voltage.
Timing and Control: The device contains three flexible timer/counter modules (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) and two Capture, Compare, PWM (CCP) modules. These are essential for generating precise timing signals, measuring pulse widths, and driving motors or LEDs via PWM.
Communication Interfaces: It supports multiple serial communication protocols, including an Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) for RS-232/RS-485 communication, a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), and an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C™) bus for communication with other peripherals and sensors.
Enhanced PWM (ECCP): One of the CCP modules is an Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM module, which offers advanced features like half-bridge and full-bridge output modes, dead-band control, and automatic shutdown, making it ideal for sophisticated motor control and power conversion applications.
Application Guide
The PIC16F723A-I/SS is suited for a diverse range of applications. Its rich analog and digital integration makes it a prime candidate for sensor interface and data logging systems, where the ADC and EEPROM can be used to read and store sensor data. In power electronics, the ECCP module is perfect for building SMPS (Switch-Mode Power Supplies) and BLDC (Brushless DC) motor controllers. The communication peripherals allow it to act as a central hub in building automation networks or a smart node in an industrial control system, communicating data via I²C or UART. Its wide voltage range also makes it an excellent choice for battery-managed portable devices.
ICGOOODFIND: The PIC16F723A-I/SS stands out as a highly integrated and cost-effective 8-bit MCU solution. Its powerful blend of ample memory, advanced analog features, versatile communication interfaces, and motor control-specific peripherals provides designers with a single-chip answer to complex design challenges, streamlining development and enhancing product reliability.
Keywords: 8-Bit Microcontroller, PIC16F723A, Embedded Control, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), ECCP.
