Microchip PIC16F687-I/SO 8-Bit Microcontroller: Features, Applications, and Development Tools

The Microchip PIC16F687-I/SO is a versatile 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) from the renowned PIC® mid-range family. Housed in a compact 20-pin SOIC (SO) package, this device is engineered for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, and power-conscious embedded designs. It combines a robust set of peripherals with the efficiency of the enhanced mid-range core, making it a popular choice for a vast array of applications.

Key Features

At the heart of the PIC16F687 lies a high-performance RISC CPU capable of operating at speeds up to 20 MHz, delivering a single instruction cycle time of 200 ns. Its 7 KB of self-programmable Flash memory provides ample space for application code and offers the flexibility for field firmware updates. The MCU is further supported by 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory for storing critical non-volatile data and 256 bytes of SRAM.

Its peripheral set is impressive for its class:

Analog Capabilities: It features a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 11 input channels, enabling precise measurement of analog signals from sensors.

Timing and Control: Two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer provide the necessary tools for event counting, interval timing, and waveform generation.

Communication Interfaces: It includes hardware Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) for serial communication (UART) and an SPI/I2C module, facilitating easy connection to peripherals like sensors, memory chips, and other controllers.

Core Independent Peripherals: A Capture, Compare, PWM (CCP) module and a dedicated Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module offer advanced control for motor drives and power conversion systems without constant CPU intervention.

Robust Operating Characteristics: The device operates over a broad voltage range (2.0V to 5.5V) and features a built-in Internal Oscillator block, which can be tuned to 8 MHz or 31 kHz, reducing external component count and system cost.

Primary Applications

The integration of these features makes the PIC16F687-I/SO suitable for diverse markets:

Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, smart chargers, and small appliances.

Automotive: Sensors, body control modules (e.g., window and mirror controls), and interior lighting systems.

Industrial: Sensor interfacing, data loggers, solenoid/relay control, and low-power motor control units.

Internet of Things (IoT): Simple, connected edge nodes for home automation and monitoring.

Power Management: Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), battery management systems, and power monitoring.

Development Tools and Ecosystem

Microchip provides a comprehensive and mature development ecosystem to accelerate design with the PIC16F687.

Software Tools: The primary Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is MPLAB® X IDE, a free, feature-rich platform for code writing, debugging, and programming. It is used in conjunction with the XC8 compiler for C code development.

Hardware Tools: Development is streamlined using hardware tools like the PICkit™ 4 or MPLAB® ICD 5 in-circuit debuggers/programmers. For a complete out-of-the-box experience, the Microchip Curiosity Development Board offers a flexible platform for prototyping, though it may require an adapter for the SOIC package.

Reference Designs: A wealth of application notes, code examples, and reference designs are available on the Microchip website, providing proven starting points for common design challenges.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The PIC16F687-I/SO stands out as a highly integrated and cost-effective solution for embedded control. Its balanced mix of processing power, rich peripheral set (including advanced analog and communication interfaces), and low-power operation capabilities make it exceptionally adaptable. Supported by one of the industry's most robust and accessible development ecosystems, this MCU significantly reduces time-to-market for designers tackling a wide spectrum of applications, from consumer gadgets to industrial systems.

Keywords:

1. 8-bit Microcontroller

2. PIC16F687

3. Embedded Control

4. Development Tools

5. Peripheral Integration