Microchip PIC16F1823-E/ST 8-Bit Microcontroller Datasheet and Application Guide

The Microchip PIC16F1823-E/ST is a versatile 8-bit microcontroller built on Microchip’s enhanced mid-range core. With its compact form factor, rich peripheral integration, and low-power operation, this MCU is engineered for a wide array of embedded applications, including consumer electronics, industrial control, sensor interfaces, and more.

Core Architecture and Performance

At the heart of the PIC16F1823 lies an enhanced 8-bit RISC CPU capable of operating at up to 32 MHz, achieving a performance level of 8 MIPS. This core features a 14-bit wide instruction set with 49 instructions, alongside a 16-level deep hardware stack, offering improved interrupt handling and subroutine management. The device includes 2 KB of Flash program memory, 128 bytes of RAM, and 128 bytes of EEPROM data memory, providing ample space for both code and data storage in small to medium complexity designs.

Advanced Peripherals for Enhanced Functionality

One of the defining strengths of the PIC16F1823 is its rich set of integrated peripherals:

- mSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port): Supports both I²C and SPI serial communication protocols, enabling easy interfacing with sensors, memories, and other peripheral chips.

- Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART): Facilitates serial communication (UART), crucial for debugging and data exchange with PCs or other devices.

- Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): Outputs complementary signals with dead-band control, making it ideal for motor control and power conversion applications.

- 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): With 8 channels, it allows for precise analog sensor data acquisition.

- Two Configurable Logic Cells (CLC) and a Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO): These provide hardware-based logic functions and precise frequency generation without CPU intervention, enhancing design flexibility and reducing software overhead.

Low-Power Features

The PIC16F1823 is designed for power-sensitive applications. It supports multiple power-saving modes, including Idle, Sleep, and Doze modes. The nanoWatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology ensures minimal current consumption during inactive states, making it suitable for battery-powered and portable devices.

Development Support

Microchip provides a comprehensive ecosystem to accelerate development with this MCU. The MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), coupled with the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC)—a graphical programming tool—enables rapid peripheral initialization and code generation. Hardware debugging and programming are supported via the ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) interface using tools like PICkit™ 4 or MPLAB Snap.

Application Highlights

A typical application is a smart temperature controller. The built-in ADC can read data from a thermistor, the EUSART can communicate readings to an LCD or a PC, and the CLC/CWG peripherals can directly control a fan or heater based on predefined logic, all while operating in a low-power mode when idle.

ICGOODFIND Summary: The PIC16F1823-E/ST is a highly integrated, low-power 8-bit microcontroller that balances performance, peripheral richness, and energy efficiency. Its combination of core independent peripherals (CIPs), serial communication modules, and analog capabilities makes it a robust and flexible solution for modern embedded systems, reducing both system cost and design complexity.

Keywords: PIC16F1823, 8-bit Microcontroller, Enhanced Mid-Range Core, Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), nanoWatt XLP Technology.