Microchip PIC16LF1936T-I/SS Microcontroller: Features, Applications, and Development Tools

The Microchip PIC16LF1936T-I/SS stands as a versatile and powerful 8-bit microcontroller within Microchip's extensive PIC16F family. Engineered for low-power operation and high integration, this MCU is a compelling choice for a wide array of embedded control applications. Its combination of advanced peripherals, nanoWatt XLP technology, and a robust ecosystem makes it a go-to solution for designers.

Key Features

At its core, the PIC16LF1936T-I/SS is built on an enhanced mid-range architecture with a 16-level deep hardware stack and 49 instructions. Its standout characteristics include:

Ultra-Low Power Consumption: Featuring Microchip's nanoWatt XLP technology, this device is optimized for battery-powered applications. It achieves extremely low sleep currents down to 20 nA and a typical operating current of just 8 µA at 32 kHz, ensuring extended battery life.

Ample Memory: It is equipped with 14 KB of self-read/write Flash program memory, 512 bytes of data EEPROM, and 512 bytes of SRAM, providing sufficient space for complex code and data storage.

Advanced Peripherals: The microcontroller is rich with integrated peripherals, including:

mTouch Capacitive Sensing Module: Allows for implementing touch-sensitive interfaces without external components.

Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) Module: Offers sophisticated control for motor drives and power converters.

Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART): Supports LIN, DMX, and IrDA protocols for robust communication.

Two Serial Peripheral Interfaces (MSSP): Facilitates communication with SPI and I²C peripheral devices.

10-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): With up to 14 channels, it enables precise analog signal acquisition.

Robust Packaging: The device comes in a 28-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package), which is ideal for space-constrained PCB designs.

Primary Applications

The feature set of the PIC16LF1936T-I/SS makes it exceptionally suitable for several key markets:

Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, touch-activated panels, toys, and home appliances benefit from its low-power operation and mTouch sensing capabilities.

Automotive: Its robust design and communication peripherals make it fit for subsystems like interior lighting control, sensor interfaces, and small motor control.

Industrial Control: Used in sensor nodes, alarm systems, power monitors, and other applications requiring reliable performance and low power consumption.

Internet of Things (IoT): As a sensor hub or edge node in battery-operated IoT devices, its ultra-low-power features are a significant advantage.

Development Tools and Ecosystem

Microchip provides a comprehensive and mature development ecosystem to accelerate design with this microcontroller.

MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE): A free, feature-rich IDE based on NetBeans that supports code writing, debugging, and programming in C, Assembly, or BASIC.

MPLAB XC8 Compiler: The standard C compiler for all 8-bit PIC MCUs, offering multiple optimization levels to balance code size and speed.

Hardware Tools:

PICkit™ 4 and MPLAB® ICD 5: In-circuit debuggers/programmers that offer high-speed communication and a powerful debugging experience.

Development Boards: Starter kits and curiosity boards provide a ready-to-use platform for prototyping and evaluating the microcontroller's features.

Microchip MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC): This is a pivotal tool—a free plugin for MPLAB X IDE that provides a graphical interface to set up the microcontroller's peripherals, pinouts, and clocks, generating initialization code automatically. This drastically reduces development time and complexity.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Microchip PIC16LF1936T-I/SS is a highly integrated, low-power 8-bit microcontroller that excels in applications demanding energy efficiency and a rich set of on-chip peripherals. Its nanoWatt XLP technology is a critical differentiator for battery life, while its mTouch sensing and robust communication modules reduce system cost and complexity. Supported by Microchip's powerful and user-friendly development tools like MPLAB X IDE and MCC, it offers a streamlined path from concept to production, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced embedded designers.

Keywords: PIC16LF1936T-I/SS, nanoWatt XLP, mTouch, MPLAB X IDE, Microcontroller.