Microchip PIC16F887-E/PT: An 8-Bit Microcontroller for Embedded Control Applications

The Microchip PIC16F887-E/PT stands as a robust and versatile 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) from the renowned PIC® mid-range family. Engineered for a vast array of embedded control applications, this MCU combines a powerful core with a rich set of integrated peripherals, offering designers a compact, cost-effective, and highly efficient solution for sophisticated control tasks.

At the heart of the PIC16F887 lies a high-performance RISC-based CPU core. Operating at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, it features an enhanced instruction set with only 35 single-word instructions. This architecture enables a two-stage instruction pipeline, allowing for most instructions to execute in a single clock cycle, leading to impressive computational throughput and highly deterministic operation—a critical requirement for real-time control systems.

A significant advantage of this microcontroller is its substantial and flexible memory configuration. It is equipped with 14 KB of Flash program memory, providing ample space for complex application code. Equally important are the 368 bytes of RAM for data manipulation and 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, which allows for the reliable storage of critical parameters—such as calibration data or user settings—even when power is removed.

The peripheral set integrated into the PIC16F887 is what truly makes it a powerhouse for embedded control. Key features include:

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A high-resolution 10-bit ADC module with 14 channels enables precise measurement of analog signals from sensors monitoring temperature, pressure, voltage, or other environmental factors.

Timers and CCP Modules: With multiple timers (including an 8-bit and 16-bit timer) and Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) modules, the MCU excels at generating precise timing signals, measuring pulse widths, and driving motors or LEDs with sophisticated pulse-width modulation (PWM) waveforms.

Communication Interfaces: It supports essential serial communication protocols, including EUSART (for RS-232/RS-485), SPI, and I2C, facilitating seamless data exchange with peripherals like sensors, memory chips, displays, and other microcontrollers.

Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): This peripheral is particularly useful in power control applications, allowing for the generation of complementary PWM signals with dead-band control for driving half-bridge and full-bridge circuits.

Housed in a 44-lead TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Pack) package, the PIC16F887-E/PT offers a high pin count in a relatively compact footprint, making it suitable for space-constrained PCB designs. Its extended industrial temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) ensures reliable operation in harsh environmental conditions, common in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC16F887-E/PT is a highly integrated and capable 8-bit microcontroller that delivers an exceptional blend of processing power, extensive memory, and a rich array of peripherals. Its robust feature set tailored for control tasks, combined with its proven reliability and cost-effectiveness, makes it an outstanding choice for developers designing everything from automotive systems and industrial automation to advanced consumer electronics and Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints.

Keywords: Embedded Control, 8-bit Microcontroller, PIC16F887, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), PWM.