Microchip PIC16F877A-I/PT: An 8-Bit CMOS FLASH Microcontroller Data Sheet and Application Overview

The Microchip PIC16F877A-I/PT stands as a cornerstone in the world of 8-bit microcontrollers, renowned for its robustness, versatility, and widespread adoption in both academic and industrial applications. This comprehensive overview distills the key information from its datasheet and explores its practical application landscape.

Housed in a 44-pin TQFP package, the PIC16F877A is built on Microchip's proven Enhanced FLASH/EEPROM Architecture. Its core is a powerful RISC-based CPU operating at up to 20 MHz, delivering a performance of 200 ns per instruction cycle. A key feature is its substantial memory configuration: 8K words of FLASH program memory, 368 bytes of RAM, and 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory. This non-volatile EEPROM allows for the storage of critical data—such as calibration constants or user settings—that must persist even after a power cycle.

The peripheral set of the PIC16F877A is exceptionally rich, making it a true "all-in-one" solution for complex embedded designs. It includes:

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, enabling precise measurement of analog signals from sensors.

Timers/CCP Modules: Two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules and a third PWM module provide critical timing and control functions for driving motors, generating waveforms, and measuring digital signals.

Communication Interfaces: It supports all three major serial communication protocols: USART (for RS-232), SPI, and I2C, facilitating easy communication with peripherals like sensors, displays, and memory chips.

Parallel Slave Port (PSP): An 8-bit port with external control lines for direct interface with a microprocessor bus, simplifying expansion.

In application, the PIC16F877A's versatility shines. It is a staple in industrial automation for controlling processes, in automotive systems for managing auxiliary functions, and in a vast array of consumer electronics. Its integrated ADC makes it ideal for data acquisition systems, while its PWM capabilities are perfect for controlling light intensity, motor speed, and power delivery. Furthermore, its extensive community support and abundance of development tools make it an excellent platform for learning and prototyping.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16F877A-I/PT remains a highly capable and well-supported 8-bit microcontroller. Its extensive set of integrated peripherals, including ADC, communication modules, and ample memory, reduces external component count and system cost. While newer microcontrollers may offer higher performance or lower power, the PIC16F877A's balance of features, ease of use, and reliability continues to make it a compelling choice for a wide spectrum of embedded control applications.

Keywords: PIC16F877A, 8-bit Microcontroller, CMOS FLASH, Embedded Control, Data Acquisition