Microchip PIC16LF1827T-I/ML: Low-Power 8-Bit Microcontroller for Embedded Control Applications

The Microchip PIC16LF1827T-I/ML stands as a quintessential component in the realm of embedded systems, engineered specifically for applications demanding high performance coupled with minimal power consumption. As part of the enhanced mid-range PIC16F182X family, this microcontroller integrates a robust set of peripherals, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of embedded control applications, from consumer electronics and IoT sensor nodes to industrial automation and portable medical devices.

At its core, the device features an enhanced 8-bit RISC CPU architecture with a 32-level deep hardware stack and 49 instructions. Operating at a maximum frequency of 32 MHz, it delivers a performance of 8 MIPS. A key attribute of this MCU is its ultra-low-power (XLP) technology, which is critical for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications. It boasts nanoWatt XLP capabilities, enabling it to operate with a typical current consumption of just tens of microamps in Run mode and falling to mere nanoamps in Sleep mode.

The PIC16LF1827T-I/ML is housed in a compact 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) ML package, suitable for space-constrained designs. Its 14 KB of self-read/write Flash program memory and 1024 bytes of RAM provide ample space for complex firmware, while its 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory offer reliable non-volatile data storage.

A significant strength of this microcontroller lies in its rich peripheral integration, designed to minimize external component count and total system cost. It includes:

mTouch capacitive sensing module for implementing robust touch interfaces.

Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) / Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C™) modules for versatile communication.

Two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules and one Enhanced CCP (ECCP) for precise control of motors and LEDs.

5-channel 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with internal voltage reference.

Two comparators and a fixed voltage reference (FVR) for analog signal conditioning.

The integrated on-chip temperature indicator and hardware limit timers further enhance its reliability for critical control tasks. Development is streamlined by Microchip's comprehensive software and hardware tool suite, including the free MPLAB X IDE and the low-cost PICkit™ 4 programmer/debugger.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16LF1827T-I/ML is a highly integrated, feature-rich 8-bit microcontroller that excels in low-power embedded control. Its combination of XLP technology, a powerful peripheral set, and a compact form factor makes it a superior and cost-effective solution for developers designing the next generation of intelligent, connected, and power-sensitive products.

Keywords: Low-Power, 8-Bit Microcontroller, Embedded Control, XLP Technology, Peripheral Integration.