Microchip PIC16F723A-I/SO 8-Bit Microcontroller: Data Sheet and Technical Specifications

The Microchip PIC16F723A-I/SO is a high-performance, 8-bit microcontroller built on an enhanced mid-range core architecture. This device is part of Microchip's extensive PIC® MCU family, offering a robust combination of processing power, versatile peripherals, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for a wide array of embedded control applications in consumer, industrial, and automotive systems.

Housed in a 28-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, the PIC16F723A-I/SO is designed for space-constrained applications requiring surface-mount technology. The "I" suffix denotes its industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environmental conditions.

Core Architecture and Performance

At its heart lies an enhanced 8-bit RISC CPU core. It features a 14-bit wide instruction set with 49 instructions, enabling highly efficient C compiler optimization. The core operates at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, delivering a single instruction cycle time of 200 ns (except for branch instructions), which provides a substantial computational throughput for complex control algorithms.

Key Memory Features

Flash Program Memory: 8 Kbytes of self-read/writable flash memory ensure ample space for application code and offer the flexibility for field firmware updates.

RAM: 368 bytes of general-purpose SRAM provide volatile data storage.

EEPROM: 256 bytes of data EEPROM offer reliable non-volatile storage for critical data such as calibration constants, user settings, or event logs, which must be retained even after a power cycle.

Integrated Peripherals and System Features

The PIC16F723A-I/SO is distinguished by its rich set of integrated peripherals, reducing system component count and total cost.

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit ADC with up to 11 input channels allows for precise measurement of analog signals from sensors.

Timers: The device includes multiple timers: one 8-bit and two 16-bit timers, providing essential timing and counting functions.

Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) Modules: Two Enhanced CCP (ECCP) modules offer advanced PWM generation for motor control and power conversion applications, along with capture and compare capabilities.

Communication Interfaces: It supports essential serial communication protocols, including:

EUSART (Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter): For RS-232, RS-485, and LIN bus communication.

MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port): Configurable as an I²C™ or SPI™ interface for communication with peripheral chips like memories, sensors, and RTCs.

Comparator: An analog comparator module simplifies the task of comparing external voltage levels.

Enhanced Power-Management Features: A Programmable Brown-Out Reset (BOR) and a fail-safe watchdog timer (WDT) enhance system reliability and recovery from unpredictable events.

Development Support

A complete ecosystem of hardware and software tools supports the PIC16F723A, including the MPLAB® X IDE, the PICkit™ 4 programmer/debugger, and a wide range of compiler options, streamlining the development and debugging process.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC16F723A-I/SO is a versatile and highly integrated 8-bit microcontroller solution. Its blend of substantial Flash memory, data EEPROM, a rich peripheral set (including 10-bit ADC and ECCP), and robust industrial-grade design makes it an excellent choice for developers seeking a reliable, cost-effective controller for sophisticated embedded systems across various markets.

Keywords: 8-bit Microcontroller, PIC16F723A, Enhanced Mid-Range Core, Industrial Temperature, Integrated Peripherals.