PIC16F690 Microcontroller:Datasheet,Pinout,Features and Application

Microchip's PIC16F690 stands as a prominent member of the Low Pin-count (20) PIC® Flash microcontroller family, renowned for its compatibility with the established mid-range x14 architecture. This 8-bit microcontroller combines compact design with powerful features, offering a wide operating voltage range, integrated EEPROM Data Memory, and nanoWatt Technology for enhanced power efficiency. Let's delve into the key attributes that make the PIC16F690 a versatile and preferred choice in the realm of embedded systems and electronics.

PIC16F690 Overview

Microchip's PIC16F690 microcontroller is an 8-bit member of the Low Pin-count (20) PIC® Flash microcontroller family, renowned for its compatibility with the well-established mid-range x14 architecture. This compact yet powerful microcontroller offers standardized features, including a broad operating voltage range of 2.0-5.5 volts, integrated EEPROM Data Memory, and nanoWatt Technology for enhanced power efficiency.

At its core, the PIC16F690 incorporates a high-performance RISC CPU, executing instructions at a commendable speed. The board supports the connection of a crystal oscillator with a frequency of up to 20 MHz, providing a reliable source of clock pulses.

Operating within the standard PIC voltage range of 2 to 5.5 V, the PIC16F690 boasts 7K of program memory and 256 bytes of RAM. Additionally, it features an EEPROM with a capacity of approximately 256 bytes, contributing to versatile data storage capabilities.

Key features include compatibility with external components through I2C, SPI, and USART connections, expanding its utility across a wide array of applications. The Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) module is pivotal for converting analog signals to digital values, facilitating seamless sensor interfacing.

The PIC16F690 is available in two distinct packages, namely PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) and QFP (Quad Flat Package), both equipped with a 20-pin interface. This microcontroller's versatility, standardized features, and compatibility make it a preferred choice for applications demanding a balance between performance and compact design.

PIC16F690 Pin Diagram

Pinout Description

PIC16F690 Features

PIC16F690 is a high-performance RISC microcontroller with a 35-instruction set, operating at up to 20 MHz. It features a deep hardware stack, precise internal oscillator, versatile addressing modes, and power-saving capabilities. With peripherals like enhanced USART, analog comparator, A/D converter, and timers, it's suitable for various embedded applications. The microcontroller's low-power features, efficient memory, and support for serial communication make it a flexible and energy-efficient choice for embedded systems.

Here is a summary and overview of its key characteristics:

CPU Architecture:

• RISC architecture with 35 instructions, primarily single-cycle (except for branches).
• Operating speed of DC – 20 MHz oscillator/clock input, with a DC – 200 ns instruction cycle.
• Interrupt capability for handling asynchronous events.
• 8-level deep hardware stack for efficient program execution.

Addressing Modes:

• Supports Direct, Indirect, and Relative Addressing modes for versatile programming.

Precision Internal Oscillator:

• Factory calibrated to ±1%.
• Software-selectable frequency range from 8 MHz to 32 kHz.
• Two-Speed Start-up mode for software tunability.
• Crystal fail detect for critical applications.

Power Management:

• Power-saving Sleep mode for reduced power consumption during idle periods.
• Wide operating voltage range (2.0V-5.5V).
• Power-on Reset (POR), Power-up Timer (PWRTE), and Oscillator Start-up Timer (OST) for reliable startup.
• Brown-out Reset (BOR) with software control option.
• Enhanced low-current Watchdog Timer (WDT) with software enable.

Memory:

• High Endurance Flash/EEPROM cell with 100,000 write Flash endurance and 1,000,000 write EEPROM endurance.
• Flash/Data EEPROM retention for more than 40 years.

Communication Features:

• Enhanced USART Module supporting RS-485, RS-232, and LIN 2.0.
• Auto-Baud Detect and Auto-wake-up on Start bit.
• Peripheral Features: 17 I/O pins and 1 input-only pin for versatile connectivity.

Low-Power Characteristics:

• Standby Current: 1 nA @ 2.0V (typical).
• Operating Current: 20 μA @ 32 kHz, 2.0V (typical), <1 mA @ 4 MHz, 5.5V (typical).
• Watchdog Timer Current: <1 μA @ 2.0V (typical).

Peripheral Features:

• Analog comparator module with two analog comparators, programmable on-chip voltage reference, and various modes.
• A/D Converter with 10-bit resolution and 12 channels.
• Timers: Timer0 (8-bit), Enhanced Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit).
• Enhanced Capture, Compare, PWM+ module supporting 16-bit Capture, Compare, and 10-bit PWM with multiple output channels.

Serial Communication:

• Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) supporting SPI™ mode (Master and Slave).
• I²C™ (Master/Slave modes) with address mask.

Programming and Debugging:

• In-Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP™) via two pins.

PIC16F690 Parametrics Details

PIC16F690 Advantages

• Low Pin-count Design: Well-suited for applications with space constraints due to its compact 20-pin configuration.
• Wide Operating Voltage Range: Supports operation within a broad voltage range of 2.0-5.5 volts, providing flexibility in different power supply scenarios.
• Integrated EEPROM Data Memory: On-board EEPROM storage (approximately 256 bytes) enhances data retention and enables non-volatile memory applications.
• nanoWatt Technology: Incorporates power-efficient nanoWatt Technology, optimizing power consumption and extending battery life in low-power applications.
• High-Performance RISC CPU: Features a high-performance RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) CPU for efficient and speedy execution of instructions.
• Crystal Oscillator Support: Allows the connection of a crystal oscillator with a frequency of up to 20 MHz, providing reliable clock pulses for precise timing.
• Analog Peripherals: Equipped with up to 12 channels of 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC), analog comparators, and an Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP+) module for versatile analog applications.
• Compatibility with External Components: Supports I2C, SPI, and USART connections, enhancing compatibility with a wide range of external devices and components.
• Two Package Options: Available in PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) and QFP (Quad Flat Package), offering flexibility in board design and integration.
• Versatility in Applications: Suitable for a diverse range of applications, including embedded systems, industrial automation, consumer electronics, and more, due to its versatile features and capabilities.

PIC16F690 Application

The PIC16F690 microcontroller serves a myriad of applications, catering to both educational and practical needs. Its versatile capabilities make it an ideal choice for various projects, including:

Student Projects for Interfacing Sensor and Motor Controlling:

PIC16F690 facilitates student projects that involve interfacing sensors for data acquisition and motor control. It provides a hands-on learning experience in sensor integration and real-time motor control applications.

Central Heating Projects:

In central heating systems, the PIC16F690 can be employed for temperature sensing, control algorithms, and interfacing with heating elements. Its low power modes are advantageous for efficient energy management.

Serial Communication:

The microcontroller's support for serial communication protocols, such as UART, makes it valuable for projects involving data exchange between devices. It is commonly used in applications requiring reliable and efficient serial communication.

Production of Temperature Data Logger:

PIC16F690 is well-suited for creating temperature data loggers. Its built-in ADC can be utilized to measure temperature, and the data can be logged for analysis or monitoring purposes.

Main Part of the Embedded System:

As a fundamental component of embedded systems, the PIC16F690 plays a central role in various applications, providing processing power, control, and connectivity in compact and resource-efficient designs.

Used in Industrial Automation:

PIC16F690 finds application in industrial automation, where it can control processes, monitor sensors, and interface with other devices. Its robust features make it suitable for integration into automated manufacturing systems.

Used in Security Systems:

Security systems benefit from the PIC16F690's capabilities in interfacing with sensors, processing input signals, and controlling security features. It is commonly employed in access control, surveillance, and alarm systems.

Gas Sensor Projects:

PIC16F690 is utilized in projects involving gas sensors for detecting and monitoring gas concentrations. It processes sensor data and can trigger appropriate responses or alerts based on predefined thresholds.

Starter Kits:

PIC16F690 is frequently included in starter kits, serving as an introductory platform for enthusiasts and beginners to explore microcontroller programming. Starter kits often feature sample projects to help users understand its capabilities.

These diverse applications highlight the adaptability of the PIC16F690 across educational, industrial, and hobbyist projects, making it a versatile and widely-used microcontroller in the realm of embedded systems and electronic applications.

Block Diagram of PIC16F690

PIC16F690 Alternatives

Here are alternative microcontrollers to the PIC16F690

PIC16F690 Package

PIC16F690 Datasheet PDF

Download PIC16F690 datasheet PDF here>>

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Incorporated is a leading American integrated circuit provider, specializing in the research and development of microcontrollers, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP integrated circuits. The company's products find wide applications in automotive, industrial automation, computing, consumer electronics, and various other fields. With a diverse product portfolio that includes PIC microcontrollers, Atmel AVR and SAM microcontrollers, as well as a range of analog and mixed-signal solutions, Microchip Technology is renowned for its innovative technology and versatility. It stands as a significant participant in the electronics industry.

Building on its outstanding technological capabilities and comprehensive product offerings, Microchip Technology Incorporated has emerged as a key driver in the electronics sector. The company focuses on meeting the diverse needs of industries such as automotive, industrial automation, and consumer electronics by providing advanced microcontrollers and mixed-signal solutions, offering innovative design choices to its customers. Widely applied in smart systems, embedded control, sensor technologies, and other critical domains, Microchip's products contribute to technological innovation across global industries. Through continuous advancements at the forefront of technology and close collaboration with customers, Microchip Technology maintains a competitive edge in the electronics market, delivering reliable solutions for connecting the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the PIC16F690 microcontroller from Microchip Technology serves as a cornerstone in diverse applications, bridging the gap between performance and space efficiency. Its low pin-count design, wide operating voltage range, and integrated features such as EEPROM Data Memory and nanoWatt Technology contribute to its adaptability across various projects. Whether facilitating student projects, contributing to central heating systems, enabling serial communication, or serving as a fundamental part of embedded systems, the PIC16F690 remains a reliable and versatile solution.

As technology continues to advance, Microchip Technology Incorporated's commitment to innovation ensures that the PIC16F690 remains at the forefront of microcontroller solutions, connecting the world through its reliable and efficient performance.