PIC16LF18854-I/SP

Embedded – Microcontrollers: PIC16LF18854-I/SP Application Field and Working Principle

Microcontrollers are specialized computers that are designed for specific control and management functions. A microcontroller, which forms the heart of an embedded system, consists of a processor core, memory, input/output systems and a clock oscillator. PIC16LF18854-I/SP (Peripheral Interface Controller) is an advanced, low-power, high-performance 8-bit microcontroller with Integrated Flash memory and an XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology.

The PIC16LF18854-I/SP application field includes consumer applications, automotive systems, industry, internet of things and home appliances. This microcontroller offers considerable features such as Capture/Compare/PWM, Selectable memory mapping, Parallel slave port, 10-bit A/D converter and nanoWatt XLP technology. For consumer applications, this microcontroller comes with features like 1-wire UART, I2C master/slave mode, intelligent peripherals and low pin count. In the field of automotive systems, it offers features like analog-to-digital convertor, noise tolerant communication interfaces, pulse width modulation, and watchdog timer.

The PIC16LF18854-I/SP microcontroller works on the Harvard architecture. This architecture consists of two separate memory, one for program storage and the other for data storage. This architecture is designed such that it can perform high speed operation by executing instructions from the program-memory without the need to load from the data-memory location. The working principle of the PIC16LF18854-I/SP is based on the instruction set that contains a sequence of codes which tells the microcontroller how to analyze, interpret and execute. The instruction set consists of an op-code and operands. The op-code is the one that contains the actual instruction while the operand specifies the location of the data to be processed. The Instruction set further consists of Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU), branching, looping and condition check instructions.

The PIC16LF18854-I/SP microcontroller offers specific features including 1.8V to 3.6V operating voltage, 64KB self-programmer flash memory, Programmable Brown-out Reset, 2KWb SRAM, six I/O ports and low pin count packaging. The Instruction set further consists of Branch, Refresh, Low voltage program, Data compare/copy and Programmable logic cell. This microcontroller supports up to 8-channels of 10-bit ADC, 6-channels of 8-bit PWM, Up to 2-channel enhanced capture/compare/PWM (ECCP) and 2-channel USART for asynchronous and synchronous communication.

The PIC16LF18854-I/SP microcontroller offers an enhanced multi-level interrupt system with 7 levels of priority and sub-priority. This multi-level interrupt system is capable of servicing multiple low-priority peripherals while maintaining the proper order. It also includes a rapid deep sleep mode that helps to reduce current consumption in both active and idle modes. This mode allows the microcontroller to enter a deep sleep mode that can be tailored for the specific functions needed. An in-circuit debugging interface is provided which allows for advanced debugging and programming.

In conclusion, the PIC16LF18854-I/SP microcontroller looks promising for many embedded applications thanks to its low-power, small size and high-performance features. It offers features such as large memory, low pin count, ADC, PWM, ECCP, and USART for communication. It also includes the rapid deep sleep mode and a multi-level interrupt system which help to reduce current consumption in both active and idle modes. The in-circuit debugging interface helps in advanced debugging and programming.