Microchip PIC16F1516-I/SS 8-Bit Microcontroller Overview and Application Guide

The Microchip PIC16F1516-I/SS is a versatile 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) from Microchip Technology’s enhanced mid-range PIC16F family. Housed in a 20-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package), this device is engineered for a wide array of embedded control applications, balancing performance, power efficiency, and peripheral integration.

Built on Microchip's enhanced core with a 16-level deep hardware stack and 49 instructions, the PIC16F1516 operates at speeds up to 32 MHz, delivering a solid 8 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) performance. It features 14 KB of Flash program memory, 512 bytes of RAM, and 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, providing ample space for both code and data storage in complex applications.

A key strength of this MCU lies in its rich set of integrated peripherals. It includes a suite of communication interfaces such as EUSART (Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), making it ideal for systems requiring communication with sensors, displays, or other microcontrollers. Furthermore, it incorporates advanced analog capabilities, including a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 12 channels, two comparators, and a 5-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) module. These features are crucial for precision sensing and control tasks.

The controller also boasts dedicated Hardware PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) outputs driven by its Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) and Enhanced CCP (ECCP) modules, offering precise control for motor drives, power supplies, and LED dimming. The inclusion of Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) peripherals further enhances its capability in generating complex waveforms and controlling digital power conversion stages with high resolution.

Target applications for the PIC16F1516-I/SS are diverse, spanning:

Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, smart home devices.

Industrial Control: Sensors, actuators, and small motor control systems.

Automotive: Body electronics modules, lighting control.

Internet of Things (IoT): Simple connected sensor nodes.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16F1516-I/SS stands out as a highly integrated and cost-effective solution for designers seeking robust 8-bit performance. Its blend of core processing power, extensive memory, and a comprehensive peripheral set—including advanced analog and waveform control—makes it an excellent choice for streamlining designs and reducing system component count across various markets.

Keywords: 8-bit Microcontroller, Peripheral Integration, Enhanced Mid-Range Core, Hardware PWM, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)