The Microchip PIC16C76-04I/SP: A Robust 8-Bit OTP Microcontroller for Industrial Control

In the realm of embedded control, where reliability, cost-effectiveness, and dedicated performance are paramount, the Microchip PIC16C76-04I/SP stands as a venerable and trusted solution. This 8-bit microcontroller, built on proven CMOS technology, is engineered for applications where a design is finalized and requires high-volume production without the need for field firmware updates.

At the core of the PIC16C76 lies the powerful high-performance RISC CPU. With only 35 single-word instructions and a two-stage pipeline architecture, it achieves impressive execution speeds, capable of running at its maximum clock frequency of 4 MHz (DC to 100 ns instruction cycle). This efficiency allows it to handle complex control algorithms for a wide range of applications, from automotive modules and industrial sensors to appliance control and power management systems.

A defining characteristic of this microcontroller is its One-Time Programmable (OTP) program memory. The device comes with 8K x 14 words of OTP ROM, providing a non-volatile storage solution for firmware. This is ideal for products that have been fully debugged and are destined for large-scale manufacturing, as the OTP memory offers a lower cost per unit compared to its erasable (EPROM or FLASH) counterparts. The trade-off is permanence; the program memory cannot be erased and reprogrammed once written. Complementing this is 368 bytes of RAM for data handling and variables.

The peripheral set of the PIC16C76-04I/SP is tailored for comprehensive system control, significantly reducing the need for external components. Its key features include:

5-channel 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): This is a critical feature, enabling the microcontroller to interface directly with a multitude of analog sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, potentiometers), making it a go-to choice for real-world data acquisition systems.

Three timer/counters: Including Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), and Timer2 (8-bit) with a prescaler and postscaler, providing flexible timing and counting operations for tasks like event logging, waveform generation, and measuring intervals.

Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module: This versatile peripheral can be configured to capture the time of an event, compare to a set value to trigger an interrupt, or generate a Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) signal. The PWM output is essential for direct control of devices like motors, LEDs, and simple power supplies.

Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART): This serial communication module allows for full-duplex asynchronous communication with peripherals like PCs, other microcontrollers, or modem chips, facilitating data logging and system configuration.

Brown-out Detection (BOD) circuit: A vital feature for robustness in electrically noisy environments, such as automotive or industrial settings. The BOD circuitry resets the microcontroller upon a dip in the VDD supply voltage, preventing code execution errors and ensuring predictable operation during power-up/power-down sequences.

The "-04I/SP" suffix specifies key operational details: it is rated for an industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and is delivered in a 28-pin Skinny Plastic DIP (SPDIP) package. This wide temperature rating ensures reliable performance in harsh environments outside of a controlled office or home setting.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC16C76-04I/SP is a highly integrated, cost-optimized OTP microcontroller that excels in finalized, high-volume industrial and automotive control applications. Its blend of a RISC CPU, integrated ADC, communication peripherals, and critical reliability features like brown-out detection make it a solid, single-chip solution for demanding embedded systems.

Keywords: OTP Memory, 8-bit ADC, Industrial Temperature, Brown-out Detection, RISC Microcontroller