Microchip PIC16F1938T-I/SS 8-Bit Microcontroller Technical Overview and Application Guide

The Microchip PIC16F1938T-I/SS is a high-performance, 8-bit microcontroller unit (MCU) from Microchip Technology’s extensive PIC® MCU portfolio. Housed in a 28-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package), this device is designed for a wide array of embedded control applications, offering a robust blend of core independent peripherals, low power consumption, and enhanced computational capability.

Technical Overview

At its core, the PIC16F1938 features an enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC CPU (PIC16F1xxx). This core operates at speeds up to 32 MHz, delivering a performance of 8 MIPS. A significant architectural advantage is its nanowatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology, which makes it exceptionally suitable for battery-powered and energy-sensitive applications.

The MCU is equipped with 14 KB of self-read/write Flash program memory and 1024 bytes of data SRAM, providing ample space for complex firmware. It also includes 256 bytes of high-endurance EEPROM for critical data storage that must be retained through power cycles.

A key strength of this microcontroller lies in its rich set of integrated peripherals, many of which are Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that can operate without constant CPU intervention, increasing system efficiency and simplifying code. These include:

Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) modules: For sophisticated motor control and power conversion.

Multiple communication interfaces: EUSART (for RS-232/485), SPI, and I2C™ for seamless communication with sensors, displays, and other peripherals.

10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): With up to 14 channels, enabling precise measurement of multiple analog signals.

Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): Works in tandem with the ECCP for controlling half-bridge and full-bridge drivers in motor control.

Hardware Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD): For advanced touch sensing implementation, reducing the need for external components and firmware overhead in creating capacitive touch interfaces.

Application Guide

The peripheral set of the PIC16F1938T-I/SS makes it an ideal solution for numerous markets and applications:

1. Industrial Control: Its robust I/O, communication interfaces (like EUSART for RS-485 networks), and CIPs allow it to serve as a central controller for sensors, actuators, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in industrial automation systems.

2. Consumer Electronics: The integrated mTouch® capacitive sensing module is perfect for designing modern, button-free user interfaces in appliances, control panels, and remote controls. The low-power XLP technology is critical for portable devices.

3. Automotive: Suitable for body electronics modules, such as interior lighting control, simple sensor modules, and other auxiliary systems requiring reliable performance.

4. Power Management: The ECCP and CWG peripherals are expertly designed for switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), power factor correction (PFC), and digital lighting control (e.g., LED drivers).

5. Motor Control: It is capable of controlling a variety of motors, including brushed DC (BDC), stepper, and brushless DC (BLDC) motors, thanks to its dedicated PWM modules and complementary output generator.

Design Considerations

When designing with this MCU, leverage Microchip’s free software tools, including the MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the XC8 compiler. Utilizing the MCC (MPLAB Code Configurator) tool dramatically accelerates development by providing a graphical interface to set up the microcontroller’s clock system, peripherals, and pin manager, generating initialization code automatically.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16F1938T-I/SS stands out as a versatile and powerful 8-bit MCU, expertly balancing processing power, a vast array of intelligent peripherals, and exceptional energy efficiency. Its Core Independent Peripherals reduce CPU load, its XLP technology extends battery life, and its integrated touch sensing and motor control capabilities make it a superior choice for designers aiming to create sophisticated, reliable, and cost-effective embedded systems across diverse industries.

Keywords: 8-bit Microcontroller, Core Independent Peripherals (CIP), XLP Technology, Capacitive Touch Sensing, Motor Control.