Microchip PIC16LF1938T-I/SS Low-Power 8-Bit Microcontroller Overview

The Microchip PIC16LF1938T-I/SS is a high-performance, low-power 8-bit microcontroller built on Microchip’s enhanced mid-range core. This device is part of the PIC16F193x family, which is engineered to deliver a powerful combination of processing capability, ultra-low power consumption, and a rich set of integrated peripherals, making it an ideal solution for a wide array of embedded applications, particularly in battery-powered and energy-sensitive systems.

A defining characteristic of this microcontroller is its extremely low power consumption. Leveraging Microchip's nanoWatt XLP technology, the PIC16LF1938T-I/SS excels in power-sensitive designs. It features deep sleep currents as low as 20 nA and robust sleep mode options, enabling devices to operate for extended durations on a single battery. This makes it perfectly suited for applications like remote sensors, medical devices, and portable consumer electronics where energy efficiency is paramount.

Despite its compact size and focus on power efficiency, the microcontroller does not compromise on performance or features. It operates at up to 32 MHz, providing a solid 8 MIPS of processing power. The architecture includes a 14-bit wide instruction set for improved code density and a 16-level deep hardware stack for enhanced interrupt handling.

The peripheral set integrated into this MCU is both comprehensive and versatile, significantly reducing the need for external components and simplifying board design. Key peripherals include:

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

Multiple communication interfaces: Such as EUSART, SPI, and I2C, facilitating easy connection to sensors, displays, and other digital ICs.

12-Channel 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): For accurate acquisition of analog sensor data.

Hardware Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD) module: Enables robust touch sensing interface implementation with minimal external components.

Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): A flexible module for generating complementary output signals for controlling half-bridge and full-bridge circuits.

The PIC16LF1938T-I/SS is offered in a 28-SSOP package, providing a compact footprint for space-constrained PCB designs. Its industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) ensures reliable operation in challenging environmental conditions. Development is supported by Microchip’s mature MPLAB X IDE and the extensive ecosystem of hardware tools, including the PICkit™ and MPLAB ICD programmers.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC16LF1938T-I/SS stands out as an exceptional low-power 8-bit microcontroller that masterfully balances energy efficiency with a rich peripheral set. Its nanoWatt XLP technology is a key advantage for battery life-critical designs, while its integrated features like ECCP, CVD, and CWG make it a powerful and flexible core for a diverse range of applications from consumer electronics to industrial control systems.

Keywords: Low-Power MCU, nanoWatt XLP Technology, Enhanced Peripherals, 8-Bit Microcontroller, PIC16F193x Family.