Microchip PIC16F15325T-I/ST: An Overview of Features and Applications
The Microchip PIC16F15325T-I/ST is a versatile 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip’s enhanced mid-range PIC16F family. Combining robust performance with a rich set of integrated peripherals, this device is engineered to meet the demands of a wide array of embedded control applications in consumer, industrial, and automotive systems.
Housed in a TSSOP-14 package, this MCU is built on Microchip’s enhanced core with a 16-level deep hardware stack and 49 instructions. Operating at a maximum frequency of 32 MHz, it delivers a solid balance of processing power and energy efficiency. The device features 7 KB of Flash program memory, 512 Bytes of RAM, and 256 Bytes of non-volatile EEPROM data memory, providing ample space for both code and data storage in space-constrained designs.
One of the defining characteristics of the PIC16F15325T-I/ST is its rich set of core independent peripherals (CIPs), which help reduce CPU intervention and boost system efficiency. These include:
- Multiple communication interfaces: EUSART, I²C, and SPI modules facilitate seamless communication with sensors, memory, and other peripheral devices.
- Timers and PWM modules: Featuring multiple 8-bit and 16-bit timers/counters, along with Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) and Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, the device offers precise timing and control capabilities ideal for motor control and power conversion applications.
- Analog integration: A 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 11 channels allows for accurate analog signal acquisition. Combined with analog comparators and a voltage reference, it supports mixed-signal applications without external components.
- Enhanced safety and robustness: With features like CRC memory scan, Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), and Hardware Limit Timer (HLT), the MCU enhances system reliability in critical applications.
The core independent peripherals are particularly advantageous in applications such as brushless DC (BLDC) motor control, where the CIPs manage PWM generation and fault detection independently, freeing the CPU for other tasks. In consumer electronics, its low power consumption and compact form factor make it suitable for portable devices, remote controls, and smart sensors. Industrial applications include sensor interfaces, power supervisors, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), where its communication capabilities and analog integration simplify design and reduce bill-of-materials costs.
Designed for resilience, the PIC16F15325T-I/ST operates over an extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), making it suitable for automotive and harsh-environment applications. Its low-power management features, including IDLE and DOZE modes, further optimize energy usage in battery-powered systems.
The PIC16F15325T-I/ST stands out as a highly integrated, cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller. Its blend of core independent peripherals, analog capabilities, and robust design makes it an excellent choice for developers seeking performance, flexibility, and reliability in embedded control systems.
Keywords:
Microcontroller, Core Independent Peripherals, PIC16F15325, Embedded Control, Analog Integration
