Microchip PIC16F1939-E/PT: A Comprehensive Technical Overview
The Microchip PIC16F1939-E/PT stands as a prominent member of the enhanced mid-range PIC® 8-bit microcontroller family, renowned for its robust integration of analog and digital peripherals, coupled with the efficiency of the nanoWatt XLP technology. Housed in a 44-pin TQFP package, this device is engineered for a wide array of applications, from sophisticated automotive systems and industrial control to consumer electronics and Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints.
Core Architecture and Performance
At its heart, the PIC16F1939 utilizes an enhanced Harvard architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction set. The core operates at a maximum frequency of 32 MHz, delivering a performance of 8 MIPS. A significant feature is the inclusion of a hardware multiplier, which accelerates mathematical computations, thereby offloading the core CPU and enhancing overall operational efficiency in data-processing tasks.
Memory Configuration
The microcontroller is equipped with a substantial and flexible memory subsystem. It boasts 28 KB of self-read/write capable Flash program memory, allowing for robust application code and, crucially, enabling firmware updates in the field. This is complemented by 1024 bytes of SRAM for data handling and 256 bytes of non-volatile EEPROM for critical data storage that must be retained even during power cycles.
Integrated Peripherals: A Hub of Connectivity
The PIC16F1939's strength lies in its extensive set of integrated peripherals, making it a highly system-centric component.
Analog Capabilities: It features a sophisticated Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) module with 24 channels and 10-bit resolution. This high channel count is exceptional, enabling the simultaneous connection of numerous sensors. Furthermore, it includes two comparators and a 5-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) module for generating analog reference voltages.
Control and Timing: For control applications, it offers two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules and one Enhanced CCP (ECCP) module. The ECCP supports advanced motor control features like half-bridge and full-bridge drive, PWM steering, and programmable dead time. It also includes four 8-bit timers and three 16-bit timers, providing ample resources for various timing and event-capture needs.
Communication Interfaces: The device supports a suite of standard serial communication protocols, essential for modern connectivity. This includes EUSART (for RS-232, RS-485, LIN), I2C™, and SPI modules, allowing it to communicate effortlessly with sensors, memory chips, other microcontrollers, and host processors.
Specialized Features: A standout peripheral is the mTouch® capacitive sensing module, which allows for the implementation of touch interfaces without additional external components. This is ideal for creating modern, button-free control panels.
nanoWatt XLP Technology: Ultra-Low Power Design
A defining characteristic of this microcontroller is its extremely low power consumption, enabled by Microchip's nanoWatt XLP technology. This makes it perfectly suited for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications. The technology enables deep sleep currents in the range of tens of nanoamperes (nA), while also offering multiple low-power sleep modes and rapid wake-up times, ensuring longevity in portable designs.
Development Support and Ecosystem
Designing with the PIC16F1939 is supported by a mature and comprehensive ecosystem. Microchip provides the MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the XC8 compiler. Hardware debugging and programming are facilitated by tools like the PICKit™ 4 and MPLAB ICD 4. The abundance of application notes, code examples, and an active user community further accelerate development cycles.
The Microchip PIC16F1939-E/PT is a highly integrated and versatile 8-bit microcontroller that excels in mixed-signal applications. Its powerful blend of a high-performance core, extensive memory, a rich set of peripherals—including a high-channel ADC, advanced communication interfaces, and capacitive touch sensing—and ultra-low power XLP technology makes it an outstanding choice for designers seeking to create efficient, responsive, and connected embedded systems.
Keywords: PIC16F1939, nanoWatt XLP, Capacitive Sensing, Enhanced CCP, 10-bit ADC
