The PIC16F721-E/ML is a microcontroller unit (MCU) introduced by Microchip Technology Inc. It is a member of the PIC16F family and is designed to provide a cost-effective and versatile solution for various embedded control applications. Here are the key features and an overview of this IC component:
1. CPU and Memory:
The PIC16F721-E/ML features a high-performance enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC CPU running at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz. It offers a total program memory of 7,168 words (14,336 bytes) along with 256 bytes of data EEPROM and 128 bytes of general-purpose RAM. The Flash memory is self-reprogrammable and allows for easy firmware updates.
2. Peripherals:
This IC component includes a rich set of peripherals to enhance its functionality and flexibility. It comprises a variety of timers, such as three internal timers and one watchdog timer. It also features a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module for precise timing control and generating PWM signals. Additionally, it offers a 10-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) with up to 4 channels, which enables analog input measurements.
3. Communication Interfaces:
The PIC16F721-E/ML supports multiple communication interfaces to facilitate data transfer and communication with other devices. It includes a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) module offering both synchronous and asynchronous modes for serial communication. The USART module supports LIN (Local Interconnect Network) and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocols.
4. I/O Ports:
This microcontroller unit provides a total of 24 I/O pins, which can be configured as both input and output ports. These pins allow for interfacing with other devices, sensors, LCDs, and actuators, enabling the MCU to interact with the external world.
5. Power Management:
The IC component incorporates power-saving features to optimize energy consumption. It offers different power-managed modes, including Sleep mode for low-power operation. This allows the MCU to conserve power when it is idle or not performing active tasks.
6. Development Tools and Support:
Microchip provides a comprehensive development ecosystem for the PIC16F721-E/ML, including a software development environment (MPLAB X IDE) and a wide range of development tools. These tools consist of programmers, debuggers, and software libraries that enable efficient development, debugging, and testing of applications using this MCU.
7. Package and Temperature Range:
The PIC16F721-E/ML comes in a 28-pin QFN package, which offers a compact form factor suitable for space-constrained applications. Moreover, it operates within a wide temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, ensuring its performance and reliability under diverse environmental conditions.
In summary, the PIC16F721-E/ML is a versatile MCU with a reasonably sized program memory, rich peripherals, communication interfaces, and efficient power management features. Its well-rounded set of capabilities makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including industrial control, home automation, automotive, and consumer electronics.
