Microchip PIC10F320T-I/OT: A Comprehensive Technical Overview
In the realm of ultra-compact microcontrollers, the PIC10F320T-I/OT from Microchip Technology stands out as a powerful and highly integrated solution. This device belongs to the enhanced mid-range PIC10F family, packing a surprising amount of functionality into a minuscule 6-pin SOT-23 package. It is specifically engineered for space-constrained, cost-sensitive, and low-power applications, making it an ideal choice for consumer products, smart sensors, and simple control systems.
Core Architecture and Performance
At the heart of the PIC10F320 lies an enhanced 8-bit RISC CPU core. This core operates at a maximum internal frequency of 16 MHz, delivering a performance of 4 MIPS. A significant advantage of this architecture is its independence from an external oscillator for many applications; it features an internal 16 MHz oscillator with a factory-calibrated ±1% accuracy, which can be tuned via software. This eliminates the need for external crystal or resonator components, saving both board space and cost. The core also includes a hardware multiplier, accelerating mathematical operations.
Memory Configuration
The PIC10F320T-I/OT is equipped with a practical memory configuration for its target applications. It boasts 1.75 KB (1792 bytes) of self-read/write Flash program memory, allowing for flexible in-circuit serial programming (ICSP). For data storage, it provides 128 bytes of SRAM and 64 bytes of non-volatile EEPROM. This EEPROM is a critical feature, enabling the storage of calibration data, user settings, or other persistent information without requiring an external serial EEPROM chip.
Peripheral Set: Small Footprint, High Integration
Despite its minimal pin count, the PIC10F320 integrates a robust set of peripherals:
4 I/O Pins: The device offers four multi-function I/O pins with individual direction control. These pins feature high sink/source current capabilities (25 mA / 20 mA), allowing them to drive LEDs or other small loads directly. They also include programmable weak internal pull-ups and interrupt-on-change functionality.
5-Channel 8-bit ADC: A key feature is its 5-channel, 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). With one channel dedicated to an internal fixed voltage reference (FVR) and another to a temperature indicator, it provides three external analog input channels, making it perfect for sensor interfacing.
Timers: It includes two timers: an 8-bit timer (TMR0) and a 16-bit timer (TMR1) with a low-power 32.768 kHz oscillator driver capability, useful for real-time clock (RTC) functions.
Enhanced PWM Module: It contains one Enhanced Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) module with independent time base and output steering, suitable for simple motor control or LED dimming.
Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): This peripheral can automatically control dead-band times for driving half-bridge circuits, enhancing its utility in power control applications.
Packaging and Operating Characteristics
The "T" in its part number signifies it is supplied in a tape-and-reel format, optimized for automated assembly. The "I" suffix indicates an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments. The device is designed for ultra-low-power operation, featuring a nanoWatt XLP technology suite that enables deep sleep currents down to 20 nA, making it exceptionally suitable for battery-powered applications.
Development Support
Microchip provides extensive support for development with the PIC10F320, including the free MPLAB X IDE and the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), a graphical tool that simplifies peripheral initialization and code generation, dramatically accelerating the development process.
The Microchip PIC10F320T-I/OT is a testament to the principle that great things come in small packages. It successfully balances minuscule physical size, low power consumption, and a surprisingly rich peripheral set, all at a highly competitive cost. Its integrated ADC, EEPROM, and PWM make it a versatile champion for compact embedded designs where every square millimeter and every microamp counts.
Keywords: Ultra-Low-Power MCU, 8-bit Microcontroller, Integrated ADC, NanoWatt XLP Technology, SOT-23 Package.
