Microchip PIC16F57-I/SP 8-Bit Microcontroller Overview

The Microchip PIC16F57-I/SP is a high-performance, cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller belonging to Microchip’s extensive PIC® family. Housed in a 28-pin SPDIP package, this microcontroller is designed for a wide range of embedded control applications, offering a balance of processing capability, power efficiency, and integration.

Built on an enhanced RISC architecture, the PIC16F57 features a 2-stage pipeline that allows it to execute most instructions in a single cycle, achieving a clock speed of up to 20 MHz. With 2K words of OTP (One-Time Programmable) program memory and 72 bytes of RAM, it provides sufficient resources for many low-to-mid-complexity tasks, from sensor interfacing to motor control.

A key strength of this MCU lies in its versatile I/O structure. It offers 20 programmable I/O pins, which are organized into multiple ports and can be configured for various digital functions. These pins provide the flexibility to interface with peripherals like LEDs, switches, sensors, and communication modules. The device also includes an integrated 8-bit timer and a watchdog timer for robust system timing and reliability.

The PIC16F57 operates over a wide voltage range (2.0V to 5.5V), making it suitable for both battery-powered and line-operated devices. Its low-power consumption features ensure energy efficiency, which is critical for portable applications.

Development is supported by Microchip’s mature MPLAB® X IDE and the PICkit™ programmer, offering a complete ecosystem for coding, debugging, and programming. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its reliability in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16F57-I/SP remains a versatile and economical choice for designers seeking a proven 8-bit architecture with essential peripherals, robust performance, and ease of use in a through-hole package.

Keywords:

8-Bit Microcontroller

RISC Architecture

OTP Program Memory

Low-Power Operation

20 I/O Pins