PIC16F628AT-E/SO - 8-bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F628AT-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.4 | $3.40 |
| 10 | $3.06 | $30.60 |
| 100 | $2.72 | $272.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.92 | $5,760.00 |
PIC16F628AT-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), non-volatile data storage (EEPROM), and a set of peripherals (timers, ADC, comparators, communication interfaces) into one package. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16F628A belongs to the 8-bit MCU family -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. Its RISC architecture, 35 single-word instruction set, and 200ns instruction cycle make it a workhorse for cost-sensitive embedded designs, sitting in the same category as 8051 and AVR MCUs but with Microchip's distinctive peripheral integration.
Key differentiating features include nanoWatt power management for low-power sleep modes, an internal 4MHz oscillator with calibration, two analog comparators, a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module, a USART for asynchronous serial communication, and 16 I/O pins with individually programmable pull-ups and interrupt-on-change. The wide 3.0V-5.5V supply range allows direct operation from a 5V rail or from a single Li-Ion cell. The device is code- and feature-compatible with the PIC16F628 and PIC16C62XA families for migration paths.
Typical applications span automotive interior modules (with the E temperature grade), industrial sensor interfaces, low-cost remote controls, appliance control boards, and battery-powered instruments. Engineers value the PIC16F628AT-E/SO for its compact 18-pin footprint, robust peripheral set, and the mature MPLAB X toolchain ecosystem.
A key design consideration is selecting between the internal 4MHz oscillator and an external crystal: the internal RC saves two pins but introduces a 1% accuracy limit; for USART baud-rate stability, an external crystal is typically required. The /SO package dissipates roughly 800mW at full 20MHz activity, so thermal relief on a moderate copper pour is recommended for extended industrial operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16F628A family, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F628AT-E/SO — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC16F628AT-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Internal Oscillator, Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F628A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F648A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628AT-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 224 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 16 (11 dedicated I/O + 5 multiplexed) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz, factory calibrated (+/-1%) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) | 1 module, 10-bit resolution |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| USART | 1 (asynchronous/synchronous) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO) - Tape & Reel |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F628AT-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR — Master Clear (Reset, active low) / VPP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog comparator input |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF — Port A bit 2 / analog comparator / voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/CMP1 — Port A bit 3 / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI/CMP2 — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input / comparator 2 output (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 8 | RB1/RX/DT — Port B bit 1 / USART RX or data |
| Pin 9 | RB2/TX/CK — Port B bit 2 / USART TX or clock |
| Pin 10 | RB3/CCP1 — Port B bit 3 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RB4/PGM — Port B bit 4 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 17 | RA6/OSC2 — Port A bit 6 / crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 18 | RA7/OSC1 — Port A bit 7 / crystal oscillator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16F628AT-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Automotive Interior Lighting Controller, Low-Cost Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Appliance Control Board (Washing Machine / Dishwasher), Battery-Powered Sensor Tag, Educational / Hobby Microcontroller Platform.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16F628AT-E/SO fits industrial sensor interface modules thanks to its -40C to +125C extended temperature grade, 3.0V-5.5V supply range, and 16 I/O pins for multiple sensor channels. The internal 4MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal, the 16 I/O lines with interrupt-on-change support instant switch-input response, and the 1 USART connects directly to RS-485 transceivers for Modbus RTU. Placed on a 4-20mA loop transmitter card, the MCU digitizes a sensor and drives the analog output. Trade-off: only 3.5KB flash constrains protocol stack size - for full Modbus TCP, consider PIC16F648A.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting Controller
The PIC16F628AT-E/SO drives automotive interior lighting controllers because its extended -40C to +125C rating covers cabin temperature extremes and its CCP module generates PWM dimming signals for LED strings. With 16 I/O and 3 timers, the MCU independently controls RGB ambient lighting, button scanning, and LIN network communication via the USART. The 128-byte EEPROM stores user lighting presets that survive ignition cycling. Trade-off: not AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 designs, consider PIC16F1824 or PIC16F1840 families with automotive qualification.
Recommended
Low-Cost Remote Control / IR Transmitter
The PIC16F628AT-E/SO is ideal for IR remote controls because the 3.5KB flash easily stores multi-protocol NEC/RC5/RC6 code tables, the 16 I/O pins drive a matrix keypad and IR LED, and the nanoWatt sleep mode pulls supply current down to microamps for long battery life on 2x AAA cells. The internal 4MHz oscillator is accurate enough for 38kHz IR carrier generation with software calibration. Engineers place the MCU with a TSOP38238 IR receiver on the target PCB. Trade-off: no hardware IR encoder - all modulation is firmware-driven.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board (Washing Machine / Dishwasher)
The PIC16F628AT-E/SO anchors white-goods control boards because its extended temperature grade tolerates the hot environment behind a washing-machine motor and its 16 I/O drive relays, valve solenoids, and the LCD interface. The 1 CCP generates PWM for motor speed control, the USART interfaces to the user-panel display, and the 128-byte EEPROM stores the last-used wash cycle. Placed on the main control PCB with optoisolated triac drivers. Trade-off: 3.5KB flash limits GUI richness - consider PIC16F648A or PIC16F882 for touchscreen UIs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Tag
The PIC16F628AT-E/SO suits battery-powered sensor tags thanks to its nanoWatt sleep modes (sub-microamp standby current), wide 3.0V-5.5V supply for direct Li-Ion or 3x AA operation, and 128-byte EEPROM for non-volatile calibration data. The internal 4MHz oscillator wakes the MCU periodically for sensor reads. Placed on a wireless sensor node with an RFM69 or CC1101 transceiver. Trade-off: no on-chip ADC - external ADC required for high-precision analog measurements.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Microcontroller Platform
The PIC16F628AT-E/SO is widely used in university embedded-systems courses and hobbyist projects because the 18-SOIC is breadboard-friendly with an SOIC-to-DIP adapter, the 35-instruction RISC set teaches fundamentals without overwhelming students, and the PICkit 3/4 programmer provides ICSP debugging via RB6/RB7 pins. Tutorials cover GPIO, timers, ADC-free comparator use, and USART serial communication. Trade-off: no on-chip ADC is a common beginner frustration - consider PIC16F88 or PIC16F882 for ADC projects.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F628AT-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F628A-I/SO | PIC16F628AT-I/SO | PIC16F628A-E/SO | PIC16F648A-I/SO | PIC16F627A-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO) | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB (+100%) | 1.75 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 256 bytes (+14%) | 128 bytes (-43%) |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes (+100%) | 128 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T) | Tube | Tape & Reel (T) | Tube | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) with tape-and-reel packaging (vs PIC16F628A-I/SO)
- 128 bytes EEPROM for non-volatile user data (vs PIC16F627A-I/SO)
- Same 18-SOIC footprint as PIC16F648A upgrade path (vs PIC16F648A-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 20 MHz and 5 V VDD with all I/O switching, the PIC16F628AT-E/SO draws roughly 11 mA active and 1.5 uA in sleep. For battery-powered designs, switch to sleep mode between sensor reads and use the watchdog timer (WDT) for periodic wake-up. The 3.0V-5.5V range allows direct operation from a single Li-Ion cell (3.0-4.2V) or 3x AA alkaline cells (3.6-4.8V) without an LDO.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 16) with traces kept short and direct to the ground plane. For designs using the external crystal, place the crystal within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 18/17) and route the traces over a continuous ground plane to minimize EMI. Keep the /MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kOhm) close to the pin to avoid spurious resets.
Two pitfalls to avoid: (1) RA4 is an open-drain output - if driving a LED or logic input that sources current, add a pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kOhm). (2) The internal 4 MHz oscillator is calibrated to +/-1% at 5V/25C, but drifts over temperature and voltage - for USART communication above 9600 baud or for time-critical protocols, use an external crystal. (3) The PIC16F628A is NOT code-identical to the original PIC16F628 in all SFR mappings - check the errata and migration document when porting legacy firmware.
Route the ICSP pins RB6/PGC (pin 14) and RB7/PGD (pin 15) to a 2x3 or 1x6 0.1-inch header for in-circuit programming access. Keep the ICSP traces short and avoid routing noisy switching signals (relay drivers, motor PWM) within 5 mm of the programming pins to prevent programming errors. According to the Microchip PICkit 3/4 design guide, the /MCLR line should have its own isolation resistor (typically 10 kOhm in series with the programming header) to allow in-circuit programming without disturbing the rest of the circuit.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free 18-SOIC package with matte-tin plating. NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 automotive designs, choose the PIC16F1824 or PIC16F1840 families. Halogen-free per Microchip Material Composition Declaration.
