PIC16F628T-20E/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip | 18-SOIC
MPN: PIC16F628T-20E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.46 | $1,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.19 | $2,190.00 |
PIC16F628T-20E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory, RAM, and peripheral interfaces such as timers, communications, and analog blocks. Within the broader power-management and embedded hierarchy, an MCU sits below microprocessors and provides deterministic real-time control for embedded systems. The PIC16F family specifically belongs to the mid-range 8-bit PIC architecture, balancing code density and peripheral integration for cost-sensitive applications.
Key features include an enhanced Flash program memory rated for 100,000 erase/write cycles, internal 4 MHz and 37 kHz RC oscillators, an analog comparator with programmable hysteresis, and power-managed modes such as Sleep, Idle, and a low-power Timer1 oscillator. The device operates from 3.0V to 5.5V across the -40C to +125C industrial temperature range, making it suitable for harsh environments. It supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via the RB6/RB7 pins and the MCLR reset pin.
Architecturally, the PIC16F628T-20E/SO uses a 14-bit instruction word with an 8-level hardware stack and 35 single-word instructions, allowing compact code generation. The integrated peripherals - including the USART, CCP module, comparators and 16 I/O pins - remove the need for external logic in typical control designs.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, consumer appliances, sensor signal conditioning, automotive body electronics, LED lighting controllers, and hobby/educational embedded projects. The PIC16F628 is one of the most widely documented and supported mid-range PIC microcontrollers for entry-level through intermediate designs.
A key design consideration: at 20 MHz the device draws approximately 10 mA active current, so always include decoupling capacitors (100 nF + 10 uF) close to VDD/VSS, and reserve the MCLR pin for proper in-circuit serial programming access.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F628T-20E/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 PIC16F628T-20E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, Internal Oscillator, Instruction Set.
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 →PIC16F628AT-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627T-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628T-20E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit mid-range |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 224 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (F-version) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| Package Type | 18-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | USART |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect, POR, PWM, WDT, Comparators (x2), CCP |
| Data Converters | 10-bit ADC not present (comparator-based) |
| Oscillator Type | Internal RC (4 MHz, 37 kHz) + external |
| Program Memory Type | Flash (ICSP) |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 14-bit word |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
PIC16F628T-20E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/CMP1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI/CMP2 — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input / comparator 2 output |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP/RA5 — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage / I/O |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O / USART RX / synchronous data |
| Pin 8 | RB2/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O / USART TX / synchronous clock |
| Pin 9 | RB3/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM output |
| Pin 10 | RB4/PGM — Bidirectional I/O / LVP programming |
| Pin 11 | RB5/ENMCLR — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F628T-20E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, LED Lighting Controllers, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Hobbyist and Educational Projects.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC16F628T-20E/SO suits industrial control loops where deterministic 8-bit execution and 16 I/O pins are sufficient. Its 20 MHz clock, 224 bytes RAM, and 35-instruction PIC16 mid-range core allow state-machine implementations for relay drivers, solenoid sequencers, and conveyor control. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator eliminates external crystal cost, while the analog comparators with programmable VREF enable threshold detection on sensor inputs. Extended -40C to +125C temperature operation supports factory-floor environments. The 128-byte EEPROM provides non-volatile parameter storage for calibration constants and fault logs without external memory. Programmable weak pull-ups on PORTB reduce BOM cost by eliminating external resistor packs for switch inputs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
In washing machines, microwave ovens, and HVAC control boards, the PIC16F628T-20E/SO provides sufficient Flash and RAM for user-interface scanning, motor timing, and safety interlocks. The 16 I/O pins drive seven-segment displays and keypads directly via high-current sink/source capability, eliminating driver transistors. The Capture/Compare/PWM module generates precise timing for triac control of AC loads. Integrated brown-out detect and watchdog timer protect against supply glitches and software lock-ups. The 3.5 KB Flash stores lookup tables for appliance cycle profiles. Low-power Sleep mode with Timer1 oscillator wake-up supports battery-backed real-time clock functions in price-sensitive consumer products.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Automotive interior lighting, door modules, and seat controllers benefit from the PIC16F628T-20E/SO's 16 I/O count and analog comparators. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range handles under-dash thermal stress, while brown-out detect and watchdog timer satisfy OEM reliability requirements for body control. The USART enables LIN-bus slave communication for cost-sensitive nodes that do not require full CAN. The CCP module drives PWM outputs for LED dimming with 10-bit resolution at reasonable update rates. Note: for AEC-Q100 qualified automotive designs, the PIC16F628AT-E/SO (enhanced 'A' revision) is the preferred variant with qualified automotive screening.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
RGB LED strip controllers, architectural dimmers, and signage drivers use the PIC16F628T-20E/SO to generate multi-channel PWM at audio-modulation-capable rates. The 20 MHz clock supports multiple PWM channels at 8 kHz update rate, sufficient for LED dimming without visible flicker. The 3.5 KB Flash stores color presets, fade patterns, and DMX-512 protocol stacks. The two analog comparators enable 0-10V analog dimming input and over-temperature shutdown without an external ADC. Internal RC oscillator at 4 MHz reduces BOM for cost-sensitive LED bulb retrofit designs. The 128-byte EEPROM retains last-set brightness across power cycles for residential dimmer applications.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
Thermistor bridges, photodiode amplifiers, and capacitive touch interfaces leverage the PIC16F628T-20E/SO's two analog comparators with programmable on-chip VREF. The comparators eliminate external op-amps for threshold detection, reducing BOM and PCB area. The internal 37 kHz LF oscillator supports ultra-low-power Sleep-mode wake cycling on battery-powered sensor transmitters. The 224-byte RAM holds moving-average buffers for noise filtering before comparator-driven interrupts wake the CPU. The USART transmits serialized sensor data at standard baud rates to upstream controllers. In-circuit serial programming via RB6/RB7 enables field firmware updates without removing the sensor module.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Projects
The PIC16F628T-20E/SO is one of the most widely documented PIC microcontrollers, making it ideal for university embedded systems courses and DIY maker projects. Free Microchip MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler supports C development, while the original MPASM assembler targets the 35-instruction PIC16 mid-range set for learning. The internal 4 MHz oscillator allows simple breadboard prototypes without external crystals. ICD debugging via RB6/RB7 and MCLR pins is supported by PICkit 3/4/5 programmers. The 18-SOIC package fits standard 18-pin DIP breakout boards for educational labs. Extensive community code libraries exist for UART, I2C master, and PWM peripherals.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F628T-20E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F628A-I/SO | PIC16F628AT-I/SO | PIC16F628AT-E/SO | PIC16F628-20/SO | PIC16F628-20E/SO | PIC16F627T-20E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB |
| RAM | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Silicon Revision | Original | 'A' enhanced | 'A' enhanced | 'A' enhanced | Original | Original | Original |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T) | Tube | Tape & Reel (T) | Tape & Reel (T) | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel (T) |
Key Differentiators
- Wider temperature range than the 'I' grade alternatives (vs PIC16F628A-I/SO)
- Twice the program memory and RAM versus PIC16F627 family (vs PIC16F627T-20E/SO)
- Drop-in compatibility with enhanced 'A' revision (vs PIC16F628AT-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the IC. The PIC16F628 core draws approximately 10 mA active at 20 MHz and 1-2 uA in Sleep mode with the watchdog disabled. For battery-backed designs, route VDD through a Schottky diode so the Sleep-mode RTC timer can run from a backup coin cell without powering the full board.
Keep the MCLR pin (pin 4) accessible for in-circuit serial programming. Per Microchip ICSP guidelines, place a 10 kohm pull-up resistor on MCLR and route the RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD traces to a 6-pin ICSP header with no series resistors in-line. If using Low-Voltage Programming (LVP) via the RB4/PGM pin, tie RB4 to ground through a 10 kohm resistor to disable LVP and use high-voltage programming instead.
Do not load the PIC16F628 with more than 50 pF on OSC1/OSC2 unless using a crystal oscillator mode; high-capacitance loads shift the oscillator off-frequency. Configuration word settings (oscillator, watchdog, brown-out, code protect, LVP) must be set explicitly in source code - the PIC16F628 does NOT have a default valid configuration and unprogrammed parts can exhibit erratic behavior. Brown-out detect should always be enabled for production firmware to recover gracefully from supply dips.
Estimated: at 20 MHz active operation drawing 10 mA from 5 V, power dissipation is approximately 50 mW - well within the 18-SOIC thermal envelope (theta_JA around 70 C/W) and not a concern for junction temperature. Even at extended -40C to +125C ambient, junction rise is below 5C. Thermal management is therefore not a design constraint for this MCU in typical 18-SOIC applications.