PIC16F648A-I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F648A-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.3 | $3.30 |
| 10 | $2.97 | $29.70 |
| 100 | $2.65 | $265.00 |
| 500 | $2.37 | $1,185.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.1 | $2,100.00 |
PIC16F648A-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path; the PIC16 family uses Microchip's RISC-based PIC architecture, which sits at the entry level of the MCU hierarchy (8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor). Within the system, MCUs execute firmware that reads sensor inputs, drives actuators, and manages communication peripherals. The PIC16F648A-I/SO targets mid-volume embedded applications where deterministic instruction timing, code protection, and integrated analog peripherals reduce Bill-of-Materials cost.
Key features of the PIC16F648A include a 4 MHz internal oscillator (selectable, no crystal required for many designs), a hardware Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) for serial communication, a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, two analog comparators with a programmable voltage reference, and up to 16 I/O pins. The device operates across 3.0 V to 5.5 V, suiting both battery and regulated-rail designs, and exposes nanoWatt Technology power-management modes for sleep current as low as the manufacturer's standby figures.
The PIC architecture uses a 14-bit wide instruction word optimised for compact code; the 35 single-word instruction set simplifies assembly programming while C compilers remain fully supported. On-chip in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and In-Circuit Debug (ICD) are accessible via dedicated pins, enabling rapid prototyping without removal of the device from the target board. Code protection and a robust watchdog timer improve field reliability versus discrete logic implementations.
Typical applications span automotive subsystems, industrial appliances, small consumer products, and remote control / sensor interface nodes. Designers choose this MCU when they need an integrated analog front-end (comparators + reference) plus a USART on fewer than 20 pins, reducing both component count and PCB area.
When designing with the PIC16F648A-I/SO, confirm the upper oscillator-speed requirement against the voltage rail: at 20 MHz the manufacturer recommends 4.5 V to 5.5 V, while 3.0 V to 5.5 V supports lower frequencies. Provide adequate decoupling (100 nF + bulk) on VDD and keep ICSP/ICD traces short for clean programming.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in any single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F648A-I/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 PIC16F648A-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, I/O Pins, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F628A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F88-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F648A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F648A-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1938-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F648A-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 RISC 8-bit |
| Program Flash Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 16 (multiplexed with peripherals) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (4.5 V to 5.5 V at 20 MHz) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz (selectable) |
| Comparators | 2 on-chip with programmable voltage reference |
| CCP Module | 1 x Capture/Compare/PWM |
| USART | 1 x hardware USART |
| Operating Temperature (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP + ICD (in-circuit) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SO package) |
PIC16F648A-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — GPIO / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — GPIO / analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — GPIO / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — GPIO / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1/RX/DT — GPIO / USART RX |
| Pin 8 | RB2/TX/CK — GPIO / USART TX |
| Pin 9 | RB3/CCP1 — GPIO / CCP module input-output |
| Pin 10 | RB4/PGM — GPIO / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — GPIO |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — GPIO / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — GPIO / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | RA7/OSC1 — GPIO / crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 16 | RA6/OSC2 — GPIO / crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 17 | RA5/AN5 — GPIO / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO / analog input |
Typical Applications
PIC16F648A-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Sensor Interface / Data Acquisition Node, Consumer Electronics Timer, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning.
Industrial Appliance Control
The PIC16F648A-I/SO fits appliance controllers because it integrates a USART, two analog comparators, and a programmable voltage reference on a single 18-SOIC footprint. The 200 ns instruction cycle and 7 KB Flash cover state-machine firmware plus remote-control protocol stacks (e.g. RC5/RC6), while the wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply range supports both 5 V and battery-backed 3.3 V rails common in washing-machine and HVAC boards. The CCP module is used to drive triac firing circuits via zero-cross detection for low-RF-emission load switching.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16F648A-I/SO is widely used in automotive body modules such as seat controllers, light timers, and HVAC flap motors because of its deterministic instruction execution and wide temperature tolerance (industrial -40 C to +85 C). Its on-chip comparators and 16 I/O are well matched to motor-tachometer feedback and switch-matrix input conditioning, while the USART interfaces directly with LIN bus transceivers for sub-network communication. Note: for engine-bay temperatures, the PIC16F648A-E/SO extended-temperature sibling is the appropriate drop-in alternative for the same PCB layout.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
The PIC16F648A-I/SO is a strong fit for handheld IR/RF remote controls thanks to its low-cost 18-SOIC footprint, 4 MHz internal oscillator (no external crystal needed), and CCP module for carrier generation. The PIC16F628A-I/SO shares the same footprint, so PCBs can be assembled with either part number depending on firmware size. Battery life benefits from the nanoWatt standby modes that drop quiescent current during key-press idle states well below active-run levels, keeping alkaline cells viable for several years.
Recommended
Sensor Interface / Data Acquisition Node
The PIC16F648A-I/SO is suitable as a small sensor-hub node due to its two on-chip comparators, the programmable voltage reference used for sensor threshold generation, and the USART for transmitting readings to a master. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients and node IDs, while 7 KB Flash hosts the table-based linearisation routine. Designers add an external 12-bit ADC (e.g. MCP3221) for higher-resolution channels; the MCU's I/O budget covers up to 16 GPIO when both comparators are repurposed as digital inputs.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Timer
The PIC16F648A-I/SO is a staple for consumer timers, defrost controllers, and small countertop appliances where a USART bridges to a display/key-scan matrix. The CCP module is used for both PWM buzzer alerts and timer-driven motor control; the wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V range suits battery-backed RTC and 5 V mains-derived rails. ICSP support cuts NPI rework time because firmware updates and calibration constants can be programmed on-board during end-of-line test.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
In factory sensor-conditioning front-ends the PIC16F648A-I/SO reads analog signals with its two comparators, references the thresholds against the internal programmable Vref, and emits logic-level decisions over GPIO or the USART. The 20 MHz clock makes low-latency filter loops practical for 1 kHz-control loops without DMA or external logic. The 18-SOIC footprint simplifies field-replacement using socketed PCBs that can be re-populated with PIC16F628A-I/SO on a hot-swap inventory cycle.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F648A-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F628A-I/SO | PIC16F627A-I/SO | PIC16F88-I/SO | PIC16F648A-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) |
| Program Flash | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 4 KB | 1.75 KB | 4 KB | 7 KB (same) |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 224 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes (same) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Comparators | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| ADC | No (comparators only) | No | No | 10-bit ADC | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (extended) |
Key Differentiators
- Most program Flash in the 18-SOIC PIC16 mid-range (vs PIC16F628A-I/SO)
- Two on-chip comparators with programmable voltage reference (vs PIC16F628A-I/SO)
- On-chip 4 MHz internal oscillator eliminates external crystal (vs PIC16F628A-I/SO (and many PIC16F variants))
Design Notes
Power-supply decoupling for the PIC16F648A-I/SO is critical: place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2-3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk aluminium or tantalum capacitor (e.g. 10 uF) at the regulator output. For 5 V supplies at 20 MHz, this layout keeps VDD ripple below the device's noise-immunity margin. Add 0.1 uF + 10 uF at the ICSP connector so VPP ramps are clean during in-circuit programming.
Choose the correct clock-frequency versus VDD combination: the PIC16F648A-I/SO is fully rated only at 4.5 V to 5.5 V when running at 20 MHz. At 3.3 V supply, clock must be reduced to remain within spec; operation above 4 MHz at 3 V is not characterised and risks timing violations. If the rail can dip to 3 V during cold-start, add a hardware reset supervisor (e.g. MCP100/1302) on MCLR, or accept a brown-out reset of the MCU.
Lay out the ICSP footprint so that a 6-pin in-line header (PGC, PGD, VPP, VDD, GND, RB4/PGM) is available on the production test fixture - even if the device ships pre-programmed, troubleshooting returns becomes much faster. Keep ICSP traces short (PGC < 50 mm), avoid running them parallel to switching lines (relay drivers, triac optos), and add a series 10 kohm to MCLR/VPP to protect against programming-tool faults.
Compliance Information
Industrial-grade ('I' suffix) 18-SOIC SO package is lead-free and RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; the PIC16F648A-E/SO extended-temperature variant is recommended for automotive applications but is also not formally AEC-qualified.
