PIC16F648AT-E/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 7KB Flash 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F648AT-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.06 | $4.06 |
| 10 | $3.61 | $36.10 |
| 100 | $3.06 | $306.00 |
| 500 | $2.65 | $1,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.32 | $2,320.00 |
PIC16F648AT-E/SO Overview
A PIC16F-series microcontroller is a compact, low-power 8-bit CMOS RISC MCU built around a Harvard architecture and an instruction set of only 35 single-word instructions, enabling rapid development and easy code migration across the PIC10/12/14/16/18 families. PIC MCUs integrate Flash program memory, data EEPROM, and rich on-chip peripherals (timers, ADC, comparators, PWM, USART) onto a single die, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in cost-sensitive embedded designs. The PIC16F648A sits in the mid-range PIC16 tier, sharing the PIC16F628A's footprint and offering double the program memory.
Key features include 4 MHz internal RC oscillator with software-selectable frequencies, two comparators with programmable reference, 10-bit resolution PWM, brown-out detect (BOD), and nanoWatt power management for sleep currents in the microamp range. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range supports both 3.3 V and 5 V designs, and 16 GPIO pins provide ample interface flexibility for sensors, pushbuttons, and small displays.
The PIC16F648A architecture combines a 14-bit wide instruction word with a separate 8-bit data path, allowing single-cycle ALU operations and direct bit-manipulation on any register. The Flash memory supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT), enabling firmware updates without removing the MCU from the board. The on-chip USART and CCP module together cover most asynchronous serial and PWM needs without external components.
Typical applications include white-goods and appliance controllers, HVAC remote panels, low-end sensor node transmitters, automotive body electronics (cluster indicators, mirror controllers), industrial timers and counters, and battery-powered instrument front-ends. The integrated comparators and PWM are particularly useful for closed-loop fan control, light dimmers, and simple motor drivers.
When designing with this device, mind the maximum 20 MHz clock at 4.5 V to 5.5 V (the part is specified to 4 MHz below 4.5 V) and provide a 100 nF decoupling capacitor directly between VDD and VSS, ideally placed within 3 mm of the package pins. The brown-out reset (BOR) threshold should be configured to match the minimum regulator output voltage to prevent Flash corruption during supply dips.
This page synthesizes real distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement and firmware engineers a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F648AT-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 PIC16F648AT-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Internal Oscillator, Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F648A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F648A-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628AT-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.83 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F648AT-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® 16F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, "E") |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Data Converters | 2 Comparators with Programmable Voltage Reference |
| Communication Interfaces | USART |
| PWM Modules | 1 CCP (10-bit resolution) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz with software-selectable frequencies |
| Brown-out Detect (BOD) | Yes |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| MSL Level | 1 (Unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F648AT-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2, analog input 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3, analog input 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4, analog input 4 |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — PORTA bit 5 / Master Clear (reset) input / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0, external interrupt source |
| Pin 7 | RB1/RX/DT — PORTB bit 1, USART RX / synchronous data |
| Pin 8 | RB2/TX/CK — PORTB bit 2, USART TX / synchronous clock |
| Pin 9 | RB3/CCP1 — PORTB bit 3, Capture/Compare/PWM output |
| Pin 10 | RB4/PGM — PORTB bit 4, low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6, ICSP serial clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7, ICSP serial data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F648AT-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: White Goods and Appliance Controllers, HVAC Remote Panels and Thermostats, Industrial Timers and Counters, Automotive Body Electronics, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Educational and Hobbyist Development.
White Goods and Appliance Controllers
The PIC16F648AT-E/SO is well suited for cost-sensitive white-goods controllers such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Its 7 KB of Flash comfortably holds state-machine firmware for sensor sampling, motor sequencing, and user-interface management, while the 2 on-chip comparators and programmable voltage reference enable direct interface with NTC temperature sensors, water-level probes, and zero-cross detectors without an external op-amp. The 20 MHz instruction rate (200 ns per instruction) executes PID-style control loops fast enough for thermal regulation and timer-driven pump control, and the 18-SOIC footprint simplifies single-sided PCB layouts.
Recommended
HVAC Remote Panels and Thermostats
In thermostat and HVAC remote-panel designs, the PIC16F648AT-E/SO delivers the right balance of compute, peripherals, and power efficiency. Its nanoWatt technology enables sleep currents well under 1 microampere, which is critical for battery-powered wireless thermostats that must run years on two AA cells. The integrated USART interfaces directly with sub-GHz RF transceivers or Wi-Fi co-processors, and the 10-bit PWM together with the analog comparators handles triac-fired blower/furnace control without dedicated motor-control silicon. The extended temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C) supports rooftop and outdoor installations where commercial-grade parts would fail.
Recommended
Industrial Timers and Counters
The PIC16F648AT-E/SO excels in industrial timer/counter modules where a deterministic 8-bit core and predictable 200 ns instruction cycle guarantee jitter-free event timing. The three on-chip timers (Timer0 with external clock option, Timer1 16-bit, Timer2 with period register) cover pulse counting, frequency measurement, and PWM generation without external components. Its 16 GPIO can scan up to a 4x4 matrix keypad and drive a 7-segment LED or small character LCD, and the 256-byte EEPROM offers non-volatile setpoint storage for unpowered retention. Brown-out detection prevents parameter corruption during supply brown-outs in noisy factory panels.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Inside cabin body controllers - mirror adjusters, seat-position memory, indicator blinkers, and ambient lighting drivers - the PIC16F648AT-E/SO is a strong fit. Its extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade matches AEC-Q100 environments when used in non-safety-critical subsystems, and its 16 I/O can drive LED strings via MOSFETs while reading Hall sensors, pushbuttons, and rotary encoders directly. The built-in comparators enable lamp-fail detection by sensing current through a shunt, while the 7 KB Flash supports CAN-capable firmware layers via SPI to an external MCP2515. Tape-and-reel packaging suits high-volume SMT lines.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F648AT-E/SO is a sensible choice for low-duty-cycle wireless sensor nodes in IoT and industrial telemetry. Its nanoWatt sleep mode drops current draw below 1 microampere, allowing years of operation on a single coin cell when the MCU wakes only briefly to take a measurement and transmit. The 4 MHz internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal, saving BOM cost and reducing the startup energy penalty. With 256 bytes of RAM and 7 KB Flash, the device can run a lightweight protocol such as Modbus RTU over RS-485 or interface to an SPI-attached sensor front-end for periodic environmental logging.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Development
The PIC16F648AT-E/SO remains a popular MCU in undergraduate embedded-systems courses and hobbyist projects due to its simple 35-instruction RISC architecture and broad toolchain support. MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and PICkit programmers (PICkit 3, PICkit 4, MPLAB SNAP) all support ICSP via the RB6/RB7 pins, enabling students to flash firmware in seconds. The 18-SOIC is hand-solderable with basic tools, and the PIC16F648A's compatibility with PIC16F628A code examples ensures a huge library of open-source reference projects, application notes, and tutorials from Microchip and the user community.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F648AT-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F648A-I/SO | PIC16F648A-E/SO | PIC16F628AT-E/SO | PIC16F628A-I/SO | PIC16F627AT-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | 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) | 18-SOIC (same) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) - same | 7 KB (4K x 14) - same | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 1.75 KB (-75%) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same | 224 bytes (-12%) | 224 bytes (-12%) | 128 bytes (-50%) |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same | 128 bytes (-50%) | 128 bytes (-50%) | 128 bytes (-50%) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C - same | Extended -40C to +125C - same | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Number of I/O | 16 | 16 - same | 16 - same | 16 - same | 16 - same | 16 - same |
| Comparators | 2 with Vref | 2 with Vref - same | 2 with Vref - same | 2 with Vref - same | 2 with Vref - same | 2 with Vref - same |
| CCP / PWM | 1 x CCP (10-bit PWM) | 1 x CCP (10-bit PWM) - same | 1 x CCP (10-bit PWM) - same | 1 x CCP (10-bit PWM) - same | 1 x CCP (10-bit PWM) - same | 1 x CCP (10-bit PWM) - same |
Key Differentiators
- 7 KB Flash is the largest memory tier in the 18-pin PIC16F62X/64X family (vs PIC16F628AT-E/SO)
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) suitable for automotive and industrial (vs PIC16F648A-I/SO)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16F648A-E/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: when operating at 20 MHz with VDD = 5.5 V, supply current is approximately 13 mA active and 1.8 mA sleep at 4 MHz. Place a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. For battery-powered designs, leverage the nanoWatt sleep modes (SLEEP instruction) and configure the internal 4 MHz oscillator to drop VDD to 2.0 V during sleep for sub-1 uA standby current.
Route ICSP signals (RB6/ICSPCLK, RB7/ICSPDAT, MCLR/VPP) with short traces and avoid crossing them with high-current or high-frequency signals (PWM outputs, oscillator traces). Place a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR to VDD for reliable resets. Keep the analog traces (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching traces to minimize ADC/comparator noise injection; if both analog and digital signals share the connector, add a guard ground ring around analog pins.
Critical: do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD; even brief over-voltage events can damage Flash cells. Always configure the brown-out reset (BOR) threshold via configuration bits to a value just below the minimum regulator output (typically 4.0 V for 5 V systems or 2.7 V for 3.3 V systems) to prevent code corruption during supply dips. When using the internal RC oscillator, configure the CONFIG word for the correct frequency (4 MHz, 1 MHz, 125 kHz) - failing to do so leaves the device running at an undocumented default frequency.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free 18-SOIC package with NiPdAu lead finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for AEC-Q100 automotive applications, choose PIC16F648A-E/SO or PIC16F648AT-I/SO with explicit automotive screening. REACH compliance status not explicitly stated by Microchip for this MPN, marked unknown.