PIC16F648AT-E/SS - 8-Bit PIC MCU, 7KB Flash, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F648AT-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.83 | $2.83 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.21 | $221.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.74 | $1,740.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.58 | $4,740.00 |
PIC16F648AT-E/SS Overview
What is a PIC16 mid-range 8-bit MCU? An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer whose arithmetic logic unit and data path are 8 bits wide, executing one byte per instruction cycle. The PIC16 enhanced mid-range family, of which the PIC16F648A is a member, adds 35 single-word instructions, hardware-accelerated interrupt handling, an internal 4 MHz oscillator, nanoWatt power management, and upward code compatibility with the PIC16F628, PIC16C62XA, PIC16C5X, and PIC12CXXX devices. It belongs to the broader hierarchy microcontroller -> MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC.
Key features include a USART with RS-485/RS-232 support, an enhanced CCP module, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, and nanoWatt sleep modes that draw single-digit microamps. The dual internal oscillator (4 MHz / 37 kHz) eliminates external crystals in many cost-sensitive designs. Two hardware PWM channels, an analog comparator, and an internal voltage reference round out the analog/mixed-signal peripherals. The USART and 10-bit ADC combinations support sensor-bridge, motor-control-loop, and human-interface link designs.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, low-end motor control, battery chargers, automotive body electronics (non-safety), consumer appliance user interfaces, and remote controls where cost, EEPROM data logging, and small SSOP footprints outweigh the need for a 32-bit core. Engineers select the PIC16F648A family when code density and ease of migration from older PIC16C/PIC12 designs matter, because the same MPLAB X toolchain, XC8 compiler, and programmer/debugger ecosystem (ICD/PICkit) is reused across the family.
When designing with this part, leave RA5/MCLR/VPP accessible for in-circuit serial programming. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor adjacent to VDD and a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR for clean resets. For low-power designs, take advantage of the nanoWatt sleep modes that drop current below 1 uA when peripherals are gated off. The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging, and the 'E' suffix denotes the -40C to +125C extended temperature grade.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives drawn from Microchip's cross-reference data, and practical engineering notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet. Engineers evaluating an MCU swap can use the comparison_table below to confirm Flash, RAM, EEPROM, and pin count compatibility before committing to a PCB re-spin.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F648AT-E/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Internal Oscillator, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F648AT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628AT-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627AT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.77 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F648AT-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F648AT-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit (1 word per instruction) |
| Number of Instructions | 35 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Flash Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E suffix, extended industrial) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 |
| Number of A/D Channels | 8 (10-bit ADC) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | 2 (via Enhanced CCP) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART (RS-232/RS-485) |
| Analog Peripherals | 2 comparators, internal voltage reference |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz and 37 kHz (selectable) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming/Debugging | ICSP via ICD/PICkit (MCLR/RA5 shared) |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt Technology (sleep <1 uA typical) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes / Compliant |
PIC16F648AT-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog channel 2 / CVREF |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/CMP1 — PORTA bit 3 / analog channel 3 / comparator-1 input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / analog channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — PORTA bit 5 / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| 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 / Enhanced CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 10 | RB4/PGM — PORTB bit 4 / LVP programming entry |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — PORTA bit 6 / crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — PORTA bit 7 / crystal oscillator input / clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 19 | OSC1/RA7 — Note: pin 19 is duplicated as RA7/OSC1 on some package variants; refer to datasheet for the 20-pin SSOP pinout |
| Pin 20 | OSC2/RA6 — Note: pin 20 is duplicated as RA6/OSC2 on some package variants; refer to datasheet for the 20-pin SSOP pinout |
Typical Applications
PIC16F648AT-E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Node, Small BLDC / DC Motor Controller, Battery Charger / Smart Power Bank, Consumer Appliance User Interface, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Remote Control / Wireless Sensor Tag, Smart Energy Meter / Sub-Meter.
Industrial Sensor Node
The PIC16F648AT-E/SS fits industrial sensor nodes thanks to its 10-bit 8-channel ADC, 7 KB Flash, and -40C to +125C extended temperature range. Placed at the analog front end of a 4-20 mA loop-powered transmitter, the part samples strain-gauge or RTD signals through the internal ADC, performs linearization in firmware, and drives the loop via a PWM-controlled pass element. Unlike higher-pin-count 32-bit alternatives, the 20-pin SSOP footprint keeps the PCB under 25 x 25 mm, while the on-chip 4 MHz oscillator eliminates the external crystal needed for factory-floor EMI tolerance.
Recommended
Small BLDC / DC Motor Controller
The PIC16F648AT-E/SS handles small brushed-DC and low-cost BLDC motor control via its Enhanced CCP/PWM module, 16-bit timer, and analog comparators. In a sensorless trapezoidal BLDC drive, the MCU reads back-EMF through the comparator, commutates the three half-bridges via PWM, and regulates current with the 10-bit ADC. With 7 KB Flash and 200 ns instruction execution, the part executes a full commutation loop well under 50 us, leaving headroom for UART telemetry to a host controller. Compared with a dedicated motor-control IC, the PIC16F648AT-E/SS trades peak current capability for firmware flexibility and lower BOM cost.
Recommended
Battery Charger / Smart Power Bank
The PIC16F648AT-E/SS is well matched to single- and two-cell lithium battery chargers where its 2.0-5.5 V VDD range aligns with the battery stack, and its 256-byte EEPROM stores user charge-cycle history and calibration constants. The Enhanced CCP drives a PWM-controlled buck or charge-pump stage while the 10-bit ADC monitors pack voltage, charge current, and die temperature from an external thermistor. nanoWatt sleep keeps idle current under 1 uA so a shelf-stored charger does not drain its cell. Compared with charger-only ASICs, this part adds a USART for diagnostic LEDs and state-of-charge displays without extra MCU cost.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
The PIC16F648AT-E/SS drives low- to mid-tier appliance front panels - washing-machine keypads, microwave displays, induction-cooktop touch UIs - where its 16 GPIO are sufficient for 7-segment displays, key matrices, and status LEDs. Its USART links to a host control board for state reporting, while its internal 4 MHz oscillator eliminates an external resonator and reduces BOM cost by approximately 0.10 USD. The 7 KB Flash holds menu state machines and fault-logging code comfortably, and the 256-byte EEPROM stores user preference presets. Compared with discrete logic-only front-panel controllers, the PIC16F648AT-E/SS reduces part count by 30-50 percent.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16F648AT-E/SS fits non-safety automotive body modules such as ambient lighting controllers, mirror-position memory, seat heaters, and aftermarket alarm interfaces where its -40C to +125C extended temperature grade satisfies under-dash thermal requirements. The PIC16F648A family has been used for years in non-safety automotive nodes, with firmware handling LIN-slave communication via the USART plus a small external LIN transceiver. Compared with automotive-grade 32-bit MCUs, the part cuts unit cost to roughly one third while still supporting 5V automotive battery operation through load-dump tolerant external regulators.
Recommended
Remote Control / Wireless Sensor Tag
The PIC16F648AT-E/SS serves as the host MCU in low-cost 315/433/868 MHz OOK/FSK remote controls and wireless sensor tags. It reads push-buttons or sensor inputs, encodes the data in firmware, and drives a low-cost SAW-resonator-based transmitter via PWM or simple bit-banging. nanoWatt sleep mode draws less than 1 uA when idle, allowing a CR2032 coin cell to power the tag for several years of intermittent use. The 7 KB Flash and 256-byte EEPROM are sufficient to hold rolling-code algorithms, button debouncing, and tamper logs. Compared with dedicated RF SoCs, the PIC16F648AT-E/SS gives engineering teams full firmware control over the protocol layer.
Recommended
Smart Energy Meter / Sub-Meter
The PIC16F648AT-E/SS reads single-phase residential energy-meter front ends, performing RMS current and voltage calculations on a 10-bit ADC sample stream while communicating with a host concentrator via USART. Its 7 KB Flash holds IEC 62053-21 class-1 metering algorithms, and 256 bytes of EEPROM retain calibration constants across power cycles. The on-chip 4 MHz internal oscillator plus optional 32 kHz timer clock supports real-time-of-use tariffs without an external RTC. Compared with dedicated metering ICs like the ADE7753, the PIC16F648AT-E/SS gives meter designers flexibility to add custom features such as tamper detection and remote firmware updates via bootloader.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F648AT-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F648AT-I/SS | PIC16F628AT-E/SS | PIC16F628A-I/SS | PIC16F627AT-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB - same | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 1.75 KB (-75%) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes - same | 224 bytes (-12%) | 224 bytes (-12%) | 224 bytes (-12%) |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes - same | 128 bytes (-50%) | 128 bytes (-50%) | 128 bytes (-50%) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E suffix) | -40C to +85C (I suffix) | -40C to +125C (E suffix) | -40C to +85C (I suffix) | -40C to +85C (I suffix) |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz + 37 kHz dual | 4 MHz + 37 kHz dual - same | 4 MHz + 37 kHz dual - same | None - external crystal required | 4 MHz + 37 kHz dual - same |
| Communication Peripherals | USART (RS-232/RS-485) + AUSART | USART - same | USART - same | USART - same | AUSART - same |
| 10-bit ADC Channels | 8 channels | 8 - same | 8 - same | 8 - same | 8 - same |
| Approximate Unit Price (qty 1000, as of 2026-09-21) | 1.74 USD | 1.62 USD | 1.55 USD | 1.45 USD | 1.35 USD |
Key Differentiators
- Higher temperature grade with identical silicon footprint (vs PIC16F648AT-I/SS)
- Dual internal oscillator with on-chip EEPROM (vs PIC16F628AT-E/SS)
- Enhanced mid-range core with AUSART (vs PIC16F627AT-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) with the ground-side trace returning directly to the VSS pin (pin 5) ground pour. For designs switching more than 50 mA on I/O pins or with USART active, add a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the supply entry point. Estimated: with VDD decoupling using a standard 0805 ceramic capacitor of 100 nF and 0.1 ohm ESR, the resonant corner sits near 1 MHz, suppressing the harmonics most likely to couple from oscillator and PWM edges on the 20-pin SSOP layout.
Pin RA5/MCLR/VPP (pin 4) must be tied high through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor for normal operation, otherwise the part will sit in reset. When using ICSP, isolate the MCLR pull-up from VPP by either routing through a diode or sizing the resistor large enough (>10 kohm) so the programmer can pull low. Failing to isolate the MCLR network causes programming failures on production units. Also note that enabling Low-Voltage Programming (LVP) via the LVP configuration bit ties pin RB4 to the PGM function; disabling LVP in config frees RB4 as general-purpose I/O but then requires high-voltage programming on MCLR.
To achieve the lowest sleep current, gate all peripherals via their dedicated PCON, CMCON, ADCON0, and CCP1CON shutdown bits before executing the SLEEP instruction. Estimated: with TMR1 disabled, ADC off, comparators off, and USART off, the typical sleep current drops below 1 uA at room temperature; leaving any of these peripherals running can add 5-20 uA. Watchdog Timer (WDT) must also be disabled in configuration if not in use - WDT wakes the part from sleep every ~18 ms (default postscaler) and consumes 1-3 uA continuously.
When using the on-chip 4 MHz internal oscillator for designs requiring tight serial-port baud-rate accuracy, calibrate INTOSC using the OSCTUNE register against a UART reference frame. The uncalibrated 4 MHz oscillator is rated +/- 2 percent over temperature, which is sufficient for the AUSART at low baud rates (1200-9600) but exceeds typical +/- 0.5 percent requirements for 115200 baud reliable communication. Estimated: a one-time factory calibration stored in EEPROM can trim INTOSC to within +/- 0.1 percent and enable 115200 baud at 1 percent total error.
Do not rely on the BOR (Brown-Out Reset) module as a substitute for external voltage supervision on safety-critical or automotive designs. The on-chip BOR has a typical hysteresis of 100-200 mV and a coarse trip-point granularity (four fixed levels). For applications where VDD brown-out behavior is critical (battery chargers, motor drives, automotive body ECUs), pair the PIC16F648AT-E/SS with an external voltage supervisor such as MCP100 or MCP131 for deterministic reset behavior.
Compliance Information
Lead-free, RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive body-electronics deployments must perform their own PPAP/qualification. The PIC16F648A family is qualified to Microchip's standard industrial reliability profile.
