PIC16F648AT-I/ML - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 7KB Flash 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F648AT-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.62 | $26.20 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.62 | $1,620.00 |
PIC16F648AT-I/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a Harvard-architecture 8-bit RISC MCU family originally developed by General Instrument and popularised by Microchip Technology. PIC MCUs belong to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> digital ICs -> semiconductors, and they are widely adopted because of their compact instruction set, deterministic interrupt latency, low power consumption, and rich peripheral integration in small pin-count packages.
Key features of the PIC16F648AT-I/ML include an internal 4 MHz high-precision oscillator (factory calibrated to within 1%), an internal 37 kHz low-power oscillator for sleep operation, two 8-bit timers (TMR0/TMR2) plus one 16-bit timer (TMR1), a 10-bit ADC with 8 channels, a USART module with EUART capability, an analog comparator, a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, and 16 digital I/O pins. The device operates across 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply voltage, drawing less than 3.0 mA at 5 V/20 MHz and typically 0.1 uA in sleep mode.
The 28-QFN exposed-pad package enables compact PCB layouts with thermal resistance of approximately 80 C/W, while the flash-based program memory supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and in-circuit debugging via two I/O pins. The CIP (Core Independent Peripheral) functionality, including the on-board comparator and PWM, allows the part to handle complex sequencing without CPU intervention.
Typical applications include remote controls, security alarm panels, small appliances, sensor interfaces, automotive interior lighting modules, low-end motor control, and battery-powered instrumentation. Designers select the PIC16F648AT-I/ML when they need more memory and richer peripherals than the PIC16F627A while retaining code compatibility with the PIC16F628 and PIC16C62XA legacy families.
When designing with this device, provide a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD and consider using the internal oscillator to save two external crystal pins. For applications that demand lower power, the LF variant (PIC16LF648A-I/ML) operates down to 2.0 V. Note that Microchip recommends migrating new designs to the newer PIC16F18444 family for ongoing production.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, practical design notes, and a parameter comparison matrix not found in the manufacturer datasheet, enabling faster sourcing and design decisions for engineers working on mid-range 8-bit embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F648AT-I/ML — 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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F648AT-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F648A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628AT-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF648A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F648AT-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16F RISC (8-bit Harvard) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Active Current (5V/20MHz) | < 3.0 mA |
| Sleep Current | 0.1 uA typical |
| I/O Pins | 16 digital I/O |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Communication | USART/EUART |
| CCP Modules | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz factory calibrated (±1%) + 37 kHz LP |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad (ML) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I') |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F648AT-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO RA0 / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO RA1 / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — GPIO RA2 / AN2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — GPIO RA3 / AN3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — GPIO RA4 / Timer0 clock input / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS/C2OUT — GPIO RA5 / AN4 / SPI slave select / comparator 2 output |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO RA6 / crystal out / clock output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO RA7 / crystal in / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — Reset input (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT — GPIO RB0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1/RX/DT — GPIO RB1 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 14 | RB2/TX/CK — GPIO RB2 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 15 | RB3/CCP1 — GPIO RB3 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 16 | RB4/PGM — GPIO RB4 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — GPIO RC0 / Timer1 crystal out / clock input |
| Pin 21 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — GPIO RC1 / Timer1 crystal in / CCP2 |
| Pin 22 | RC2/CCP1 — GPIO RC2 / CCP1 alternate output |
| Pin 23 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 24 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 25 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 26 | RC6 — GPIO RC6 |
| Pin 27 | RC7 — GPIO RC7 |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet pinout note) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F648AT-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Remote Control Transmitters, Security Alarm Panels, Small Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Interfaces, Automotive Interior Lighting, Low-End Motor Control (Fans, Pumps), Hobbyist and Educational Development.
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16F648AT-I/ML is well suited for handheld remote-control transmitters where 7 KB Flash holds IR/RF protocol state machines and 256 B SRAM is sufficient for short command buffers. Its 4 MHz internal oscillator with ±1% factory calibration eliminates the external crystal, freeing two pins for keypad matrix columns and reducing BOM cost. The 16 I/O pins drive a 4x4 keypad plus LED indicators directly, while the analog comparators monitor battery voltage without an external ADC. With 0.1 uA sleep current, a coin-cell powered remote can sit idle for years. Pair with TSOP38238 IR receiver modules or low-cost 315/433 MHz SAW transmitters for complete consumer remote designs.
Recommended
Security Alarm Panels
For intrusion-detection control panels the PIC16F648AT-I/ML's 10-bit ADC with 8 channels reads multiple PIR, smoke, and magnetic-reed sensors simultaneously, while the USART links to a GSM or WiFi module for alarm reporting. The 7 KB Flash fits zone-configuration logic and the 256 B EEPROM stores installer settings and event logs non-volatilely. Its 2 analog comparators can detect line-cut tamper signals without software ADC polling. The PIC16F648A's mature toolchain and ICD debugging accelerate the long design cycles typical of security products, where reliability and FCC/CE compliance are non-negotiable. The 28-QFN exposed pad handles thermal stress in enclosed metal cabinets.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
Coffee makers, toaster ovens, induction cooktops, and rice cookers use the PIC16F648AT-I/ML as the central controller, leveraging its CCP module for PWM heating element control and its 10-bit ADC for temperature sensor feedback. The 35-instruction RISC core executes simple PID loops in real time at 20 MHz, while 256 B EEPROM retains user presets through power cycles. The PIC16F648A's -40C to +85C industrial range handles kitchen and garage environments. Its compact 6x6 mm QFN footprint leaves room for the high-voltage triac/relay drivers on crowded appliance PCBs. Pairing with zero-cross SSRs and a triac driver forms a complete appliance platform.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Interfaces
Industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered transmitters and wireless sensor nodes use the PIC16F648AT-I/ML because its 0.1 uA sleep current combined with the 37 kHz low-power oscillator lets it idle for years on a single lithium cell. The 10-bit ADC digitises thermocouple or strain-gauge outputs, the analog comparator acts as a low-battery detector, and the USART interfaces to a LoRa or Bluetooth module. The 7 KB Flash holds MODBUS or proprietary sensor-protocol stacks. Choosing the PIC16LF648A-I/ML (2.0-5.5V) variant enables direct 3.3 V operation from coin cells. The exposed-pad QFN improves thermal dissipation during high-rate ADC sampling bursts.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting
Ambient LED strips, footwell lights, and dashboard backlights use the PIC16F648AT-I/ML to drive multi-channel PWM dimming through its CCP module combined with software PWM on additional I/O. The 16 I/O pins control RGB channels for several independent zones, while the USART handles LIN or CAN-style lighting commands. The -40C to +125C automotive-grade variant PIC16F648AT-E/ML is pin-compatible for cabin and under-hood nodes. Flash-based firmware supports in-circuit reprogramming via ICSP, allowing tier-1 OEM lighting module refresh. Its small QFN footprint fits behind door panels, where mechanical space is extremely constrained.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Control (Fans, Pumps)
Brushless DC and single-phase induction motor controllers for ceiling fans, water pumps, and small appliances use the PIC16F648AT-I/ML's 16-bit TMR1 for back-EMF zero-crossing detection and its analog comparators for sensorless commutation. The CCP module generates 20 kHz PWM at 10-bit resolution, while the 10-bit ADC samples motor current for closed-loop torque control. The 7 KB Flash fits state-machine firmware for sensored BLDC; the 256 B EEPROM stores RPM profiles. The 28-QFN exposed pad dissipates the modest heat from the MCU at moderate switching frequencies, and the part's industrial temperature rating suits under-cabinet fan hubs.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Development
The PIC16F648AT-I/ML is a popular training platform because of its 35-instruction RISC core - learnable in a single afternoon - and Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE plus XC8 compiler. The 7 KB Flash accommodates textbook projects from blinking LEDs to UART-driven displays, and ICSP support means students can debug with a $15 PICkit 3 without removing the chip. Its 28-QFN fits cheap breakout boards that expose every pin to a breadboard. The mature PIC ecosystem provides thousands of application notes and reference designs, making the PIC16F648A the standard first MCU taught in undergraduate embedded systems labs worldwide.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F648AT-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F648AT-E/ML | PIC16F648A-I/ML | PIC16F628AT-I/ML | PIC16LF648A-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB |
| SRAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 224 B | 256 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B | 256 B |
| Maximum Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (4 MHz at 2 V) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Onboard 4 MHz calibrated internal oscillator eliminates external crystal (vs PIC16F628AT-I/ML)
- Doubled Flash (7 KB) and EEPROM (256 B) vs older sibling (vs PIC16F628AT-I/ML)
- Two analog comparators vs one in legacy part (vs PIC16F628AT-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor (X7R ceramic, 10 V rated) within 3 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the main 5 V rail. The PIC16F648AT-I/ML has internal power-on reset and brown-out reset, so no external POR IC is required, but ensure the VDD ramp time is <50 ms to avoid unpredictable startup. For battery applications, switch the part into SLEEP mode (0.1 uA typical) and wake on the WDT, INT edge, or port change interrupt to extend battery life by orders of magnitude.
The 28-QFN (6x6) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to a PCB copper pad of at least 1 square inch for reliable thermal and electrical performance. Stencil aperture for the centre pad should be split into a 4x4 array of 1 mm squares to ensure proper solder wetting without voids. Per IPC-7351 land pattern guidelines, the perimeter pads use a 0.30 mm x 0.85 mm rectangular pad with 0.50 mm pitch. Keep digital switching traces away from the analog AVSS/AVDD pair if used, and route MCLR high through a 10 kohm pull-up to avoid spurious resets.
Estimated: configuring the part at 20 MHz from a 3.3 V rail is not supported - the PIC16F648A (F suffix) requires 4.0 V minimum for full-speed operation; at 3.3 V either drop to 4 MHz or migrate to PIC16LF648A-I/ML. Watch out for the read-modify-write hazard on PORT registers: when changing individual pins you must read PORTx, mask, modify, then write back, because the read-after-write discrepancy on latch vs pin can corrupt other pins. The ICSP pins RB6/RB7 are shared with the internal oscillator by default; if you disable the internal oscillator in configuration bits you may lock yourself out of low-voltage programming.
Route the ICSP PGC and PGD lines close together with a ground guard on each side to minimise noise pickup during in-circuit programming; long parallel runs of these signals near switching power nodes cause debug failures. Place the crystal (if used) within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 with a grounded guard ring; both crystal traces should be matched in length to within 1 mm. For ADC accuracy, route analog AVSS separately from digital VSS and join them at a single point near the MCU's AVSS pin - this star-ground technique minimises digital switching noise coupling into ADC conversions.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed on Microchip product page. PIC16F648A family is not AEC-Q100 qualified - use PIC16F648AT-E/ML for automotive-temperature applications but note that AEC-Q100 qualification specifically is not listed in the public datasheet header.
