PIC16F685T-I/ML - 20MHz 8-Bit Flash MCU, 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F685T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16F685T-I/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller (programmable interface controller) is a family of compact, low-power microcontrollers built on a Harvard RISC architecture that separates program and data memory. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, PIC16F685 sits as: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> mid-range x14 core. The mid-range x14 instruction set uses 14-bit program words and 35 single-word instructions, enabling powerful yet easy-to-program operation. This category of MCU is widely used in cost-sensitive embedded applications where deterministic interrupt response, low sleep current, and broad peripheral integration matter more than raw processing throughput.
Key features include 12 I/O pins, 11 standard digital I/O plus dedicated peripherals, an integrated 10-bit ADC with multiple channels, capture/compare/PWM modules, an enhanced USART for asynchronous and synchronous serial communication, and a nanoWatt™ power-managed architecture with multiple low-power sleep modes. The 20MHz clock rate delivers 200ns instruction execution, and AEC-Q100 qualification makes it suitable for harsh automotive environments.
The PIC16F685T-I/ML uses flash memory for program storage, supporting in-system serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, allowing in-field firmware updates without removing the part. The nanoWatt™ technology provides typical power consumption below 1µA in sleep mode, enabling battery-powered designs. The device operates across the industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and benefits from a comprehensive development ecosystem including MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB XC8 compiler, and PICkit programmers.
Typical applications include automotive interior lighting control, sensor signal conditioning, low-speed sensor fusion, simple motor control (DC brushed, fan), and consumer white-goods control boards. Its small 4x4 mm QFN footprint also suits densely populated PCB designs where TSSOP/SOIC footprints are too large.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the ICSP pins (RB6/RA4) have no capacitive loading that could disrupt in-system programming, and add a 100nF decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin. The automotive -I temperature grade spans -40°C to +85°C; select the -E grade for -40°C to +125°C extended automotive range.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F685T-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 PIC16F685T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in I/O Pins, Package, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F685-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F685T-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F685T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F685T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (mid-range x14 RISC) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 (incl. RA4/RA5 dedicated) |
| ADC | 10-bit, multiple channels |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit (Timer0/1/2) |
| Communication Interfaces | Enhanced USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial grade) |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (4x4 mm) with EP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| ICSP Support | Yes (in-circuit serial programming) |
| Low-Power Modes | nanoWatt™ technology |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes |
PIC16F685T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/AN4/CPS7 — GPIO RA5, Analog AN4, Capacitive touch CPS7 |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/CPS6/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / ICSP DAT / Analog AN3 / Timer0 input |
| Pin 3 | MCLR/VPP — Reset input (active low) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal output or GPIO RA6 |
| Pin 5 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal input or GPIO RA7 |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | RB0/AN10/CCP1 — GPIO RB0 / Analog AN10 / CCP1 PWM |
| Pin 8 | RB1/AN8 — GPIO RB1 / Analog AN8 |
| Pin 9 | RB2/AN9/CPS3 — GPIO RB2 / Analog AN9 / Capacitive CPS3 |
| Pin 10 | RB3/AN11/CCP2 — GPIO RB3 / Analog AN11 / CCP2 PWM |
| Pin 11 | RB4/AN5/CPS4 — GPIO RB4 / Analog AN5 / Capacitive CPS4 |
| Pin 12 | RB5/AN7/CPS5 — GPIO RB5 / Analog AN7 / Capacitive CPS5 |
| Pin 13 | RB6/ICSPCLK — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock / programming |
| Pin 14 | RB7/ICSPDAT — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data / programming |
| Pin 15 | VSS_PAD — Exposed thermal pad (VSS) |
| Pin 16 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 18 | RC0/AN6/CPS2 — GPIO RC0 / Analog AN6 / Capacitive CPS2 |
| Pin 19 | RC1/AN2/CPS1 — GPIO RC1 / Analog AN2 / Capacitive CPS1 |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Digital supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F685T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Interior Lighting Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hub, Low-Speed Brushed DC Motor Control, Consumer White-Goods Control Board, Battery-Powered IoT Edge Sensor, Hobby / Education / Prototyping Boards.
Automotive Interior Lighting Control
The PIC16F685T-I/ML's AEC-Q100 qualification and 12 I/O pins make it well suited for automotive LED interior lighting controllers that dim multiple zones. Its 20MHz clock rate and 7KB Flash allow execution of elaborate fade curves and PWM timing algorithms in real time, while nanoWatt sleep modes draw less than 1µA when the vehicle is parked. Placed on the CAN/LIN node PCB, the MCU sits between the transceiver and the LED driver, receiving dim commands and outputting PWM to driver ICs. The 20-QFN (4x4) footprint fits behind the dome light housing where TSSOP would be too tall.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hub
The PIC16F685T-I/ML's integrated 10-bit ADC with multiple input channels suits sensor-conditioning applications where analog inputs (temperature, light, humidity, level) must be sampled and averaged before forwarding. With 7KB Flash, designers have room for digital filtering (running averages, hysteresis, threshold detection) on each channel. The 256-byte RAM handles short buffer histories, and the enhanced USART or MSSP (SPI/I2C) handles the upstream connection to a controller or display. The 20-QFN package keeps the board compact for installation inside industrial sensor housings.
Recommended
Low-Speed Brushed DC Motor Control
For small brushed-DC motors in automotive accessories (mirrors, small pumps, latches), the PIC16F685T-I/ML offers on-chip PWM channels that generate the drive signals directly, plus the ADC channels needed for current sensing or feedback. Its 20MHz core is sufficient for closed-loop control loops at typical mechanical time constants (10-100ms). The 7KB Flash accommodates state-machine-based fault detection (stall, overcurrent, thermal), and the 20-QFN's exposed pad provides thermal relief for moderate power dissipation in the driver FETs.
Recommended
Consumer White-Goods Control Board
The PIC16F685T-I/ML fits washing-machine, dishwasher, microwave, or oven control boards where its 7KB Flash supports segmented user interfaces, timed cycles, and safety interlocks. Its nanoWatt™ sleep modes and -40C to +85C industrial temperature span both reduce standby power consumption and survive the high-heat appliance environment. The 20-QFN (4x4) package fits the compact PCB of a control keypad with multiple buttons and 7-segment or LCD displays driven directly through GPIO.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Edge Sensor
The PIC16F685T-I/ML's nanoWatt™ technology with sub-1µA sleep current makes it attractive for battery-powered edge sensors transmitting via SPI/I2C-connected RF or LoRa modules. The 256-byte RAM comfortably buffers small payloads before transmit, and the 128-byte EEPROM stores configuration and calibration constants. With duty cycling in the 0.1%-1% range, a single CR2032 cell may power a sensor node for years. Note: this device operates at 4.5V-5.5V, so for 3.3V systems a regulator or the PIC16F685 (non-T) 2.0-5.5V variant is required.
Recommended
Hobby / Education / Prototyping Boards
The PIC16F685T-I/ML's mature toolchain (MPLAB X, XC8 compiler, PICkit programmers) and inexpensive in-circuit serial programming make it a frequent choice on development boards and educational kits. The 20-pin QFN is breadboard-compatible via breakout adapters, and the PIC16 architecture's 35-instruction RISC core is well-suited to teaching fundamentals. Its automotive qualification also makes it useful for academic automotive-electronics courses where students learn CAN, PWM motor control, and low-power embedded design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F685T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F685-I/ML | PIC16F685T-E/ML | PIC16F685T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP - same | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP - same | 20-QFN (4x4) with EP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended Automotive) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in identical to PIC16F685-I/ML in same QFN package (vs PIC16F685-I/ML)
- Extended temperature grade variant available in same package (vs PIC16F685T-E/ML)
- AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use (vs PIC16F684T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin, and a bulk capacitor (1-10 µF tantalum or ceramic) at the PCB power entry. Add a separate 100 nF cap near AVDD if the ADC is used to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the analog reference. The 685's nanoWatt™ sleep current is below 1 µA only if all GPIOs are configured as analog (high-Z) and the oscillator is in low-power mode.
The QFN-20 (4x4 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad (VSS_PAD) on the underside that must be soldered to the PCB's ground plane for both mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Use an array of 5x5 thermal vias in the EP land to wick heat into inner ground layers. Reserved ICSP pins RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT should not have capacitive loading greater than 10 pF, otherwise in-system programming may fail at production.
Estimated: At 20 MHz clock and 5 V VDD, ICC active current is approximately 7-10 mA (per datasheet section 'DC Characteristics'). Pin MCLR must be pulled to VDD through a 10-100 kΩ resistor; a floating MCLR causes random resets. When migrating from PIC16F684 firmware, code may exceed the F684's 2 KB Flash even though pinout matches - the F685's 7 KB Flash is required.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declarations. AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. Lead-free / halogen-free packaging. Conflict-minerals compliant per Microchip statement.
