PIC16F690-E/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip | SOIC-20
MPN: PIC16F690-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.76 | $3.76 |
| 10 | $3.42 | $34.20 |
| 100 | $2.89 | $289.00 |
| 500 | $2.55 | $1,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.28 | $2,280.00 |
PIC16F690-E/SO Overview
A PIC16 microcontroller is an 8-bit RISC flash MCU family built around a Harvard architecture with a small, deterministic instruction set (35 single-word instructions), on-chip Flash for program storage, EEPROM for non-volatile data, and a rich set of peripherals in a compact 20-pin footprint. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16F690 sits in the microcontrollers hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 mid-range family -> nanoWatt technology node -> surface-mount SOIC package.
Key specifications include 256 bytes of SRAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, 18 digital I/O pins, an internal 8 MHz oscillator, a 12-channel 10-bit ADC, enhanced USART, MSSP (I2C/SPI), two 8-bit and one 16-bit timers with capture/compare, and 2.0V-5.5V operating voltage. The "-E" suffix denotes the extended industrial temperature range (-40C to +125C), while "/SO" indicates the SOIC-20 package.
Architecture-wise, the device uses a 14-bit instruction word, 8-level hardware stack, and prioritized interrupt controller with hardware context save. The nanoWatt technology delivers dynamic power management through run, idle, and sleep modes with multiple wake-up sources, enabling battery-friendly designs.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, low-end motor control (small DC fans, solenoids), battery chargers, security/entry systems, and small industrial controllers. Peripherals like ADC, PWM, and USART support closed-loop control loops in cost-sensitive products.
A key design consideration: the SOIC-20 package supports hand-soldering and rework but occupies roughly twice the PCB area of an SSOP-20 (PIC16F690-E/SS variant). For new high-density designs, the SSOP-20 (PIC16F690-E/SS) variant is preferred; the SOIC remains preferred for prototyping, low-density designs, and easy field-rework.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package variants, and design guidance beyond what is in the standalone Microchip datasheet. The Microchip part-numbering decoder confirms -E = extended temperature grade and /SO = 20-pin SOIC.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F690-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 PIC16F690-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, ADC, Package, MSL Level, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F690-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F690-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F689-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F687-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F685-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F677-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F690-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| CPU Bit Width | 8-bit |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 35 (single-word) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature (E suffix) | -40C to +125C (industrial/extended) |
| Digital I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 12 channels, 10-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit (with CCP) |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (I2C/SPI) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (calibrated, software-selectable) |
| Package | SOIC-20 (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30C/85% RH) |
| Power Technology | nanoWatt (run/idle/sleep modes) |
PIC16F690-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/MCLR#/VPP — Digital I/O RA3 / ADC input AN3 / Master Clear (Reset, active-low) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O RA0 / ADC input AN0 / Comparator 1 non-inverting input / ICSP data |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O RA1 / ADC input AN1 / Comparator 1 inverting input / ICSP clock |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/T0CKI/INT — Digital I/O RA2 / ADC input AN2 / Timer0 clock input / External interrupt |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T1G/OSC2/CLKOUT — Digital I/O RA4 / ADC input AN4 / Timer1 gate / Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/CLKIN/OSC1 — Digital I/O RA5 / ADC input AN5 / External clock input / Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB7/AN6/ICCK/T1OSI/P1D — Digital I/O RB7 / ADC input AN6 / ICSP clock (ICD) / Timer1 oscillator input / Enhanced PWM output P1D |
| Pin 9 | RB6/AN5/ICDT/T1OSO/P1C — Digital I/O RB6 / ADC input AN5 (shared) / ICSP data (ICD) / Timer1 oscillator output / Enhanced PWM output P1C |
| Pin 10 | RB5/AN11/P1B — Digital I/O RB5 / ADC input AN11 / Enhanced PWM output P1B |
| Pin 11 | RB4/AN10/P1A — Digital I/O RB4 / ADC input AN10 / Enhanced PWM output P1A |
| Pin 12 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — Digital I/O RB3 / ADC input AN9 / CCP2 capture/compare/PWM input/output |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN8/P1C — Digital I/O RB2 / ADC input AN8 / Enhanced PWM output P1C |
| Pin 14 | RB1/AN7/C2OUT/INT — Digital I/O RB1 / ADC input AN7 / Comparator 2 output / External interrupt |
| Pin 15 | RB0/AN12/INT/CCP1 — Digital I/O RB0 / ADC input AN12 / External interrupt / CCP1 capture/compare/PWM |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin for thermal dissipation) |
| Pin 17 | RC7/AN8/RX/DT — Digital I/O RC7 / ADC input AN8 / EUSART RX / Synchronous data |
| Pin 18 | RC6/AN9/AN8/CK/TX — Digital I/O RC6 / ADC input AN9/AN8 / EUSART synchronous clock / EUSART TX |
| Pin 19 | RC5 — Digital I/O RC5 |
| Pin 20 | RC4/SDA/SDI/SDO — Digital I/O RC4 / MSSP I2C data / SPI SDI / SPI SDO |
Typical Applications
PIC16F690-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Driver Controller, Small DC Motor and Fan Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Security and Access Control Panels, Automotive Body Electronics (AEC-Q100 variant).
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F690-E/SO's 7 KB Flash and 18 digital I/O pins fit small kitchen appliances (coffee makers, microwaves, washing machine user-interface boards). The 10-bit ADC reads temperature/proximity sensors, PWM channels drive TRIACs or FET gates for heater/element control, and the EUSART provides diagnostic UART for factory calibration. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range handles under-cabinet and motor-bay thermal stress. The integrated 8 MHz oscillator and nanoWatt sleep mode (under 100 nA standby) keep BOM cost low while supporting energy-regulatory standby limits.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16F690-E/SO suits wireless sensor end-node designs where the MCU stays in sleep most of the time. nanoWatt technology provides sub-uA sleep current (per datasheet DS40001262F section on power-managed modes), the internal 8 MHz calibrated oscillator eliminates external crystal cost, and the wide 2.0V-5.5V operating range supports 2x AA to Li-coin cells directly. The 12-channel 10-bit ADC scans multiple sensors (temperature, light, humidity), while the MSSP drives SPI/I2C sensor front-ends. Battery life of 1-3 years is achievable with wake-on-pin or WDT timers, making this part attractive for IoT sensor end nodes.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver Controller
The PIC16F690-E/SO controls commercial and architectural LED drivers with its 10-bit PWM (via CCP modules) and high-resolution switching. The PIC16 mid-range PWM modules deliver 10-bit resolution at 20 kHz, suitable for dimming control of constant-current LED drivers. Multiple PWM outputs drive RGB channels and intensity correction simultaneously. The 2.0V-5.5V operation supports direct connection to 3.3V or 5V LED-driver supplies, and the MSSP drives I2C-controlled LED controllers or DMX interfaces. The extended -40C to +125C range handles outdoor fixture thermal extremes.
Recommended
Small DC Motor and Fan Control
The PIC16F690-E/SO drives small brushed DC motors and fans in HVAC, computing, and consumer products. The 16-bit CCP delivers PWM up to 20 kHz for variable-speed control, the 10-bit ADC reads back EMF or tachometer pulses for closed-loop RPM regulation, and the EUSART interfaces to RS-485 control networks. The 18 I/O pins support direction-control H-bridge signals, fault inputs, and tachometer feedback simultaneously. The extended temperature grade ensures reliable operation near hot heat sinks and in attics/automotive under-hood environments where motor PCAs are commonly deployed.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F690-E/SO conditions 4-20 mA and 0-10V industrial sensor signals in PLC analog-input modules and process instrumentation. The 12-channel 10-bit ADC digitizes bridge, RTD, and thermocouple inputs after on-board amplification, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients. The EUSART or MSSP delivers isolated RS-485 or I2C back to the controller. The extended -40C to +125C range handles plant-floor thermal cycling, and the wide 2.0V-5.5V supply supports 24V industrial rails after local regulation. nanoWatt sleep extends battery backup life during plant power outages.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
The PIC16F690-E/SO is well suited to door controllers, alarm keypads, and access-control reader boards. The 18 I/O pins directly drive LED indicators, buzzer drivers, keypad matrix scanners, and relay coils for door strikes. The EUSART supports Wiegand-reader interfaces or RS-485 to central panels, and the 256-byte EEPROM stores access lists and event logs. nanoWatt sleep with WDT wake-up achieves multi-year life on backup battery during AC outages, and the extended temperature range handles outdoor reader cabinets in cold climates and direct sun in tropical installations.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (AEC-Q100 variant)
The PIC16F690-E/SO extended temperature range suits non-safety automotive body-electronics modules such as interior lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, and seat-control keypads. The 10-bit ADC reads switch positions and ambient light sensors, PWM channels drive LED backlights and small motors, and the EUSART supports LIN-bus communication with body controllers. The -40C to +125C range handles cabin thermal stress, and the robust PIC16 mid-range architecture survives automotive EMI environments. Note that AEC-Q100-qualified variants of the PIC16F family are recommended for production deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F690-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F690-I/SO | PIC16F689-I/SO | PIC16F685-E/SO | PIC16F677-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-20 (7.50 mm width) | SOIC-20 (7.50 mm width) - same | SOIC-20 - same | SOIC-20 - same | SOIC-20 - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| SRAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +125C (extended) |
| ADC Channels x Resolution | 12 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit |
| Digital I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Largest memory in the PIC16F69x family (vs PIC16F677-E/SO)
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) versus industrial grade (vs PIC16F690-I/SO)
- Easy migration to SSOP-20 footprint for high-density designs (vs PIC16F690-E/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 5V VDD and 20 MHz CPU with peripherals active, the PIC16F690 draws approximately 6-8 mA. At 3.3V VDD the current drops to ~2 mA. For battery designs, use the SLEEP instruction with WDT disabled to achieve sub-1 uA standby current per the datasheet DS40001262F power-management section. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the main supply rail.
The SOIC-20 footprint (0.050 inch / 1.27 mm pin pitch) is hand-solderable and rework-friendly. For new designs, prefer the SSOP-20 variant (/SS suffix) for higher pin density. Always include a pull-up resistor (typically 10 kOhm) on the MCLR#/VPP pin (pin 1) to VDD, unless an external reset supervisor is used. The ICSP programming pads (ICSPCLK on pin 1 area, ICSPDAT on pin 4 area) should remain accessible on the PCB for in-circuit debugging and field firmware updates.
Do not exceed 5.5V on VDD or 8V on MCLR#/VPP during programming - permanent damage can occur. The analog inputs have a voltage range of VSS-0.3V to VDD+0.3V; voltages beyond this saturate the ADC and can damage the input structures. Note that pins RA0 and RA1 double as the ICSP programming interface - if your design routes these to outputs that source significant current, add series resistors to avoid contention with the programmer.
When using the enhanced PWM (ECCP) modules to drive power MOSFETs or motor drivers, keep the PWM output traces away from sensitive analog ADC inputs to avoid switching-noise coupling. Route digital signals (EUSART, MSSP) on inner PCB layers with ground reference. For I2C bus design, use 4.7 kOhm pull-ups at 100 kHz Standard mode or 1 kOhm at 400 kHz Fast mode, calculated against the bus capacitance per the I2C specification.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product environmental compliance disclosures. The -E suffix denotes extended industrial temperature range but does not imply AEC-Q100 automotive qualification; for AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16 variants, contact Microchip directly. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip Material Composition Disclosure. Conflict-minerals compliant per Microchip CMRT filing.
