PIC16F690T-I/SS - 8-Bit MCU 20MHz 7KB Flash 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F690T-I/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.41 | $1.41 |
| 10 | $1.34 | $13.40 |
| 100 | $1.2 | $120.00 |
| 500 | $1.1 | $550.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.98 | $980.00 |
PIC16F690T-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory and peripherals on one die. The PIC16F690 belongs to Microchip's mid-range x14 architecture family, sitting in the broader hierarchy of embedded processors: RISC core -> 8-bit MCU -> flash-based microcontroller -> embedded system controller. Its low 20-pin count makes it a classic choice for cost- and space-constrained embedded control.
Key features include nanoWatt Technology for low standby power, a wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage, 18 I/O lines, a 10-bit ADC with 12 input channels, two analog comparators, three timers (two 8-bit, one 16-bit), four PWM channels, and an EUSART supporting RS-232-style serial communication with LIN 2.0 support. In-circuit serial programming (ICSP) allows field firmware updates without removing the device from the board.
Technically, the mid-range x14 core executes most instructions in a single cycle at fOSC/4, delivering efficient interrupt-driven control. The 256-byte EEPROM retains calibration data through power cycles, while the internal 8 MHz oscillator option removes the need for an external crystal in many designs, freeing I/O pins and reducing BOM cost.
Typical applications include small home appliances, sensor interfaces, lighting control, battery chargers, and industrial sub-systems where a compact 8-bit controller with analog peripherals is sufficient. The wide 2.0-5.5V range supports both 3.3V and 5V logic systems and direct battery operation.
Design consideration: at 5V and 20 MHz the device meets full-speed specification, but below 2.5V the maximum clock must be derated per the frequency-voltage curve in the manufacturer datasheet. Plan MCLR/VPP pin handling carefully when using ICSP.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F690T-I/SS β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F690T-E/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1829-I/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F685-I/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F677-I/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F631-I/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F690T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC (mid-range x14) |
| Max CPU Clock | 20 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| SRAM | 256 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Lines | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 12 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 3 (2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit) |
| PWM Channels | 4 |
| Communication Interfaces | EUSART, SPI (MSSP), I2C (MSSP) |
| Technology | nanoWatt Technology, CMOS Flash |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 20-SSOP (SS) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Packing | Tape and Reel (T suffix) |
| Life Cycle Stage | ACTIVE |
PIC16F690T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD β Positive power supply (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 β Port A, bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Port A, bit 4 (digital I/O, open-drain capable) |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP β Port A bit 3 input / Master Clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RC5 β Port C, bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RC4 β Port C, bit 4 (digital I/O, PWM/C1 output functions) |
| Pin 7 | RC3 β Port C, bit 3 (digital I/O, comparator/analog functions) |
| Pin 8 | RC6 β Port C, bit 6 (digital I/O, EUSART TX) |
| Pin 9 | RC7 β Port C, bit 7 (digital I/O, EUSART RX) |
| Pin 10 | RB7 β Port B, bit 7 (digital I/O, ICSPDAT programming data) |
| Pin 11 | RB6 β Port B, bit 6 (digital I/O, ICSPCLK programming clock) |
| Pin 12 | RB5 β Port B, bit 5 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 13 | RB4 β Port B, bit 4 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 14 | RC2 β Port C, bit 2 (digital I/O, analog input) |
| Pin 15 | RC1 β Port C, bit 1 (digital I/O, analog input) |
| Pin 16 | RC0 β Port C, bit 0 (digital I/O, analog input) |
| Pin 17 | RA2 β Port A, bit 2 (digital I/O, analog input, comparator input) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 β Port A, bit 1 (digital I/O, analog input, ICSPCLK alt) |
| Pin 19 | RA0 β Port A, bit 0 (digital I/O, analog input, ICSPDAT alt) |
| Pin 20 | VSS β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F690T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Small Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting and Dimming, Industrial Sensor Interface, Home Automation and IoT Nodes, Automotive Body Sub-Functions (Non-Qualified).
Small Appliance Control
The PIC16F690T-I/SS fits small appliance control boards such as coffee makers, fans, and vacuum units because it combines 18 I/O lines, four PWM channels, and a 10-bit ADC in a low-cost 20-pin SSOP. The ADC reads user controls such as NTC temperature sensors and potentiometer selectors, while ECCP PWM drives heaters, fan motors, or LED indicators. The internal 8 MHz oscillator removes crystal cost, and the wide 2.0-5.5V supply tolerates unregulated aux power rails. The 256-byte EEPROM persists user settings and cycle counters through power loss, which is a common appliance requirement, and the watchdog timer recovers from lockups in electrically noisy motor environments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
With nanoWatt Technology, the PIC16F690T-I/SS supports low-power battery applications through its SLEEP mode, where current drops to nanoamp-level standby with the watchdog or an external interrupt able to wake the core. The 2.0V minimum supply allows direct operation from two alkaline cells, and the 10-bit ADC with 12 channels digitizes sensor outputs without an external converter. Typical designs sleep between samples, wake on timer or sensor threshold via comparator, take a measurement, then transmit over the EUSART. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration coefficients so each node can be individually corrected at production test. Total average current scales down to microamp levels at low sample rates.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Dimming
The PIC16F690T-I/SS is well suited to LED driver and dimming boards because its ECCP module generates up to four PWM channels with 10-bit resolution for dimming control and color mixing. The ADC reads triac-dimmer phase feedback or thermistor outputs for thermal foldback, and the analog comparators provide cycle-by-cycle overcurrent limiting in buck LED topologies without CPU latency. Operating down to 2.0V supports two-cell fixtures, while the 20 MHz clock gives fine PWM granularity for flicker-free dimming. The SSOP-20 package keeps the controller compact on driver PCBs, and ICSP allows field firmware updates of dimming curves after installation.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface
In factory sub-systems, the PIC16F690T-I/SS acts as a local sensor-to-bus translator: its 10-bit/12-channel ADC digitizes 4-20 mA or voltage-mode sensor signals, the two comparators implement fast threshold alarms, and the EUSART connects to RS-485/RS-232 transceivers for plant-network communication with LIN 2.0 protocol support also available. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and watchdog timer suit unattended cabinets, while 5V operation gives robust noise margins in electrically harsh environments. The 256-byte EEPROM holds node address and scaling constants, and ICSP permits recalibration firmware updates without desoldering the controller from the DIN-rail board.
Recommended
Home Automation and IoT Nodes
For smart-home end nodes - wall switches, IR remote receivers, thermostats, and door sensors - the PIC16F690T-I/SS provides an economical controller that bridges simple sensing and serial communication. The EUSART links to wireless modules, the ADC samples button arrays and environmental sensors, and PWM drives status LEDs or small buzzers. SLEEP mode with interrupt-on-change on port B pins enables pushbutton wake-up at minimal standby current, extending battery life in switch-type devices. The mature mid-range x14 architecture has extensive community code for common home-automation tasks, reducing firmware development time, and the 20 MHz internal oscillator option keeps the board free of timing crystals.
Recommended
Automotive Body Sub-Functions (Non-Qualified)
The PIC16F690 architecture is also offered in AEC-Q100 qualified variants (PIC16F690-E family with -40C to +125C range), and the standard PIC16F690T-I/SS is frequently used in non-safety automotive-adjacent equipment such as workshop tools, chargers, and accessory test fixtures. The four PWM channels drive lamp dimmers and small pump motors, the comparators handle overcurrent protection, and the EUSART with LIN 2.0 support talks to vehicle diagnostic buses. For designs intended for in-vehicle deployment, engineers should select the -E temperature variant or a Q-qualified part and verify AEC-Q100 status, since this industrial-rated I-grade part itself is rated only to +85C.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F690T-I/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F690T-E/SS | PIC16F1829-I/SS | PIC16F685-I/SS | PIC16F677-I/SS | PIC16F631-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP (SS) | 20-SSOP (SS) - same | 20-SSOP (SS) - same | 20-SSOP (SS) - same | 20-SSOP (SS) - same | 20-SSOP (SS) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 1.75 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| ADC | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels | None |
| PWM Channels | 4 (CCP + ECCP) | 4 (CCP + ECCP) | 4 (CCP, ECCP) | 3 (ECCP + CCP) | None (no CCP) | None |
| EUSART / Serial | EUSART with LIN 2.0 | EUSART with LIN 2.0 | EUSART | EUSART | EUSART | None |
| Lifecycle Status | ACTIVE | ACTIVE | ACTIVE | ACTIVE | ACTIVE | ACTIVE |
Key Differentiators
- Full PIC16F690 feature set in industrial temperature range at lowest cost (vs PIC16F690T-E/SS)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to enhanced mid-range (vs PIC16F1829-I/SS)
- Balanced analog + PWM + serial peripheral set within the 20-pin family (vs PIC16F677-I/SS)
Design Notes
Derate clock frequency at low VDD: full 20 MHz operation is specified in the 4.5V-5.5V band, while at 3.3V the maximum safe clock is lower per the frequency-versus-voltage curve in the manufacturer datasheet. If running the internal 8 MHz oscillator from a 2-cell battery near 2.0V, verify brown-out reset (BOR) threshold settings so the device never executes below its validated fMAX/VDD corner. Estimated: a design sleeping at uA-level with 1 Hz wake-ups and 1 ms active bursts at 5 mA reduces average current to roughly the tens-of-uA range, appropriate for 2xAA operation.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor directly across VDD (pin 1) and VSS (pin 20) with a short return path, plus a 1-10 uF bulk capacitor near the board supply entry. On the SSOP-20 footprint, route ICSP signals (pin 4 MCLR/VPP, pin 10 RB7/ICSPDAT, pin 11 RB6/ICSPCLK) as short traces to a standard 5-pin header; MCLR/VPP reaches ~13V during programming, so keep a series resistor (typically 10k) and avoid sensitive analog nets on this node. Reserve isolation resistors on RB6/RB7 if they drive loads in-circuit.
RA3/MCLR (pin 4) is input-only - never assign it as an output in firmware. When migrating code to PIC16F685/677/631 drop-ins, peripheral mapping differs: PIC16F677 has no CCP/PWM and PIC16F631 has no ADC or EUSART, so a pin-compatible footprint does not guarantee functional compatibility. When using the EUSART for LIN, confirm the LIN 2.0 register configuration against the family datasheet rather than older PIC16 app notes. Also note the ADC reference defaults to VDD - ratiometric sensors (pots, NTC dividers) should be fed from the same VDD rail for accuracy.
Compliance Information
Microchip states in its datasheet that Microchip products meet the specification contained in their particular Microchip datasheet and meet code-protection and quality standards; specific RoHS/lead-free status for this SKU follows Microchip standard lead-free SSOP finishing. REACH and halogen-free status not stated in provided data - verify with Microchip product page. Note the provided digchips snippet references a 14-pin description, which applies to other family members; the PIC16F690 is a 20-pin device.
