PIC16F785-E/ML - 20MHz 8-Bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, Dual Op-Amps | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F785-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.92 | $192.00 |
| 500 | $1.74 | $870.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16F785-E/ML Overview
What is a mid-range PIC16F microcontroller? PIC16F is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit microcontroller family based on a 14-bit instruction word RISC architecture. In the broader hierarchy, PIC16F belongs to Microcontroller (MCU) -> Embedded IC -> Integrated Circuit -> Semiconductor. The family typically offers 35 single-word instructions, 200 ns instruction execution, and on-chip peripherals such as comparators, PWM modules, and ADCs. The PIC16F785 specifically targets mixed-signal applications through its integrated dual operational amplifiers and dual high-speed comparators, reducing external analog component count for closed-loop control designs.
Key features of the PIC16F785 include a 20 MHz maximum clock (200 ns instruction cycle), 18 digital I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 12 channels, two on-chip operational amplifiers, two high-speed comparators, a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, an Enhanced CCP (ECCP) module with Two-Phase Asynchronous Feedback PWM, and nanoWatt Technology for low-power sleep modes. The integrated analog blocks are particularly distinctive because few competing 8-bit MCUs combine op-amps and comparators with PWM on the same silicon die.
Architecturally, the PIC16F785 uses a Harvard-style RISC core with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and data access to occur in the same cycle. The ECCP module supports full-bridge, half-bridge, and single-output PWM topologies, with programmable dead-band delay and auto-shutdown on over-current. The two internal op-amps are general-purpose (unity-gain stable) and can be configured externally through I/O pins, while the comparators feature programmable hysteresis and a shared reference.
Typical applications include Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) where the integrated op-amps form the feedback compensation network and the ECCP drives the power MOSFETs directly, LED lighting drivers with constant-current regulation, battery chargers, motor control for low-voltage brushed DC motors, and power-conversion modules such as SEPIC, flyback, and buck-boost converters. The on-chip analog frontend is the differentiator against generic PIC16F parts.
When designing with this device, ensure the QFN (4x4) exposed pad is soldered to a sufficiently large thermal copper pour for heat dissipation. The internal op-amps require careful feedback compensation for stable operation in switching power supply loops. MCLR reset and the In-Circuit Debugger (ICD) pins must be reserved if programming/debugging is required in-circuit.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F785-E/ML — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F785-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F785T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F785-HV/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F785-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (mid-range, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Internal Operational Amplifiers | 2 |
| Internal Comparators | 2 (high-speed) |
| PWM Modules | 1x CCP + 1x ECCP with Two-Phase Async Feedback |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F785-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/OP1+ — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 / Comparator 1 positive input / Op-Amp 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/OP1- — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 / Comparator 1 negative input / Op-Amp 1 inverting input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C1OUT/OP1OUT — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 / Comparator 1 output / Op-Amp 1 output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C1IN+/OP2+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Comparator 1 positive / Op-Amp 2 non-inverting input |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/C2OUT/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input 4 / Comparator 2 output / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 5 / SPI slave select / High-Low Voltage Detect input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / PORTA bit 7 (alternate) |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / PORTA bit 6 (alternate) |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/P1A/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / PWM1 output A / CCP1 I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3/P1B — PORTC bit 3 / PWM1 output B |
| Pin 14 | RC4/P1C — PORTC bit 4 / PWM1 output C |
| Pin 15 | RC5/P1D — PORTC bit 5 / PWM1 output D |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6 / In-Circuit Serial Programming clock |
| Pin 21 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7 / In-Circuit Serial Programming data |
| Pin 22 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 23 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 24 | EP — Exposed thermal pad (connect to VSS for thermal dissipation) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F785-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Control, LED Lighting Driver, Battery Charger Control, Brushed DC Motor Control, Power Conversion Module (SEPIC / Flyback / Buck-Boost), Solar Charge Controller (PWM type).
Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Control
The PIC16F785-E/ML is purpose-built for SMPS primary-side control, integrating two op-amps, two comparators, and an Enhanced CCP module on the same die. The internal op-amps form Type-II or Type-III feedback compensation networks for voltage-mode control, while the comparators enable peak current-mode control with cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection. The ECCP module drives MOSFET half-bridge or full-bridge topologies with programmable dead-band delay and auto-shutdown. The 20 MHz instruction rate (200 ns cycle) allows switching frequencies above 500 kHz. PIC16F785 pairs naturally with N-channel MOSFETs such as the IRF7507 or gate drivers like the TC4420 for compact isolated and non-isolated converters. Its 2.0-5.5V VDD range also supports auxiliary supply derived from the converter itself.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver
In constant-current LED drivers, the PIC16F785-E/ML uses its integrated op-amp as a current-sense amplifier and the ECCP PWM to modulate switching current through an inductor. The 10-bit ADC samples the sense resistor voltage for closed-loop current regulation, achieving better than +/-2% LED current accuracy across temperature. The nanoWatt Technology sleep modes allow standby power below 1 uA for off-state efficiency compliance with Energy Star and EU ecodesign requirements. The 20-QFN (4x4 mm) footprint suits space-constrained MR16, GU10, and PAR lamp form factors. For dimming, the CCP module supports both analog 0-10V and DALI digital protocols via UART or PWM input capture.
Recommended
Battery Charger Control
The PIC16F785-E/ML operates as the charging controller in Li-Ion, NiMH, and lead-acid battery chargers. The internal op-amps sense charge current (via shunt) and battery voltage, while the comparators detect charge-termination conditions (dV/dt for NiMH, -delta-V, or timer for Li-Ion). The ECCP PWM regulates the charger switching element at up to 500 kHz. The 256-byte EEPROM stores charge profiles, capacity tables, and fault logs, while the 10-bit ADC monitors battery temperature via an external NTC thermistor. The wide 2.0-5.5V VDD range allows operation directly from a single-cell Li-Ion or USB 5V supply.
Recommended
Brushed DC Motor Control
For low-voltage brushed DC motor drives (up to 36V with external FETs), the PIC16F785-E/ML provides closed-loop speed or torque control. The ECCP module generates a variable-duty PWM signal, while the internal op-amps condition the back-EMF or shunt-current feedback. The comparators implement hardware overcurrent protection independent of firmware execution, allowing sub-microsecond shutdown for short-circuit protection. The 10-bit ADC samples current and voltage at up to 100 ksps for sensorless or tachometer-based speed control. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range supports automotive underhood and industrial motor applications.
Recommended
Power Conversion Module (SEPIC / Flyback / Buck-Boost)
The PIC16F785-E/ML is well suited to non-isolated SEPIC and buck-boost converters used in battery-powered systems requiring output voltages above or below the input. The on-chip op-amps handle voltage-mode compensation, while the ECCP drives the switching MOSFET at fixed or variable frequency. The dual comparators enable current-mode control for input-current shaping (PFC). For isolated flyback designs, the comparator detects primary-side current and the ECCP drives the primary switch, while optocoupler feedback closes the secondary-side regulation loop. The 20 MHz CPU headroom accommodates digital soft-start, slope compensation, and primary-side regulation algorithms.
Recommended
Solar Charge Controller (PWM type)
In small-scale PWM-type solar charge controllers for off-grid solar lighting and IoT sensor nodes, the PIC16F785-E/ML manages charging, load disconnect, and low-battery protection. The internal op-amp monitors panel voltage and battery voltage, while the ECCP module drives the MOSFET that PWM-switches the panel to the battery (typical 30-70% duty cycle for flooded lead-acid). The 10-bit ADC reads panel current for energy metering. nanoWatt sleep modes keep quiescent current below 1 uA during low-light standby, critical for solar applications. EEPROM stores cumulative energy counters and battery state-of-health parameters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F785-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F785-I/ML | PIC16F785T-I/ML | PIC16F785-HV/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C |
| Maximum VDD | 5.5 V | 5.5 V | 5.5 V | 15 V |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Internal Op-Amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Internal Comparators | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Pricing (USD, qty 100, as of 2026-09-21) | 1.92 | 1.80 (typical) | 1.75 (typical) | 2.10 (typical) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated dual op-amps and dual comparators on-chip (vs PIC16F785-I/ML)
- Extended -40C to +125C operating temperature range (vs PIC16F785-I/ML (Industrial))
- Two-Phase Asynchronous Feedback PWM (ECCP with full-bridge support) (vs PIC16F785-HV/ML (high-voltage variant))
Design Notes
The 20-QFN (4x4 mm) exposed pad (EP) on the PIC16F785-E/ML must be soldered to a PCB copper pour that is at least 25 mm^2 in area (1 square inch) for thermal dissipation. At 20 MHz with all peripherals active, the core draws approximately 10 mA at 5V (50 mW), but peripheral switching transients can add another 20-30 mW. Without proper EP soldering, junction temperature can rise 40-50C above ambient under continuous full-load operation, exceeding the 125C limit. Connect the EP to VSS for best thermal performance.
Place the 0.1 uF VDD decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 23), with the trace to VDD as short and wide as possible. For high-current switching designs where the PIC16F785 controls external MOSFETs, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU plus a ferrite bead on the analog VDD supply to isolate digital switching noise from the sensitive analog op-amp inputs. The analog reference (if external) should be bypassed with 100 nF plus 10 uF. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation.
Several common pitfalls catch first-time PIC16F785 users. First, the ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT pins (RB6/RB7) must be reserved and not used as outputs driving low-impedance loads, or in-circuit programming will fail. Second, configuration bits (especially the oscillator selection, WDT, and code protection) must be set correctly in code or via the programmer; a wrong oscillator selection can lock out the device. Third, the integrated op-amps require compensation capacitors for stable operation in unity-gain or low-gain configurations - do not omit the datasheet-recommended feedback network. Fourth, the analog input pins (ANx) default to digital mode and must be configured via the ANSEL register before ADC sampling returns valid values.
Separate analog and digital ground planes when designing the PCB, joining them at a single point near the MCU's VSS pin. Route analog op-amp and comparator signals (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching lines (RC2-RC5 PWM outputs) to minimize crosstalk. For SMPS applications, keep the current-sense resistor trace to the comparator input short (less than 10 mm) and use a Kelvin connection. The PWM outputs (P1A-P1D) should route directly to the gate-driver or MOSFET gate with minimal trace inductance.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed by Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs requiring AEC-Q100, contact Microchip for PIC16F785 automotive-grade variants. REACH compliance status confirmed via Microchip environmental compliance statements.
