PIC16F785-E/SS - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 18 I/O, SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F785-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.92 | $19.20 |
| 100 | $1.68 | $168.00 |
| 500 | $1.45 | $725.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.25 | $1,250.00 |
PIC16F785-E/SS Overview
A PIC16 mid-range 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer that combines a RISC CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (SRAM), and a rich set of analog and digital peripherals into one IC. Within the broader taxonomy it sits under the hierarchy microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor device, with the PIC16F785 specifically positioned for mixed-signal power-control applications where on-chip op-amps, comparators, and PWM must be tightly coupled to firmware for fast control loops.
Differentiating features of the PIC16F785 include nanoWatt Technology for ultra-low-power sleep modes, an ICD as primary analog-input channel, Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) supporting SPI and I2C, an Enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART), and 8 MHz internal oscillator. The two integrated op-amps remove the need for external signal-conditioning stages in current-shunt amplifiers or trans-impedance front-ends. The 2-phase asynchronous-feedback PWM is engineered for bridgeless PFC and soft-switching topologies.
Architecturally, the PIC16F785 uses a Harvard-class 14-bit instruction set with an 8-bit data path, an 8-level deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect addressing modes. Analog integration reduces BOM count and PCB area. When migrating code, designers should note the interrupt structure, peripheral pin-select constraints, and oscillator configuration bits.
Typical applications include switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) with active PFC, battery chargers (CC/CV profiles), LED drivers with analog dimming, sensor signal conditioning, and low-cost industrial controls. The wide 2.0-5.5 V range enables direct battery-powered operation. Watchdog timer, brown-out reset, and Flash configuration-word protection support field-deployed reliability.
Design tip: Use the integrated op-amps to amplify current-sense shunt signals directly to the ADC, eliminating one external stage. Ensure decoupling capacitors (100 nF + 10 µF) are placed within 5 mm of VDD/AVDD pins, and route the analog AVSS separately from digital GND back to the regulator ground star.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SSOP-20 alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single decision-ready reference for the PIC16F785-E/SS.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F785-E/SS — 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 PIC16F785-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, MSL Level, I/O Pins, PWM Modules, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F785-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F785-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F785T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F785-H/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F785-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F676-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F785-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (mid-range, 14-bit instruction, 8-bit data path) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (3584 bytes) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 digital I/O |
| ADC | 12-bit, 8 channels |
| Comparators | 2 high-speed comparators with programmable reference |
| Operational Amplifiers | 2 rail-to-rail input/output op-amps |
| PWM | Dual 2-phase asynchronous-feedback PWM module |
| Communication | MSSP (SPI / I2C), EUSART |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (Industrial / E grade) |
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Special Functions | nanoWatt Technology, ICD, brown-out reset, watchdog timer |
PIC16F785-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/AN4/C2OUT/T1CKI/OSC1/CLKIN — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch4, comparator-2 out, Timer1 clock, oscillator input |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/T1G/C1OUT/OSC2/CLKOUT — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch3, Timer1 gate, comparator-1 out, oscillator output |
| Pin 3 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O or master clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RC5/CCP1/P1A — Bidirectional I/O or PWM1 output A |
| Pin 5 | RC4/C2OUT/P1B — Bidirectional I/O or comparator-2 out / PWM1 output B |
| Pin 6 | RC3/AN7/C12IN3-/P1C — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch7, comparator input / PWM1 output C |
| Pin 7 | RC2/AN6/C12IN2-/P1D — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch6, comparator input / PWM1 output D |
| Pin 8 | RC1/AN5/C12IN1-/P2E — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch5, comparator input / PWM2 output E |
| Pin 9 | RC0/AN4/P2F — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch4 / PWM2 output F |
| Pin 10 | RB7/ICSPDAT/ICD — Bidirectional I/O or in-circuit serial programming data |
| Pin 11 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O or in-circuit serial programming clock |
| Pin 12 | RB5/AN11/OP2-/C12IN3+ — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch11, op-amp-2 inverting input, comparator non-inverting input |
| Pin 13 | RB4/AN10/OP2+/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch10, op-amp-2 non-inverting input, SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN9/CCP1/OP2OUT/PGM — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch9, PWM1, op-amp-2 output |
| Pin 15 | RB2/AN8/OP1-/C12IN2+ — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch8, op-amp-1 inverting input, comparator non-inverting input |
| Pin 16 | RB1/AN6/OP1+/C12IN0+/INT — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch6, op-amp-1 non-inverting input, comparator input, external interrupt |
| Pin 17 | RB0/AN12/INT/OP1OUT — Bidirectional I/O, analog ch12, external interrupt, op-amp-1 output |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 19 | AVDD — Analog positive supply voltage (connect to VDD for best ADC performance) |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F785-E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) with PFC, Battery Charger (CC/CV, JEITA, Fuel Gauge), LED Driver with Analog Dimming, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Solar Micro-Inverter / MPPT Controller, Motor Control (BLDC, Stepper, DC Brush), Smart Home IoT Sensor Hub.
Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) with PFC
The PIC16F785's 20 MHz PIC16 core runs current-mode control loops fast enough for 100 kHz+ switching converters, while the dual on-chip op-amps amplify current-sense shunt and input-voltage signals directly into the 12-bit ADC. The 2-phase asynchronous-feedback PWM generates complementary or interleaved gate-drive signals for bridgeless PFC stages, eliminating an external PWM IC and reducing BOM. The SSOP-20 footprint allows compact designs in 50 W to 500 W power supplies.
Recommended
Battery Charger (CC/CV, JEITA, Fuel Gauge)
For Li-ion and lead-acid chargers, the PIC16F785 12-bit ADC measures pack voltage (via a divider) and charge current (via a shunt), while a comparator terminates charge at the user-set CV threshold. Its 256 bytes of EEPROM store JEITA temperature tables, fuel-gauge curves, and end-of-cycle logs. The integrated PWM can drive a synchronous buck or a flyback primary. The wide 2.0-5.5 V range lets the MCU run directly from a single Li-ion cell during precharge.
Recommended
LED Driver with Analog Dimming
LED drivers need constant-current regulation and 0-10 V or DALI dimming, both easily handled by the PIC16F785. The 12-bit ADC reads the dimmer input while the 2-phase PWM generates constant-frequency gate signals to a buck IC. Op-amps form the transconductance stage for current sensing. The SSOP-20 package allows the entire analog/PWM/control loop to fit on a 25 mm × 25 mm board for downlights and troffers.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Industrial 4-20 mA loops and bridge sensors benefit from the PIC16F785's two integrated op-amps, which provide instrument-amp gain for load-cell or strain-gauge bridges and a rail-to-rail output for the ADC. The MSSP supports I2C for HMI displays, while EUSART handles RS-485-style communication. The -40 to +125 °C industrial temperature grade and the 2.0-5.5 V supply permit operation from 24 V industrial rails.
Recommended
Solar Micro-Inverter / MPPT Controller
The PIC16F785's dual PWM channels drive an interleaved boost MPPT converter or a micro-inverter H-bridge at up to 20 MIPS of loop bandwidth. The two comparators provide hardware cycle-by-cycle current limiting, while the op-amps condition the panel voltage/current signals. 3.5 KB of Flash fits perturb-and-observe or incremental-conductance MPPT firmware with adaptive step-size, and 256 bytes of EEPROM persist settings across power cycles.
Recommended
Motor Control (BLDC, Stepper, DC Brush)
For small BLDC or stepper drives, the PIC16F785 generates 6-step or trapezoidal commutation via the PWM module while the comparators handle back-EMF zero-cross detection. Op-amps sense phase currents for torque control. With 18 GPIO and the 2-phase PWM, the MCU can simultaneously drive a small stepper or sensorless BLDC up to a few hundred Hz of electrical frequency, fitting robotics, fans, pumps, and small appliances.
Recommended
Smart Home IoT Sensor Hub
Low-cost smart-home sensors (temperature, humidity, occupancy) can use the PIC16F785 as a small controller: the 12-bit ADC reads analog sensors, MSSP talks I2C to environmental sensors, and nanoWatt Technology enables battery-life measured in years. The integrated op-amps can buffer a thermistor bridge or a photodiode trans-impedance stage without external ICs, and the SSOP-20 footprint suits coin-cell powered PCBAs with BLE/Wi-Fi companion modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F785-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F785-I/SS | PIC16F785T-E/SS | PIC16F785-I/SO | PIC16F785-E/P | PIC16F676-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) | SOIC-20 (wider body, compatible SSOP-20 footprint pads need rework) | PDIP-20 (thru-hole) | SSOP-20 (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB (-50%) | |
| SRAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 64 bytes (-50%) | ||
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | ||
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | ||
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 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 | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | |
| Integrated Op-Amps | 2 (rail-to-rail) | 2 | 2 | 0 | ||
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit | ||
| 2-Phase Async PWM | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (standard ECCP only) | ||
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $2.10 | ~$2.10 (similar) | ~$2.10 (similar) | ~$1.45 (-31%) |
Key Differentiators
- Two integrated rail-to-rail op-amps on-chip (vs PIC16F676-E/SS)
- Dual 2-phase asynchronous-feedback PWM block (vs PIC16F877A)
- 3.5 KB Flash and 12-bit ADC in SSOP-20 (vs PIC16F676-E/SS)
- Higher operating temperature grade (-40 to +125 °C) (vs PIC16F785-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 18) and another within 5 mm of AVDD (pin 19); route both ground returns directly to the VSS pin (pin 20) star ground. Estimated: at 20 MHz and 3.3 V with peak transient currents of ~20 mA, a long VDD trace (>10 mm) without local decoupling can introduce 50-100 mV of switching noise that couples into the 12-bit ADC readings. Use a separate analog ground pour under the analog pins and join it only at the VSS pin.
The PIC16F785 integrates two rail-to-rail op-amps, which can be powered directly from VDD. To maximize signal headroom, set VDD to at least 4.5 V when interfacing 0-10 V analog sensors. Estimated: at 5.0 V VDD and 100 kHz PWM, the device draws ~15 mA active and ~1 µA in nanoWatt sleep; for battery-powered designs, leverage the sleep-and-wake-on-WDT pattern to achieve sub-10 µA average consumption.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating. Tie MCLR (pin 3) to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor and add a 100 nF cap to ground for noise filtering. Do not load the op-amp outputs with less than 5 kΩ - the integrated op-amps cannot drive low-impedance loads directly. Always configure the configuration word (CONFIG) before firmware reset; an incorrect oscillator select can lock the device. Verify the analog pin assignments in the ADC register (ANSEL) before enabling analog reads.
At maximum operating temperature (+125 °C) and 20 MHz, ensure the SSOP-20 copper pad area is at least 50 mm² on a 1-oz copper layer. Estimated: SSOP-20 with 50 mm² copper pad has θJA ≈ 60 °C/W, so at 25 mA × 3.3 V = 82.5 mW dissipation, the junction rises only ~5 °C above ambient. For enclosed housings with limited airflow, derate VDD or CPU clock to keep junction below +125 °C.
When using the 2-phase PWM, route the PWM traces (P1A-P1D, P2E, P2F) with controlled impedance and length matching within 2 mm to avoid duty-cycle skew. Keep the gate-drive traces away from the analog op-amp input traces (OP1IN+, OP1IN-, OP2IN+, OP2IN-). Add 10 kΩ pull-downs on unused PWM outputs to prevent floating-gate MOSFET turn-on during firmware initialization.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Halogen-free SSOP-20 package. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive, choose PIC16F785-H/SS automotive grade (if available).
