Microcontrollers are used in various electronic devices such as smart home appliances, robotics, traffic lights, and many more. They are an essential part of modern technology, and choosing the right one is crucial for optimum performance. In this post, we'll be comparing two popular microcontrollers by Microchip Technology - PIC16 and PIC18. Specifically, we're going to look at their peripheral features to determine which one is better. So, let's get started!
What are Peripheral Features?
Before we dive into the comparison, let's first define what we mean by peripheral features. Peripheral features are the hardware components of a microcontroller that interface with the external world. Examples of peripheral features include timers, UARTs, ADCs, and PWM modules. These features are the backbone of a microcontroller and often influence the choice of microcontroller for a particular project.
PIC16
PIC16 is a family of 8-bit microcontrollers produced by Microchip Technology. PIC16 has been around for quite some time and has proven to be reliable and efficient. PIC16 has a maximum clock speed of 32MHz and can hold up to 14KB of program memory. PIC16 has a range of peripheral features including 2 capture/compare/PWM (CCP) modules, 2 comparators, and 8-bit ADCs.
PIC18
PIC18 is another family of 8-bit microcontrollers by Microchip Technology. PIC18 has a maximum clock speed of 64MHz and can hold up to 128KB of program memory. In terms of peripheral features, PIC18 has more to offer than PIC16. PIC18 features up to 4 CCP modules, 2 UARTs, 2 comparators, and 10-bit ADCs.
Comparison
In terms of comparison, PIC18 seems to have more peripheral features than PIC16. For example, PIC18 has up to 4 CCP modules, while the PIC16 only has 2. Additionally, PIC18 offers 2 UARTs, while the PIC16 only has 1.
However, it's worth noting that PIC16 is still a reliable microcontroller with a solid set of peripherals. Furthermore, PIC18 has a higher maximum clock speed and can hold more program memory, making it better suited for larger projects.
To help you better understand the difference between the two microcontrollers, we've created a table comparing some of their features.
| Feature | PIC16 | PIC18 |
|---|---|---|
| Clock Speed | 32 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Program Memory | 14KB | 128KB |
| CCP Modules | 2 | 4 |
| UARTs | 1 | 2 |
| Comparators | 2 | 2 |
| ADCs | 8-bit | 10-bit |
Conclusion
In conclusion, PIC18 offers more peripheral features than PIC16. However, PIC16 is still a reliable microcontroller with a solid set of peripherals. If you're working on a smaller project, PIC16 might be a more economical choice. If you need a microcontroller that offers more options, PIC18 is the way to go.
We hope this comparison has helped you in making an informed decision when choosing a microcontroller. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let us know in the comment section!
References
- Microchip Technology. (2021, August 5). PIC16F1xxx 8-bit Microcontroller. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://www.microchip.com/en-us/products/8-bit-mcus/pic-mcus/pic16
- Microchip Technology. (2021, August 5). PIC18FxxKxx 8-bit Microcontroller. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://www.microchip.com/en-us/products/8-bit-mcus/pic-mcus/pic18f-kxx