Microchip PIC10F322T-I/MC: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

The Microchip PIC10F322T-I/MC represents a pinnacle of integration and efficiency within the 8-bit PIC® microcontroller family. Designed for space-constrained, cost-sensitive, and low-power applications, this tiny yet powerful device packs a significant set of features into a minuscule 8-pin package. This overview delves into its core architecture, key peripherals, and target applications.

At the heart of the PIC10F322T-I/MC lies the enhanced mid-range PIC10 core with a 12-bit instruction word width. Operating at a maximum frequency of 16 MHz, it delivers a performance of 4 MIPS. A standout feature is its nanowatt XLP (eXtreme Low Power) technology, which is critical for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications. The core is supported by 1.75 KB of self-read/write Flash program memory and 64 Bytes of SRAM, providing ample resources for small control algorithms.

The integrated peripherals are what make this microcontroller exceptionally versatile. It features a 10-bit PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) module, ideal for precise control of LEDs, motors, and simple analog circuits. Furthermore, it includes a 16-bit Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module, offering advanced timing and control capabilities not commonly found in MCUs of this size. For analog sensing, it is equipped with a 4-channel 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), allowing it to interface directly with sensors measuring temperature, voltage, or light.

The device also incorporates two key internal oscillators: a 16 MHz High-Frequency Internal Oscillator (HFINTOSC) and a 31 kHz Low-Frequency Internal Oscillator (LFINTOSC), enabling rapid switching between high-performance and low-power modes without external components. This reduces the Bill of Materials (BOM) and board space even further. Communication is handled via a MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port) module that can be configured for both I²C and SPI protocols, facilitating communication with a vast ecosystem of peripheral chips.

Housed in a 2x3 mm, 8-pin DFN (Dual Flat No-Lead) package, the PIC10F322T-I/MC is designed for the most compact designs. Its operating voltage ranges from 1.8V to 5.5V, and its industrial temperature rating (-40°C to +85°C) ensures reliability in harsh environments.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC10F322T-I/MC is an ultra-compact, feature-rich 8-bit microcontroller that excels in low-power (XLP) and space-constrained applications. Its surprising mix of a 10-bit ADC, 16-bit ECCP, and hardware communication peripherals makes it an outstanding choice for smart sensors, wearable devices, and simple motor control, offering performance far beyond its physical size.

Keywords: 8-bit Microcontroller, XLP Technology, 10-bit ADC, ECCP Module, DFN Package.