PIC16F873A-I/SO Series

series introduction

# Introduction to the PIC16F873A - I/SO Product Series

## 1. Overview
The PIC16F873A - I/SO is a highly versatile and widely - used microcontroller product series from Microchip Technology. These microcontrollers are part of the PIC16F87X family, which is well - known for its balance of performance, functionality, and cost - effectiveness. The "I/SO" in the part number indicates the specific package type (Small Outline Integrated Circuit - SOIC) and the commercial temperature range, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of applications.

## 2. Key Features

### 2.1 CPU and Memory
- **CPU Architecture**: The PIC16F873A - I/SO is based on a high - performance RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture. It has a simple and efficient instruction set with a large number of single - cycle instructions, which enables fast execution of code and high - speed operation.
- **Program Memory**: It comes with 8KB of Flash program memory. Flash memory is non - volatile, allowing the user to reprogram the microcontroller multiple times during development and in the field. This feature is extremely useful for product updates and bug fixes.
- **Data Memory**: The device has 368 bytes of RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing variables and intermediate data during program execution. This amount of RAM is sufficient for many medium - complexity applications.

### 2.2 Peripherals

#### 2.2.1 Timers
- **Timer0**: An 8 - bit timer/counter with an 8 - bit prescaler. It can be used for general - purpose timing, generating time delays, or as an event counter.
- **Timer1**: A 16 - bit timer/counter that can operate in either timer or counter mode. It has a built - in oscillator and can be used for applications such as real - time clock generation and pulse width measurement.
- **Timer2**: An 8 - bit timer/counter with a 16 - bit period register and a prescaler. It is often used in conjunction with the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) module to generate accurate PWM signals.

#### 2.2.2 Analog - to - Digital Converter (ADC)
The PIC16F873A - I/SO is equipped with a 10 - bit ADC with up to 8 input channels. This allows the microcontroller to convert analog signals from sensors (such as temperature sensors, light sensors, etc.) into digital values that can be processed by the CPU. The ADC has a fast conversion time, enabling real - time data acquisition.

#### 2.2.3 PWM Modules
It has two independent PWM modules, which can be used to control the speed of motors, adjust the brightness of LEDs, or generate analog - like signals. The PWM duty cycle can be adjusted with high precision, providing fine - control capabilities for various applications.

#### 2.2.4 Communication Interfaces
- **USART (Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)**: This interface allows the microcontroller to communicate with other devices using serial communication protocols, such as RS - 232. It supports both synchronous and asynchronous communication modes, making it suitable for a wide range of communication applications.
- **SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)**: A high - speed serial communication interface that enables the microcontroller to communicate with other SPI - compatible devices, such as external memory chips or sensors.
- **I²C (Inter - Integrated Circuit)**: A multi - master, multi - slave serial communication interface that is commonly used for connecting low - speed devices, such as EEPROMs, sensors, and displays.

### 2.