Microchip PIC18F25J10T-I/SS 28-Pin Flash Microcontroller Datasheet and Design Guide
The Microchip PIC18F25J10T-I/SS is a high-performance, 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology’s renowned PIC18 family. Housed in a 28-pin Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP), this device is engineered for embedded applications requiring robust performance, low power consumption, and a rich set of integrated peripherals. It is particularly suited for cost-sensitive, space-constrained designs in industrial control, consumer electronics, and Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints.
Core Architecture and Performance
At its heart, the microcontroller features an enhanced PIC18 core with a 16-bit instruction set and an 8-bit data path. It operates at speeds up to 48 MHz, delivering a performance of 12 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). This balance of speed and efficiency makes it capable of handling complex control algorithms and data processing tasks. The core is augmented with a 16-level deep hardware stack and an integrated memory access protection unit, enhancing the reliability of software execution.
Memory Configuration
The device boasts a substantial 48 KB of self-read/write capable Flash program memory, providing ample space for application code and offering the flexibility for field firmware updates. It is complemented by 3,792 bytes of RAM for data handling and 1,024 bytes of Data EEPROM for storing critical parameters that must be retained even after a power cycle, which is essential for storing calibration data or user settings.
Integrated Peripherals for System Control
A key strength of the PIC18F25J10T lies in its extensive suite of on-chip peripherals, which minimizes external component count and reduces total system cost.
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit ADC with up to 13 channels provides precise measurement capabilities for sensor inputs and analog signals.
Timers and Communication: The module includes four timers/counters (including a 16-bit timer), two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, and enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitters (EUSARTs) for both RS-232 and RS-485 communication, alongside SPI and I2C interfaces for peripheral expansion.
Low-Power Management: It features multiple power-saving modes, including Idle, Sleep, and Peripheral Module Disable, allowing designers to create applications with extremely low average power consumption for battery-operated devices.
Design Considerations and Guide
Successful implementation requires careful attention to the details provided in the official datasheet. Key design considerations include:
Power Supply Decoupling: Proper use of decoupling capacitors near the VDD and VSS pins is critical to ensure stable operation and mitigate noise.
Clock Configuration: The IC supports multiple clock modes, including an internal oscillator block and external crystal options. The choice affects performance and power consumption.
I/O Pin Planning: The 28-pin package offers a limited number of I/O pins. Careful mapping of functions to pins is necessary to avoid conflicts and maximize functionality.
Programming and Debugging: The device is supported by Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE and a wide range of hardware programmers/debuggers (like PICkit™ and MPLAB ICD). Utilizing the In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP)™ interface is the standard method for firmware deployment.
Conclusion
The PIC18F25J10T-I/SS represents a powerful and versatile solution for embedded designers. Its blend of substantial memory, a comprehensive peripheral set, and Microchip’s mature development ecosystem makes it an excellent choice for a vast array of applications, from simple control loops to more connected systems.
ICGOODFIND: The PIC18F25J10T-I/SS is a highly integrated, cost-effective 8-bit MCU. Its 48 KB Flash, 10-bit ADC, and rich communication interfaces (EUSART, SPI, I2C) make it a strong contender for space-constrained, low-power embedded control systems.
Keywords: PIC18 Microcontroller, Embedded Systems, Low-Power Design, 10-bit ADC, Communication Peripherals.
