Microchip PIC16F1459-I/ML USB-Enabled Microcontroller Overview and Application Guide
The Microchip PIC16F1459-I/ML is a versatile and powerful 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology’s extensive PIC® MCU portfolio. Designed with a native full-speed USB 2.0 interface, this device is an ideal solution for a wide range of connected applications, from consumer peripherals to industrial control systems. Housed in a compact 5x5 mm 28-pin QFN (ML) package, it combines substantial processing capability with a small footprint, making it suitable for space-constrained designs.
At its core, the PIC16F1459 is built upon an enhanced mid-range architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction set, offering an improved performance-to-power ratio. It operates at up to 48 MHz, delivering 12 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second), which provides ample computational power for handling USB communication protocols and application-specific tasks simultaneously. A key feature of this microcontroller is its integrated USB transceiver, which eliminates the need for an external crystal for its USB operations, simplifying the bill of materials (BOM) and reducing overall system cost and board space.
The memory configuration includes 14 KB of self-read/write capable Flash program memory and 1024 bytes of RAM. This capacity is sufficient for developing moderately complex firmware that manages both the USB stack and the primary application logic. For non-volatile data storage, it also features 256 bytes of EEPROM.
Beyond its USB capabilities, the PIC16F1459 is equipped with a rich set of peripherals, enhancing its flexibility for diverse applications. These include:
10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): With up to 11 channels, it is perfect for interfacing with various analog sensors.
Multiple Communication Interfaces: Including EUSART (for serial communication like RS-232), SPI, and I2C™, enabling easy connection to other digital ICs, sensors, and displays.
Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): A versatile module for generating and controlling pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals, ideal for motor control and power management.
Timers and Comparators: Multiple 8-bit and 16-bit timers and comparators provide precise timing and control capabilities.
A significant advantage of this MCU is its mTouch® capacitive sensing hardware, allowing designers to easily implement robust touch interfaces (buttons, sliders, proximity sensors) without external components.
Application Guide
The native USB support opens a vast array of application possibilities. Common uses include:
Human Interface Devices (HID): Keyboards, mice, game controllers, and other PC peripherals.
USB-to-Serial Converters: Bridging legacy serial devices to modern USB-equipped computers.
Consumer Electronics: USB-powered or connected gadgets like chargers, LED controllers, and data loggers.
Industrial Control: Acting as a communication bridge for programming, data acquisition, or firmware updates in larger systems.
Development is supported by Microchip’s comprehensive software ecosystem, including the MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), a graphical tool that dramatically simplifies the setup of the microcontroller’s peripherals and the initialization of the USB stack, accelerating time to market.
ICGOOODFIND: The PIC16F1459-I/ML stands out as a highly integrated, cost-effective solution for adding USB connectivity to embedded designs. Its combination of a core-independent peripheral set, hardware touch sensing, and a crystal-less USB interface makes it an exceptionally flexible choice for developers aiming to create sophisticated and user-friendly connected devices with minimal component count.
Keywords: USB Microcontroller, PIC16F1459, Embedded Systems, Crystal-less USB, Capacitive Sensing.
