Microchip PIC16F913-I/SS 8-Bit Microcontroller Overview and Application Guide
The Microchip PIC16F913-I/SS is a versatile 8-bit microcontroller belonging to Microchip’s mid-range PIC16F family. Built around an enhanced Harvard architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction set, this device offers an optimal balance of performance, power efficiency, and peripheral integration, making it a suitable choice for a wide array of embedded control applications.
Housed in a 28-pin Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP), the PIC16F913 features a 16 MHz internal oscillator with an operating voltage range of 2.0V to 5.5V, enabling robust performance in both battery-powered and line-operated systems. Its core includes 7 KB of Flash program memory, 256 bytes of RAM, and 256 bytes of EEPROM data memory, providing ample space for code and non-volatile data storage.
A key strength of this microcontroller lies in its rich set of integrated peripherals. It includes:
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit ADC with up to 12 input channels, essential for precision sensor interfacing (e.g., temperature, light, potentiometers).
Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG): This module is critical for advanced motor control applications, generating complementary PWM signals with dead-band control for driving half-bridge and full-bridge circuits.
Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) Module: Provides hardware-based PWM generation for controlling LED intensity, motor speed, and other analog-like outputs.

Two Serial Communication Modules: Featuring both MSSP (I²C/SPI) and an EUSART (USART) for seamless connectivity with peripherals like memory chips, sensors, and PCs.
LCD Driver: With the capability to drive up to 96 segments, it is perfectly suited for consumer appliances, instrumentation, and other devices requiring a custom display.
Application Guide
The PIC16F913-I/SS excels in several key markets. In consumer electronics, it is ideal for smart remote controls, home appliances, and personal care products due to its LCD drive capability and low-power modes. For industrial control, its robust ADC, communication interfaces, and motor control peripherals (CWG and ECCP) make it a strong candidate for sensor nodes, actuators, and small motor controllers. Furthermore, its low power consumption and analog features suit it well for battery-powered sensor modules and measurement equipment.
Development is supported by Microchip’s comprehensive ecosystem, including the MPLAB X IDE and the PICKit™ programmer/debugger, allowing for efficient code development and in-circuit debugging.
The Microchip PIC16F913-I/SS stands out as a highly integrated, cost-effective 8-bit MCU solution. Its unique combination of an LCD driver, advanced motor control peripherals, and communication interfaces empowers designers to create sophisticated end products with minimal external components, reducing both system complexity and total cost.
Keywords: PIC16F913, 8-bit Microcontroller, LCD Driver, Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), Embedded Control
