Microchip PIC10F202T-I/OT: An Overview of Features and Applications
In the realm of ultra-compact microcontrollers, the PIC10F202T-I/OT from Microchip Technology stands out as a remarkably powerful and versatile solution. This tiny 6-pin device packs a significant punch, offering a cost-effective and space-efficient way to integrate intelligence into a vast array of applications. As a member of the baseline PIC® microcontroller family, it is designed for simple control tasks where minimizing board space, component count, and cost are paramount.
Key Features
The PIC10F202T-I/OT is built around an 8-bit RISC CPU core, capable of operating at a maximum internal oscillator frequency of 8 MHz. Despite its small size, it incorporates a surprising set of features that make it highly capable for its target market.
Minuscule Form Factor: Housed in a SOT-23-6 package, this MCU is one of the smallest available, making it ideal for space-constrained designs.
Adequate Memory: It contains 768 words of Flash program memory and 64 bytes of RAM, providing sufficient resources for dedicated control logic and state machines.
Integrated Oscillator: The device includes a precision 4 MHz internal oscillator, which is user-trimmable to 8 MHz. This eliminates the need for an external crystal or resonator, saving both cost and board space.
Versatile I/O and Peripherals: Despite having only four I/O pins, they are highly configurable. Key peripherals include:
One 8-bit timer (TMR0)
One powerful Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own internal oscillator for reliable operation
A high-value weak pull-up resistor on the GP3 pin, simplifying button interfaces.
Pin-Change Interrupt capability on the GP2 pin, allowing the MCU to wake from sleep mode on an external event.
Wide Operating Range: It operates over an extensive voltage range (2.0V to 5.5V) and an industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), ensuring reliability in various environments, including battery-powered applications.
Low-Power Management: Featuring a SLEEP mode and nanoWatt technology, it is exceptionally efficient, making it perfect for products powered by batteries or energy harvesting.
Primary Applications
The combination of its tiny size, low cost, and integrated features opens the door to numerous applications. The PIC10F202T-I/OT excels as a dedicated "helper" IC, offloading simple tasks from a main processor or serving as the sole controller in minimalist designs.
Consumer Electronics: Used in remote controls, toys, LED blinkers, and smart chargers for basic control functions.
System Management: Ideal for fan speed control, temperature sensor interfacing, and power supply supervision.
Automotive: Employed in simple subsystems like interior lighting control, basic sensor interfaces, and button debouncing.
Industrial: Perfect for replacing simple logic circuits, timing generators, and as a programmable glue logic device.
Internet of Things (IoT): Serves as a smart sensor node controller, managing data collection and signaling a more powerful host MCU when needed.
The Microchip PIC10F202T-I/OT is a quintessential example of minimalist engineering, proving that significant functionality can be delivered in an extremely small and affordable package. Its integrated oscillator, reliable performance, and ultra-low power consumption make it an indispensable component for designers looking to add intelligent control to space and cost-sensitive applications without compromising on capability.
Keywords:
PIC10F202, Microcontroller, Low-Power, SOT-23, Embedded Control
