Microchip 8-bit MCU Distribution & Selection Guide
As an authorized Microchip distributor, we offer the complete range of 8-bit microcontrollers including PIC and AVR series with comprehensive technical support and competitive pricing.
Understanding 8-bit Microcontrollers
8-bit microcontrollers remain highly relevant for cost-sensitive, power-efficient applications. Microchip's PIC and AVR families offer excellent performance per dollar and extensive tool support through MPLAB X IDE and Atmel Studio.
Key Advantages of 8-bit MCUs:
- Low cost for high-volume applications
- Low power consumption with advanced sleep modes
- Mature ecosystem with extensive code libraries
- High reliability and long product lifecycle
- Excellent integration of analog and digital peripherals
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between PIC and AVR microcontrollers?
PIC microcontrollers are known for their wide product portfolio and strong integration, while AVR microcontrollers are recognized for their ease of use and excellent open-source toolchain support. Both offer excellent technical support and resources through our FAE team.
Which 8-bit MCU is best for my low-power application?
For ultra-low power applications, we recommend the PIC16F1xxx series or AVR DA/DB series, which feature advanced sleep modes and extremely low active power consumption. Our technical team can provide specific recommendations based on your requirements.
8-bit MCU Product Specifications
| Part Number | Family | Core | Flash (KB) | RAM (Bytes) | Max Clock (MHz) | Pins | Package | Supply Voltage | Price (1000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIC16F18326 | PIC16 | PIC | 14 | 2048 | 32 | 14 | SOIC | 1.8V-5.5V | $0.75 |
| PIC16F15325 | PIC16 | PIC | 14 | 2048 | 32 | 20 | SSOP | 2.3V-5.5V | $0.82 |
| PIC18F25K42 | PIC18 | PIC | 32 | 4096 | 64 | 28 | SPDIP | 2.7V-5.5V | $1.15 |
| PIC18F47K42 | PIC18 | PIC | 128 | 4096 | 64 | 40 | PDIP | 2.7V-5.5V | $2.30 |
| ATmega328P | ATmega | AVR | 32 | 2048 | 20 | 28 | PDIP | 1.8V-5.5V | $1.05 |
| ATmega4809 | ATmega | AVR | 48 | 6016 | 20 | 48 | TQFP | 1.8V-5.5V | $1.85 |
| ATtiny3217 | ATtiny | AVR | 32 | 2048 | 20 | 20 | SOIC | 1.8V-5.5V | $0.95 |
| PIC16F18446 | PIC16 | PIC | 14 | 2048 | 32 | 20 | SSOP | 1.8V-5.5V | $0.78 |
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How to Choose the Right 8-bit MCU for Your Application
Selecting the right 8-bit microcontroller depends on your specific application requirements. Our technical experts recommend considering these key factors:
Power Requirements
For battery-powered applications, choose MCUs with advanced sleep modes and low active power consumption. The PIC16F1xxx and AVR DA/DB series are excellent for ultra-low power designs.
Pin Count and Peripherals
Consider the number of I/O pins, analog inputs, and communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C) needed for your design. PIC18 and ATmega families offer higher pin counts and more peripherals.
Memory Requirements
Flash memory is needed for your program code, while RAM is required for data storage. Consider the code size of your application and required data storage.
Processing Requirements
Higher clock speeds provide more processing power but may increase power consumption. Match the speed to your application's needs.
Need help with your selection? Contact our FAE team for personalized recommendations based on your specific requirements.
FAE Insights: PIC vs AVR in Industrial Applications
According to our field application engineers, PIC microcontrollers excel in industrial applications that require high integration of analog and digital peripherals with excellent ESD protection. The CIP (Core Independent Peripherals) in newer PIC families allow for custom hardware-level functions without CPU intervention.
AVR microcontrollers, on the other hand, are favored in applications requiring rapid prototyping and extensive open-source community support. The Arduino ecosystem has made 8-bit AVRs particularly popular for educational and development projects that transition to production.
Both architectures offer excellent technical support through our FAE team, with specialized expertise in both PIC and AVR ecosystems.
Ready to Start Your Design with 8-bit MCUs?
Get in touch with our technical experts for product selection, sample requests, and design support.