Microchip PIC18F2550T-I/SO: An Overview of the 8-Bit USB Microcontroller

The Microchip PIC18F2550T-I/SO stands as a significant component in the realm of 8-bit microcontrollers, particularly renowned for its integrated USB functionality. This device is part of Microchip's extensive PIC18F family, engineered to deliver a powerful and flexible solution for embedded systems requiring USB communication. Housed in a 300-mil SOIC package, this microcontroller is designed for surface-mount applications, offering a compact yet powerful core for a wide range of projects.

At the heart of the PIC18F2550T-I/SO lies a high-performance 8-bit RISC CPU core. This core can execute instructions at speeds up to 48 MHz, achieving a throughput of 12 MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second). This processing power is adept at handling the computational demands of both control-oriented tasks and the data processing required for USB communication. A key feature of this MCU is its full-speed USB 2.0 (12 Mbps) compliant interface. This integrated module simplifies the design of devices that need to communicate with a host computer, such as HID (Human Interface Device) peripherals, data loggers, or custom USB gadgets, eliminating the need for an external USB controller chip.

The microcontroller is equipped with a substantial amount of memory to support complex applications. It features 32 KB of self-programmable Flash memory for storing application code, 2048 bytes of SRAM for data handling, and 256 bytes of EEPROM for retaining critical data even when power is removed. This memory configuration provides ample space for sophisticated firmware and data storage.

Its peripheral set is rich and versatile, making it suitable for diverse embedded control applications. Key peripherals include:

10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 13 channels for precision sensor interfacing.

Multiple communication interfaces: USART, SPI, and I2C™ modules for connecting to other chips and peripherals.

Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules and enhanced PWM for precise motor control and waveform generation.

Programmable Brown-Out Reset (BOR) and a high-precision internal oscillator, which help reduce the system's component count and overall cost.

The device operates over a wide voltage range (2.0V to 5.5V) and is characterized for industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C), ensuring reliability and robustness in challenging environments. Its nanoWatt technology enables low-power consumption, which is crucial for battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.

In summary, the PIC18F2550T-I/SO is a highly integrated solution that combines a capable processing core, essential memory, and a comprehensive set of peripherals with the crucial addition of built-in USB connectivity.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC18F2550T-I/SO is a cornerstone for developers, offering an optimal blend of USB capability, processing performance, and peripheral integration in a single 8-bit package, making it an excellent choice for a vast array of connected embedded designs.

Keywords: USB Microcontroller, 8-bit RISC, Embedded Systems, PIC18F Family, SOIC Package.