Pass the Torch - Part 1 : Recommendations

The PIC16F887 is a well-known, well-used 8-BIT MCU - typical in training courses, and initially it was used in a number of production-level projects. That was some time ago, perhaps a good couple of decades, and today 32 BIT devices are becoming the more common workhorse of the embedded world.

The debate on whether the 8-BIT device has staying power may be determined by sales figures in the near future. Whether or not the larger silicon manufacturers will continue to produce a capable device with dwindling buyers may be a moot point, especially with the close-quarter cost of a 32-bit device.

While an 8-BIt device may have a comparable price point and peripherals, there is a lot more headroom for growth in the application with a 32-BIT device, and as an expected route for future development, the developer may opt to move away from 8 BIT devices to keep up.

Microchip does seem to have a policy of never retiring a device, and this may be a necessary fallback for existing designs especially if there were no reason to change or update the code, but you needed replacement or new devices to be flashed.

What would the options be if feature updates or feature enhancements are required? If the PIC16F887 were able to support the updates, then you are fine. However, if you needed a new feature for which the was no peripheral support what are your options then you need a new device. The obvious initial shortcoming of the PIC16F887 would be the RAM and program memory as even if there were I/O available you would need the code space.

Microchip has recommended the PIC16F18877 as a replacement device, and we will explore this option by taking a few PIC16F887 projects and passing the torch to the PIC16F18877.

Shown below are the two family types tables for the devices.





Some of the obvious improvements are more program memory, SRAM, and other additional peripherals.

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