Microchip PIC18F6585-I/L 8-bit Microcontroller Datasheet and Application Overview

The Microchip PIC18F6585-I/L represents a high-performance, 8-bit microcontroller engineered for complex embedded applications requiring robust performance and extensive peripheral integration. As part of the enhanced PIC18 family, this device combines a powerful CPU core with advanced analog and digital peripherals, making it suitable for applications ranging from industrial automation to advanced consumer electronics.

Core Architecture and Performance

At the heart of the PIC18F6585 lies an enhanced 8-bit RISC CPU capable of operating at up to 40 MHz, achieving a performance level of 10 MIPS. This core features a 16-bit wide instruction set and an 8-bit wide data path, optimizing speed and efficiency. A key architectural advantage is the 32-level deep hardware stack, which enhances interrupt handling and subroutine management. The microcontroller includes 32 KB of flash program memory and 1.5 KB of RAM, providing ample space for sophisticated application code and data handling.

Integrated Peripherals for System Flexibility

A standout feature of the PIC18F6585 is its rich set of integrated peripherals. It includes a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 13 channels, enabling precise acquisition of analog signals. For communication, the device is equipped with multiple serial interfaces: EUSART (Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) for RS-232/485 communication, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) for interfacing with sensors, memory, and other peripherals. Additionally, it features Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules and an Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module, essential for motor control and power management applications.

Robust Operating Characteristics

The PIC18F6585 is designed for reliability in demanding environments. It operates over a wide voltage range (2.0V to 5.5V) and across an industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), ensuring stability under varying conditions. The inclusion of a Programmable Brown-Out Reset (BOR) and a High-Priority Interrupt Vector enhances system resilience against power fluctuations and enables rapid response to critical events.

Application Overview

This microcontroller is ideal for a diverse array of applications. In industrial control systems, its analog capabilities and communication interfaces facilitate process monitoring and actuator control. For automotive applications, its robust operating range and peripheral set support functions like sensor interfacing and body control modules. In consumer electronics, it can manage user interfaces and power control. The integrated ECCP module makes it particularly strong in motor control applications, such as driving brushed DC and stepper motors.

Development Support

Microchip provides comprehensive development tools for the PIC18F6585, including the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the PICkit™ series of programmers/debuggers. These tools streamline code development, debugging, and programming, accelerating time to market.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC18F6585-I/L is a versatile and powerful 8-bit microcontroller that excels through its balanced blend of processing power, extensive peripheral integration, and proven reliability. Its architecture is tailored for embedded designers seeking a capable solution for complex control tasks without migrating to a 32-bit platform.

Keywords: 8-bit Microcontroller, Peripheral Integration, Industrial Control, Motor Control, MPLAB X IDE