Microchip PIC18F67J60-I/PT: A Comprehensive Technical Overview
The Microchip PIC18F67J60-I/PT represents a significant integration of a high-performance microcontroller core with a robust Ethernet controller, designed specifically for embedded networking applications. As a member of the enhanced PIC18 family, this device combines the processing power of a mature 8-bit architecture with a full-featured 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet MAC and PHY, making it a premier single-chip solution for connected devices.
At its core, the microcontroller is built upon Microchip's enhanced PIC18 architecture, operating at up to 41.67 MHz, which provides a balanced blend of processing speed and power efficiency. It features a generous 128 KB of self-programmable Flash memory and 3,808 bytes of RAM, ensuring ample space for both application code and the necessary TCP/IP stack buffers. A key advantage of this architecture is its ability to execute from on-chip RAM, significantly accelerating critical network stack operations.
The integrated Ethernet controller is the defining feature of this IC. It includes a fully compliant IEEE 802.3 MAC, a physical layer transceiver (PHY), and a dedicated 8 KB Ethernet buffer for efficient packet handling. This hardware offloads the main CPU from managing every aspect of network communication, supporting functions like automatic CRC generation and checking, preamble generation, and automatic retransmission upon collision. This integration simplifies design and reduces the bill of materials by eliminating the need for an external Ethernet controller.
Beyond networking, the PIC18F67J60 is equipped with a rich set of peripherals, making it a versatile system-on-chip. It includes multiple communication interfaces such as USART, SPI, and I2C modules for connecting to a wide array of sensors, displays, and other external components. It also features a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 13 channels, two analog comparators, and five timers. The inclusion of a Real-Time Clock (RTC) with calendar and alarm functions further enhances its capability for time-sensitive applications.
The device operates over an industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and is offered in a 64-pin TQFP package, making it suitable for demanding environments in industrial automation, building control, and remote monitoring systems. Its low-power management modes, including Sleep and Watchdog Timer, ensure energy-efficient operation.
ICGOOODFIND Summary: The Microchip PIC18F67J60-I/PT is a highly integrated and powerful solution for developers seeking to embed Ethernet connectivity into their products. Its combination of a capable 8-bit CPU, substantial memory, a fully-integrated Ethernet MAC/PHY, and an extensive peripheral set provides a complete single-chip networking platform, drastically reducing design complexity and accelerating time-to-market for IoT and industrial control applications.
Keywords: Ethernet Controller, Integrated MAC/PHY, PIC18 Microcontroller, Embedded Networking, Single-Chip Solution.
