As a leader in chip programming, ACROVIEW Technology has announced a significant expansion of its compatible chip models alongside the release of its new programming software version. The company's core product, the universal programming platform AP8000, has now achieved full adaptation with Microchip's 8-bit microcontroller PIC16F688.

The PIC16F688 is an 8-bit microcontroller based on the PIC core, manufactured using CMOS technology and supporting nanoWatt technology for optimized power consumption. It offers multiple package options, including 14-pin TSSOP, PDIP, and QFN, to accommodate different design requirements.

Key core features of the PIC16F688 include a program memory of 4096 words x 14 bits (approx. 7 KB), data memory comprising 256 bytes of RAM and 256 bytes of EEPROM, a maximum operating frequency of 20 MHz, support for a wide voltage range of 2V to 5.5V, and reset functions such as Power-on Reset (POR), Brown-out Reset (BOR), and Watchdog Timer. It is rich in peripheral resources, integrating an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, two timers (one 8-bit and one 16-bit), an Enhanced USART (supporting protocols like RS-232), and a programmable comparator module.

The PIC16F688 is suitable for applications such as industrial control, sensor nodes, and consumer electronics, for example, it can be used to build digital voltmeters or smart home appliance nodes.

Key Features

• High-Performance RISC CPU

• DC – 20 MHz oscillator/clock input

• Instruction cycle: DC – 200 ns

• All single-cycle except for branch instructions

• Only 35 instructions to learn

• Operating Speed

• Interrupt capability

• 8-level deep hardware stack

• Direct, Indirect, and Relative Addressing modes

• Special Microcontroller Features

• Flash endurance: 100,000 erase/write cycles

• EEPROM endurance: 1,000,000 erase/write cycles

• Flash/Data EEPROM retention: > 40 years

• With on-chip oscillator, software enabled

• Nominal time-out period of 268 seconds with full prescaler, software selectable

• Factory calibrated to ±1%

• Software selectable frequency range: 8 MHz to 125 kHz

• Software tunable

• Two-Speed Start-up mode

• Fail-Safe Clock Monitor for critical applications

• Clock mode switching during operation for power savings

• High-Precision Internal Oscillator

• Power-saving Sleep mode

• Wide operating voltage range: 2.0V to 5.5V

• Industrial and Extended temperature ranges

• Power-on Reset (POR)

• Power-up Timer (PWRT) and Oscillator Start-up Timer (OST)

• Brown-out Reset (BOR) with software control option

• Enhanced Low-Current Watchdog Timer (WDT)

• Multiplexed Master Clear pin with weak pull-up and/or input-only configuration

• Programmable Code Protection

• High Endurance Flash/EEPROM cell

• Low-Power Characteristics

• Typical 1 μA @ 2.0V

• Typical 11 μA @ 32 kHz, 2.0V

• Typical 220 μA @ 4 MHz, 2.0V

• Typical 50 nA @ 2.0V

• Standby Current

• Operating Current

• Watchdog Timer Current

• Peripheral Features

• Supports RS-485, RS-232, LIN 2.0/2.1 & J2602

• Auto-Baud Detect

• Start bit auto-wake-up

• 16-bit timer/counter with prescaler

• External Timer1 Gate (count enable)

• OSC1 and OSC2 can be used as Timer1 clock source in LP mode if INTOSC mode selected

• 10-bit resolution, 8 analog input channels

• Two analog comparators on-chip

• Programmable On-Chip Voltage Reference (CVREF) module (% of VDD)

• Comparator inputs and outputs externally accessible

• High current sink/source for direct LED drive

• Pin interrupt-on-change

• Individually programmable weak pull-ups

• Ultra Low-Power Wake-up

• 12 independently direction-controlled I/O pins

• Analog Comparator Module

• Analog-to-Digital (A/D) Converter

• Timer0: 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit programmable prescaler

• Enhanced Timer1

• Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) module

• Dual In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP™) pins

Internal Block Diagram

ACROVIEW's independently developed AP8000 universal programmer has become a benchmark professional programming solution in the industry. Supporting flexible and configurable 1:1 and 1:8 modes, and offering both online and offline operation modes, it has specifically developed dedicated programming solutions for memory chips like eMMC and UFS. It can comprehensively meet the bare chip offline programming and on-board programming needs for the entire Microchip product series. The AP8000 adopts an innovative modular design consisting of three core modules: the host, the baseboard, and the adapter socket, granting the device excellent compatibility and expandability. As a universal programming platform, it not only adapts to various programmable chips on the market but also, with its stable and efficient performance, serves as the core component of ACROVIEW's automated mass programming device, the IPS5800S. This enables efficient handling of large-scale chip programming tasks, meeting high-volume production demands.

The AP8000 host features flexible connectivity options with both USB and NET interfaces, allowing for convenient networking of multiple programmers. Through the networking function, users can easily achieve synchronous control of multiple programmers, efficiently conducting parallel programming operations. Regarding safety, the host has a built-in intelligent protection circuit that monitors chip placement status and circuit connections in real-time. Upon detecting anomalies such as reversed chip insertion or short circuits, it immediately triggers a power-off protection mechanism, providing comprehensive protection for both the chip and the programmer. The host is equipped with a high-speed FPGA chip, significantly improving data transmission and processing efficiency to ensure a smooth and fast programming process. To enhance user convenience, the host's rear panel features an SD card slot. Users simply need to store project files generated on the PC onto an SD card, insert it into the slot, and can then use the programmer's physical buttons to complete file selection, loading, and programming operations, enabling standalone operation independent of a PC. This design not only reduces dependency on specific computer hardware but also simplifies the workspace setup process, significantly improving operational flexibility.

In terms of expandability and compatibility, the AP8000 employs a modular combination design of baseboards and adapter boards, effectively extending the functional boundaries of the host. Currently, the device supports products from all major semiconductor manufacturers, covering renowned brands such as SK hynix, Micron, SANDISK, ASR, and Kingston. It supports a wide range of device types, including NAND, NOR, MCU, CPLD, FPGA, eMMC, etc., and is fully compatible with multiple industry-standard file formats like Intel Hex, Motorola S, Binary, and POF, providing users with a one-stop, full-scenario chip programming solution.

Company Introduction

• About Microchip Technology: Microchip Technology Inc. (Microchip) was founded in 1989 and is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors. It offers low-risk product development and lower total system cost for thousands of consumer products worldwide. The company develops and manufactures specialized semiconductor products that its customers use in various embedded control applications, serving a diverse clientele in the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace, defense, communications, and computing markets. In 2016, the American chipmaker Microchip Technology announced the acquisition of Atmel for $3.6 billion.

• About ACROVIEW: ACROVIEW is a National-level Specialized, Refined, Distinctive, and Innovative (SRDI) "Little Giant" enterprise engaged in the R&D, production, and sales of semiconductor chip test and programming equipment. The company is dedicated to empowering customers across the entire industry chain, including Fabless, IDM, OSAT, wafer Fabs, and end-device manufacturers, through innovative semiconductor test technologies and solutions. ACROVIEW's first-of-its-kind Auto Burn-In (ABI) system greatly enhances chip aging test efficiency and reduces per-DUT test costs for customers. Simultaneously, it provides customers with equipment products and solutions for various stages, from PSV, CP, FT, ABI, SLT, to programming. ACROVIEW perfectly integrates leading advantages in product technology, system-level expertise, and a globally distributed R&D and sales service network to create value for customers seeking a competitive edge in the market.