Dictionary of Computers - PIC device

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Microcontroller that can be programmed to carry out specific tasks. The PIC contains a low-power microprocessor, together with a small amount of Flash RAM used to store the program and a smaller amount of working RAM in which the program data is held while running. PICs also contain all the necessary circuitry to connect to the outside world, plus timers and a section of EEPROM computer memory in which the processor's instruction set, or language, is stored.

An interface between a desktop personal computer (PC) and the microcontroller is used to program the PIC. Several kits are available that include such an interface, along with software to help generate the PIC instructions. PICs are useful in complex circuits as cost and the electrical circuit, printed circuit board (PCB), complexity can be greatly reduced compared to using discrete components.

PICs are very cheap when compared to PC processors and are low-energy devices, with battery life typically quoted in years if the internal clock is slowed to around 32kHz. PICs are packaged in DIL integrated circuit cases, with as few as 8 pins, but typically 16–18 pins.

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