Basics of PIC microcontroller

             PIC is a family of modified Harvard architecture microcontroller made by Microchip, PIC (Programmable Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is popular among engineers and hobbyists. Early models
of PIC had read-only memory (ROM) or field-programmable EPROM for program storage, some with provision for erasing memory.

 All current models use Flash memory for program storage, and newer models allow the PIC to reprogram itself. Since PIC microcontroller has harvard architecture it has separate program memory and data memory. Data memory is 8-bit, 16-bit and in latest models, 32-bit wide. Program instructions vary in bit-count by family of PIC, and may be 12, 14, 16, or 24 bits long. The instruction set also varies by model, with more powerful chips adding instructions for digital signal processing functions.PIC microcontrollers are finding their way into new applications like smart phones, audio accessories, video gaming peripherals and advanced medical devices. Microchip provides solutions for the entire performance range of 8-bit microcontrollers, with easy-to-use development tools, complete technical documentation and post design-in support through a global sales and distribution network.

The PIC microcontroller(nearly 2000 different models) is divided into following three categories on the basis of number of bits 8-bits, 16-bits and 32-bits microcontroller. 

In 8-bit microcontroller, the point when the internal bus is 8-bit then the ALU is performs the arithmetic and logic operations. The examples of 8-bit microcontrollers are PIC10F series, PIC16F series, PIC18F series you can also refer all 8 bit pic microcontroller list 8 bit microcontroller products

The 16-bit microcontroller performs greater precision and performance as compared to 8-bit. For example 8 bit microcontrollers can only use 8 bits, resulting in a final range of 0×00 – 0xFF (0-255) for every cycle. In contrast, 16 bit microcontrollers with its 16 bit data width has a range of 0×0000 – 0xFFFF (0-65535) for every cycle. A longer timer most extreme worth can likely prove to be useful in certain applications and circuits. It can automatically operate on two 16 bit numbers. Some examples of 16-bit microcontroller are PIC24 series, dsPIC33 etc 16 bit microcontroller list16 bit microcontroller products

The 32-bit microcontroller uses the 32-bit instructions to perform the arithmetic and logic operations. These are used in automatically controlled devices including implantable medical devices, engine control systems, office machines, appliances and other types of embedded systems. Some examples are PIC32MX110F016B,PIC32MX210F016B you can refer all 32 bit PIC microcontroller list 32 bit microcontroller products