Datasheet

 1996 Microchip Technology Inc. DS30430B-page 41
PIC16F8X
8.2.4 RC OSCILLATOR
For timing insensitive applications the RC device option
offers additional cost savings. The RC oscillator
frequency is a function of the supply voltage, the
resistor (Rext) values, capacitor (Cext) values, and the
operating temperature. In addition to this, the oscillator
frequency will vary from unit to unit due to normal
process parameter variation. Furthermore, the
difference in lead frame capacitance between package
types also affects the oscillation frequency, especially
for low Cext values. The user needs to take into
account variation due to tolerance of the external
R and C components. Figure 8-7 shows how an R/C
combination is connected to the PIC16F8X. For Rext
values below 2.2 k Ω , the oscillator operation may
become unstable, or stop completely. For very high
Rext values (e.g., 1 M Ω ), the oscillator becomes
sensitive to noise, humidity and leakage. Thus, we
recommend keeping Rext between 5 k Ω and 100 k Ω .
Although the oscillator will operate with no external
capacitor (Cext = 0 pF), we recommend using values
above 20 pF for noise and stability reasons. With little
or no external capacitance, the oscillation frequency
can vary dramatically due to changes in external
capacitances, such as PCB trace capacitance or
package lead frame capacitance.
See the electrical specification section for RC
frequency variation from part to part due to normal
process variation. The variation is larger for larger R
(since leakage current variation will affect RC
frequency more for large R) and for smaller C (since
variation of input capacitance has a greater affect on
RC frequency).
See the electrical specification section for variation of
oscillator frequency due to V
DD
for given Rext/Cext
values as well as frequency variation due to
operating temperature.
The oscillator frequency, divided by 4, is available on
the OSC2/CLKOUT pin, and can be used for test
purposes or to synchronize other logic (see Figure 3-2
for waveform).
FIGURE 8-7: RC OSCILLATOR MODE
Note: When the device oscillator is in RC mode,
do not drive the OSC1 pin with an external
clock or you may damage the device.
OSC2/CLKOUT
Cext
Rext
PIC16FXX
OSC1
Fosc/4
Internal
clock
VDD
VSS