M
PIC16F83 → PIC16F84A Migration
DEVICE MIGRATIONS
This document is intended to describe the functional differences and the electrical specification differences that are
present when migrating from one device to the next. Table 1 shows the considerations that must be taken into account
when migrating from the PIC16F83 to the PIC16F84A. Table 2 shows electrical and timing differences.
Note: This device has been designed to perform to the parameters of its data sheet. It has been tested to an elec-
trical specification designed to determine its conformance with these parameters. Due to process differ-
ences in the manufacture of this device, this device may have different performance characteristics than its
earlier version. These differences may cause this device to perform differently in your application than the
earlier version of this device.
Note: The user should verify that the device oscillator starts and performs as expected. Adjusting the loading
capacitor values and/or the oscillator mode may be required.
TABLE 1:
PIC16F83 → PIC16F84A FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCES
No.
Module
Differences from PIC16F83
H/W
S/W
1
Memory
Program Memory (FLASH):
—
Yes
The PIC16F83 has 512 words.
The PIC16F84A has 1024 words.
Data Memory (RAM):
—
Yes
Yes
The PIC16F83 has 36 bytes.
The PIC16F84A has 68 bytes.
2
Oscillator
The PIC16F83 oscillator can run up to 10 MHz.
The PIC16F84A oscillator can run up to 20 MHz.
Yes
Legend:
H/W - Issues may exist with regard to the application circuit.
S/W - Issues may exist with regard to the user program.
MEMORY
Program addressing and paging in the PIC16F83 is upwardly compatible with the PIC16F84A. No code changes are
required.
All SFR’s remain at the same addresses, performing the same functions for both devices. Data space addressing and
banking in the PIC16F83 is upwardly compatible with the PIC16F84A. No code changes are required.
OSCILLATOR
The PIC16F84A can use crystals up to 20 MHz, resulting in double the execution speed. No changes to the code, other
than for timing concerns, are required. No changes to the configuration word are required. The crystal loading capacitors
may need to be adjusted for the higher speed crystal, but verifying oscillator operation at the same speed is already
recommended for the transition from the PIC16F83 to the PIC16F84A.
2001 Microchip Technology Inc.
DS30071B-page 1