Both the 16F88 and the 16F648A are now out with 4k program memory and 256
bytes EEPROM (double that of the 16F628).

I believe this is a fairly complete comparison of the 16F648A-I/P vs. the
16F628-04/P:

* 648A 4k program flash vs. 2k on 628
* 648A 256 bytes EEPROM vs. 128 on 628
* 648A 256 bytes RAM vs. 224 on 628
* 648A (with 20 MHz and industrial temp ratings) even cheaper than the
628-04/P
* the 648A/628A internal 4 MHz oscillator is now "precision" +/- 1% (see
migration document)
* 628 ER oscillator mode dropped, replaced by ext. RC mode (sorry Wouter!)
* 648A Timer 1 oscillator designed for 32.768 kHz vs. 628 at up to 200 kHz
* 648A code protection covers whole memory, vs. sections on the 628
* 628 comparator issue described in errata is resolved in 648A
* 628 moved to "mature products" listing (along with 16F84) in the product
line card

The new 16F88 brings even more to the party.  It costs more than the
16F648A, of course, but is well under the 16F84A.  Here are a few
highlights:

* 4k flash, 368 RAM, 256 EEPROM
* 7-ch 10-bit A/D
* ICD2 support
* 8-speed 8 MHz (and lower) internal oscillator like 16F819
* secondary 32 kHz main oscillator input
* Self programming (bootloader)
* USART and I2C/SPI
* low power "nanoWatt" features

The 16F88 seems to have about every possible feature in a mid-range 18-pin
PIC.  Since I got it in stock recently it has been outselling all the other
PICs, but that's probably because it is new and also the big distributors
seem to be out at the moment ;o)

These two parts appear to pretty well handle the 18-pin category, especially
since the 18F1320 is, uh, suspect right now.  As long as one's programmer
supports the new part numbers, that is.

Randy
www.glitchbuster.com

PS -- [AD]  There is a brand new full ICD2/PICDEM2+ kit on eBay (ending
later tonight).  Right now the bid is $128 US, which is $100 below the
normal price.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2550952296&category=4661
or search on "ICD2"  (Disclaimer: Yes, I am the seller ; )

> Now that the 16F648A is out, the 16F84 is two generations behind.  I don't
> know yet whether to consider the 16F628 obsolete yet only because I
> haven't compared its price to the 16F648A yet.  If the '648 is the same
> price or cheaper, then there is no remaining advantage of the '628 over
> the '648 and the '628 is truly obsolete.  I'm glad they've finally come
> out with an 18 pin part with 4K code space.
>
>
> *****************************************************************
> Embed Inc, embedded system specialists in Littleton Massachusetts
> (978) 742-9014, http://www.embedinc.com

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