Which resonator is best

[The Master]

What do those codes actually mean? Is the first number and letter like a version number and the second number like the type?

Sorry to get back into this one again but how do i know what type of chip to use? The main reason im using a PIC16F84A is because ive used it in the past and its always worked fine. I dont like thinking that way. Im all for changing to make things better but here i dont know what to change to. You have given me a few examples but how did you know which ones do the same thing? I know the datasheets tell you but i dont believe that you sit there reading every possible datasheet to find the chip you want

I think ill stick with 3 pin ones then. I dont want any extra components taking up room/money.

[The Master]

What kind of temperatures affect them? Are we talking 1 or 2 degrees could alter it or like 20-30 degrees? Most of my stuff would remain at more or less the same kind of temperature give or take a few degrees.

[mister_e]

PIC16F84 don't do much and absolutely need an external crystal+MCLR connection.. 16F628 have comparator, MSSP, USART, no real must for external MCLR (this gives 1 i/o for free), can use it's own internal osc (that's 2 more i/o for free) and so on. More with PIC16F88, and a bit more with 18F1320. and there's still the codespace...

There's some temperature curves in the datasheet you can refer to. I still repeat, unless you need a real timing accuracy (e.g. high speed asynch serial comm), internal osc may be just fine. 16F88 one can run up to 8MHz, 18F1320 up to 32MHz!

[mackrackit]

This is the quick way to start picking PICs.
http://www.microchip.com/ParamChartS...g=en&pageId=74
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...PAGE&nodeId=74
And I do read many many data sheets. Not that it helps much Always fall asleep.

[The Master]

Ive seen that site before but i had trouble using it. It looks like all the information is there but searching and displaying it could be improved a bit.

In the second link (and the dropdown on the first). Should i always pick PIC16MCU? I dont get that bit and there doesnt seem to be any description of whats different between them

[mackrackit]

The 16MCU will take you to the 16C/16F chips. 18MCU will take you to the 18C/18F chips etc.