1.3.17 Current Sink/Source Capability
Current sink/source capability is important if the microcontroller is to be connected to an external device that might draw a large amount of current to operate. PIC microcontrollers can source and sink 25mA of current from each output port pin. This current is usually sufficient to drive LEDs, small lamps, buzzers, small relays, etc. The current capability can be increased by connecting external transistor switching circuits or relays to the output port pins.
1.3.18 USB Interface
USB is currently a very popular computer interface specification used to connect various peripheral devices to computers and microcontrollers. Some PIC microcontrollers provide built-in USB modules. The PIC18F2x50, for example, has built-in USB interface capabilities.
1.3.19 Motor Control Interface
Some PIC microcontrollers, for example the PIC18F2x31, provide motor control interface capability.
1.3.20 CAN Interface
CAN bus is a very popular bus system used mainly in automation applications. Some PIC18F-series microcontrollers (e.g., the PIC18F4680) provide CAN interface capability.
1.3.21 Ethernet Interface
Some PIC microcontrollers (e.g., the PIC18F97J60) provide Ethernet interface capabilities and thus are easily used in network-based applications.
1.3.22 ZigBee Interface
ZigBee, an interface similar to Bluetooth, is used in low-cost wireless home automation applications. Some PIC18F-series microcontrollers provide ZigBee interface capabilities, making the design of such wireless systems very easy.