Microchip launches integrated SCM with both advanced analog and digital peripherals

     Microchip Technology announced at the DESIGN West Conference in SAN Jose, USA, that it has expanded its 8-bit PIC16F(LF)178X enhanced mid-core single-chip microcomputer (MCU) family to incorporate a variety of advanced analog and integrated communication peripherals. Such as on-chip 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), 8-bit analog-to-digital converters (Dacs), operational amplifiers and high-speed comparators, as well as EUSART (including LIN), I2C™ and SPI interface peripherals. These MCUS also leverage the new programmable Switching Mode controller (PSMC) for the industry's most advanced PWM control and precision.

     This combination of features enables greater efficiency and performance, reducing cost and space for applications such as power and lighting closed-loop control. The "LF" version of this family of MCUS uses ultra-low power technology (XLP) with operating and sleeping currents of only 32 μA/MHz and 50 nA, respectively, helping to extend battery life and reduce standby current consumption. Low power consumption and advanced analog and digital integration make the universal PIC16F(LF)178X MCU ideal for LED lighting, battery management, digital power, motor control, and other applications.

     Environmental concerns and "green" initiatives have prompted legislation on new energy consumption around the world. The PIC16F(LF)178X MCU enables designers to create superior products with lower energy consumption. Microchip's enhanced mid-range 8-bit core brings more performance, including 32 MHz operation, automatic field saving for faster interrupt handling, more efficient instruction sets with higher code density, and faster and higher direct port control capabilities. The MCU is available in 28 - and 40-pin packages for advanced analog integration, including an on-chip 12-bit ADC for measuring minimal voltages and enabling mTouch™ capacitive sensing, as well as an 8-bit DAC for generating a high-resolution voltage reference.

     Additionally, on-chip analog comparators with 50 ns fast response times, capture comparison peripherals, and I2C™, SPI, and EUSART interfaces for communication are included. These MCUS also feature a 32 MHz internal oscillator, 2 to 8K word (3.5 to 14 KB) flash memory, 128 to 512 bytes of RAM, and 256 bytes of data EEPROM. The PSMC peripheral is a 16-bit pulse width modulator (PWM) with 64 MHz operation and advanced control capabilities.

     "The PIC16F(LF)178X series combines a rich array of analog peripherals with a versatile 8-bit PIC MCU," said Steve Drehobl, Microchip's vice president of security, Microcontroller and technology development. This highly analog integration brings a new level of intelligence and flexibility to designers as they continue to expand their application portfolio for markets including power supply, power management, motor control and lighting."