Microchip's 18-pin PIC MCUs feature enhanced mid-range core, eXtreme low power consumption

CHANDLER, USA: Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, announced the PIC16(L)F1826 and PIC16(L)F1827 [PIC16(L)F1826/7] general-purpose 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs)—the latest PIC MCUs to feature the Company’s Enhanced Mid-range core.

The first extension of this core into the 18-pin range, the PIC16(L)F1826/7 MCUs provide an advanced peripheral set that includes an mTouch capacitive touch-sensing module and dual I2C/SPI interfaces, along with “LF” versions featuring industry-leading low power consumption via Microchip’s nanoWatt XLP eXtreme Low-Power technology. The MCUs’ increased speed, ease of use and low cost provide an excellent pin-compatible migration path for legacy 18-pin PIC MCUs still used in many designs today.

In a May 2009 IEEE Spectrum article, the PIC16C84 was recognized as one of the "25 Microchips That Shook the World." The PIC16(L)F1826/7 MCUs are a natural extension of this enduring legacy. With Microchip’s Enhanced Mid-range architecture, the MCUs provide a 50% increase in performance and 14 new instructions that make programming with the C language more efficient, resulting in up to 40 percent better code efficiency over previous-generation 8-bit PIC MCUs.

In addition to the mTouch capacitive touch-sensing module and dual I2C/SPI interfaces, peripheral enhancements include enhanced PWM functionality, and a Digital Signal Modulator that enables designers to customize communication interfaces, and combine many functions into a single MCU. nanoWatt XLP technology enables market-leading current consumption, improving overall energy efficiency and/or extending battery life in a broad range of applications.

“The PIC16(L)F1826/7 are a testament to Microchip’s longevity and commitment to the continuous improvement of our product portfolio,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. “The 32 MHz PIC16(L)F1826/7 MCUs are significantly faster than the 10 MHz PIC16C84 MCU introduced 16 years ago. Additionally, they have four times the memory space and consume an order of magnitude less current. They also maintain pin compatibility, for easy migration from all of our legacy 18-pin MCUs.”

Example applications for the PIC16(L)F1826/7 MCUs include those in the consumer (e.g., laser printers, remote controls); industrial (e.g., “Green” lighting, embedded network gateways, traffic monitors, touch panels, metering); and automotive markets (e.g., LED Daytime Running Lights and taillights).