Microchip intros low-power, high-performance 8-bit MCUs

CHANDLER, USA: Microchip Technology Inc. has announced the industry’s broadest line of low-power, high-performance 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs).

The PIC18F “K22” MCUs provide features such as operation from 1.8 to 5.5V, numerous communication channels, 8 to 128 KB Flash memory, and peripherals for mTouch capacitive touch-sensing applications. Other features include a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), multiple PWMs and additional timers.

All of the new MCUs feature nanoWatt XLP technology for eXtreme Low Power operation, with industry-leading sleep currents down to 20 nA. Additionally, the MCUs provide a greater than 50% improvement in active current, over previous generations.

“Our early-adopter customers are excited about the expansion of our PIC18F ‘K22’ 8-bit MCU product line because of the scalability and low-cost migration path”
“Our early-adopter customers are excited about the expansion of our PIC18F ‘K22’ 8-bit MCU product line because of the scalability and low-cost migration path,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division.

“Having a single family that addresses a wide range of requirements is a huge advantage to customers. It simplifies development, reduces design cycles and allows for easy migration in next-generation products.”

The feature set of the PIC18F “K22” MCUs allows this family to be used in a wide variety of applications. The 5V capability of the family is ideal for applications that typically require robust operation or noise immunity. Battery-powered applications benefit from nanoWatt XLP technology, which reduces current draw and therefore extends battery life.

Example applications include those in the industrial (e.g., metering, electronic door locks, cargo tracking, lighting, alarm systems); appliance (e.g., smart energy, dishwashers, refrigerators, HVAC controls); medical (e.g., diagnostic devices, portable medical meters); and automotive (e.g., lighting, dashboard instrument clusters, keyless entry, interior controls, garage-door openers) markets, among others.