Microchip launches Microstick for designing with 16-bit MCUs and DSCs

BANGALORE, INDIA: Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, has launched the Microstick for dsPIC33F and PIC24H development board.

This new product provides a complete, low-cost solution for designing with Microchip’s 16-bit PIC24H microcontrollers and dsPIC33F Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), in a compact 20x76 mm footprint. The low cost Microstick offers an integrated USB programmer/debugger, which shortens learning curves. For maximum flexibility, the Microstick can be used stand-alone or plugged into a prototyping board. Additionally, educators are eligible for a 25 percent discount on the product.

Many engineers, educators, students and hobbyists need a low-cost solution for working with and debugging code on 16-bit microcontrollers and DSCs. In addition to its other benefits, the Microstick is populated with a socketed microcontroller that can be easily swapped out.

The Microstick works with the PIC24HJ64GP502, which is the highest performance 16-bit MCU in the industry, and the dsPIC33FJ64MC802 DSC, which seamlessly blends DSP and MCU resources into a single architecture. Software support includes the same free MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and software libraries that work with all of Microchip’s 8/16/32-bit PIC microcontrollers and DSCs.

Additionally, the dsPIC33F DSCs are supported by the free demo version of Microchip’s Device Blocksets for the MATLAB language and Simulink environment, which work seamlessly within the MPLAB IDE.

This combination of low-cost tools and free software provides an industry-leading platform for experimentation and development of smart-sensor and a host of other embedded-control applications.

Microstick is great for anyone who needs a complete, low-cost development solution for working with the highest performing 16-bit microcontrollers available,” said Derek Carlson, vice president of Microchip’s Development Tools Group.

“Our team worked with university professors to ensure that this board fits nicely into their curricula, but the benefits of this platform extend to a broad range of designers who want get started with embedded development.”