Microchip brings integrated op amps to low-cost 8-bit PIC MCUs

USA: Microchip Technology Inc. has announced two new 8-bit PIC microcontrollers—the PIC16F527 and PIC16F570, which combine the ease of use of a PIC MCU with low-cost analog peripherals to create a well-integrated, cost-effective family suitable for a wide range of applications.

With an on-chip dual Op Amp module, 8-bit ADC and two comparators, these MCUs are ideal for systems that require signal conditioning and amplification to interpret analog inputs.

The PIC16F527 and PIC16F570 employ a small and highly efficient 8-bit architecture, and add several features to support ease of use and system robustness. The all-new hardware interrupt capability gives designers the freedom to implement more complex functions without adding software overhead, while an integrated Brown-Out Reset (BOR) can detect faults in system power and safely reset the MCU to avoid memory corruption.

The two MCUs also feature self-read/write program Flash memory, which allows for high-use data EEPROM functionality. These key features, along with the integration of commonly used analog peripherals, make the PIC16F527 and PIC16F570 well suited for a number of low-cost sensor products, such as smoke detectors, carbon-monoxide detectors, photo sensors and automotive sensor-interface modules.

“At less than $0.39 in high volume, these two new MCUs represent tremendous value in the 8-bit marketplace,” said Steve Drehobl, VP of Microchip’s MCU8 Division.