Microchip expands PIC24 lite MCU portfolio with advanced analog integration and 5V operation

USA: Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, has announced a new addition to its 16-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) portfolio with the low cost PIC24F "KM" family.

This family offers up to 16 KB Flash, 2 KB RAM and 512B EEPROM, along with advanced analog integration, in low pin-count options for cost-sensitive automotive, consumer, medical and industrial applications.

The PIC24F "KM" family provides a new level of integrated analog functionality such as a 12-bit ADC with threshold detection, 8-bit DACs for analog control loops and precision comparator references, and op amps to assist in sensor amplifications.  The PIC24 "KM" MCUs are the first to feature the new Multiple-output Capture Compare PWM Module (MCCP) and Single-output Capture Compare PWM Module (SCCP) peripherals, which include integrated timers and advanced PWM control to enable motor-control, power-supply and lighting applications.

The MCCP and SCCP modules combine timers, input captures, output compare and PWM functions in a single time base for optimal flexibility. These modules include 16/32-bit timer support, and can operate from a high-speed clock for higher resolution due to their ability to operate asynchronously. They allow for automatic operations during sleep mode, to optimise power consumption.

This is also the first PIC24 family to offer a Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) for increased on-chip interconnection of peripherals.  The CLC module helps in creating custom real-time logic functions on-chip and is supported by the CLC configuration tool, which helps in coding the circuit graphically instead of in assembly or C, thereby saving time for the programmers.

In addition to advanced peripheral integration, the "KM" family includes support for both 3V and 5V applications. Many customers prefer 3V operation for portable, battery-operated applications, and the 3V "KM" products all include eXtreme Low Power XLP for optimal battery life. Other customers prefer 5V operation with the PIC24FV16KM product variants, for applications where more dynamic range, noise immunity and robustness are the key factors.

The PIC24F "KM", with its extreme low power and advanced analog integration, is an excellent solution for customers working on cost-sensitive applications, such as flow meters, smoke detectors, stepper and BLDC motors, LED dimming, battery charging, environmental sensors and portable disposable medical products.