New MCUs Feature Less Than 50 µA/MHz Active Current;
Industry-Leading Peripheral Integration
CHANDLER, Ariz., Mar. 2, 2010 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today unveiled several new 8-bit PIC
microcontrollers (MCUs) that sets the industry benchmark for low-power microcontrollers and peripheral integration. These new MCUs feature active currents of less than 50 µA/MHz and sleep currents down to 20 nA. The PIC12F182X MCUs extend Microchip’s Enhanced Mid-range 8-bit core product line into the 8-pin segment, and include mTouch
capacitive touch-sensing, and communications peripherals. The PIC16F19XX MCUs feature a broad range of peripherals, such as mTouch capacitive touch-sensing module, LCD drive, multiple communications and more Pulse width Modulator (PWM) peripherals. All of these general-purpose MCUs are well suited for applications in the appliance; consumer; industrial and automotive markets, among others. A video demonstrating the PIC16LF1823-I/SLPIC16LF1823-I/SL MCU’s low active current is available through editorial contact or YouTube (feel free to embed on your Web site): http://www.microchip.com/get/MSD1.
Photos available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish):
http://www.microchip.com/get/D02U
PIC12F182X Block Diagram available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish):
http://www.microchip.com/get/GLF1
PIC16F182X Block Diagram available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish):
http://www.microchip.com/get/55BT
PIC16F19XX Block Diagram available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish):
http://www.microchip.com/get/TKB4
nanoWatt XLP technology remains the standard for battery-friendly MCUs, which, combined with the extremely low active-current consumption of these new MCUs, improves overall energy efficiency to levels currently not readily available. Microchip’s Enhanced Mid-range 8-bit architecture provides an up to 50% increase in performance, and 14 new instructions that result in up to 40% better code execution over previous-generation 8-bit PIC16 MCUs. The PIC1XF182X MCUs include dual I2C/SPI interfaces, multiple PWM channels with independent time bases, a Data Signal Modulator, and other peripherals that enable designers to combine many functions into a single MCU. The PIC16F19XX MCUs provide up to 28 KB of Flash program memory and numerous enhanced capabilities. The on-chip LCD drive supports up to 184 segments and provides a low-power drive mode for increased efficiency. The MCUs also include up to 5 Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) channels with independent time bases for controlling various motor types and peripherals.
“With active current of less than 50 µA per MHz, Microchip has set the new industry benchmark for low-power microcontrollers,” said Tony Massimini, chief of technology with Semico Research Corporation. “These low active currents, plus sleep currents down to 20 nA and the industry-leading number of peripherals integrated onto the PIC12F182X, PIC16F182X and PIC16F19XX MCUs, enable engineers to create battery-friendly designs that also incorporate capacitive touch sensing, LCD, communications and other functions, which will help differentiate their products in the marketplace.”
Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division, said, “Microchip further solidifies its low-power leadership with the introduction of the PIC1XF182X and PIC16F19XX 8-bit microcontrollers. The new MCUs represent a significant expansion of our enhanced Mid-range 8-bit core product family, which provides additional memory, peripherals and performance. The improvements to the active power consumption in combination with our XLP technology set the industry standard for low power operation in small 8-bit MCUs.”
Key Features
Feature | PIC1XF182X MCUs | PIC16F19XX MCUs |
Max. Frequency | 32 MHz | 32 MHz |
Internal Oscillator | 31.25 kHz to 32 MHz, Software Selectable | 31.25 kHz to 32 MHz, Software Selectable |
Program Memory | Up to 14 KB Flash | Up to 28 KB Flash |
Data EEPROM | 256 Bytes | 256 Bytes |
Data Memory | Up to 1 KB | Up to 1 KB |
Timers | Up to 4 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit, with Real-Time Clock Support | Up to 4 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit, with Real-Time Clock Support |
Communication | Up to 2 x MI2C/SPI 1 x EUSART | Up to 2 each x MI2C/SPI and EUSART |
Analog-to-Digital Converter | Up to 12 x 10-bit | 17 x 10-bit |
Comparators | Up to 2 x with Rail-to-Rail Inputs | Up to 3 x with Rail-to-Rail Inputs |
PWM Channels | Up to 4 with Independent Time Bases | Up to 5, with Independent Time Base |
Operating Voltage | 1.8 – 5.5V (including full analog peripheral operation) | 1.8 – 5.5V (including full analog peripheral operation) |
Standby Current | 20 nA @ 1.8V, Typical | 60 nA @ 1.8V, Typical |
mTouch Capacitive Touch Sensing | Up to 12 Channels | Up to 16 Channels |
LCD Drive | N/A | Up to 184 Segments |
Other Capabilities | Data Signal Modulator | N/A |
Development Tool Support
Designers can use Microchip’s F1 Evaluation Platform (part # DM164130-1, $39.99) for developing with enhanced 8-bit PIC MCUs. The platform includes a 44-pin development board populated with a PIC16LF1937 MCU, prototyping space, 3V LCD glass, support for the PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer (part # PG164130, $44.95), as well as a motor-control add-on. Additionally, the PIC16F1937 Plug-In Module (part # MA160012, $25) for Microchip’s PIC18 Explorer Board (part # DM183032, $99.99) is available.
Photo available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish):
http://www.microchip.com/get/T35N
Microchip’s PICDEM Lab Development Kit (part # DM163035, $124.99) can be used with the PIC1XF182X MCUs. The kit comes complete with a development board containing five popular 8-bit PIC MCUs; a bag of discrete components; a debugger/programmer, and a CD containing a User’s Guide, labs and application examples.
Photo available through editorial contact or Flickr (feel free to publish):
http://www.microchip.com/get/0FQH
Microchip‘s complete suite of standard development tools can also be used with the new MCUs, including the user-friendly and free MPLAB IDE, along with the selection of the HI-TECH C compiler for PIC16 MCUs. The HI-TECH C Lite edition is a completely free, fully functional compiler with no time limitations. For applications with limited program space, the Standard and PRO editions offer denser code and improved performance. Additionally, there is a variety of debugging hardware, from the popular PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer ($44.95), to the MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger ($189.99), MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer ($895), and MPLAB REAL ICE In-Circuit Emulator ($499.98). All of these tools can be purchased today, at microchipDIRECT (http://www.microchip.com/get/7KL8). More information on Microchip development tools is available at http://www.microchip.com/get/29KM.
MCU Packaging, Pricing & Availability
The PIC1XF182X and PIC16F19XX MCUs are available in DFN, PDIP, QFN, SOIC, TQFP, TSSOP and UQFN packages of varying sizes, from 8- to 64-pins; at prices ranging from $0.69 to $1.74 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/Q9LC.
About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com/get/ETHB.