Microchip Technology introduces lowest-cost USB PIC MCUs

Microchip Technology has launched a new family of 8-bit PIC microcontrollers MCUs) for USB applications. The PIC18F13K50 and PIC18F14K50 (PIC18F1XK50) are the lowest-cost USB MCUs from Microchip and provide a host of features not normally found on inexpensive 8-bit MCUs - enabling the addition of embedded USB into a wide range of applications.

This announcement means that Microchip now offers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of 8-, 16- and 32-bit USB microcontrollers, which are supported by a single integrated development environment. The free MPLAB IDE Integrated Development Environment provides a consistent development platform across all PIC MCUs and this offers design engineers a solid migration path to higher levels of performance and functionality.

More engineers are taking advantage of USB as a standardized interface to connect with larger computer-based systems, in combination with other standard embedded serial-interface protocols. The PIC18F1XK50 MCUs include a host of serial communications interfaces, such as USB 2.0, I2C, SPI and USART; enabling them to transfer data between USB and other embedded serial networks. Additionally, they provide a 10-bit, 9-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and dual comparators with S/R Latch, giving users the capability to process a variety of environmental inputs - from temperature and humidity logging to capacitive touch-sensing.

Additional features on the PIC18F1XK50 MCUs include a USB host-detection capability, whereby the MCU can be configured to enter SLEEP or any other power-managed mode when a USB connection is not present. The new MCUs can also be internally or externally clocked with seamless on-the-fly switching, bringing further power savings to the user. Furthermore, with an operating voltage range of 1.8 - 5.5V, the MCUs are designed for use in a wide variety of operating environments and power supplies, including batteries, USB interfaces or other power sources.

Microchip Technology