Microchip adds configurable logic to 8-bit MCUs

Microchip Technology Inc. has added several 8-bit PIC microcontrollers that feature configurable logic and peripheral integration in 6- to 20-pin packages. The PIC10F(LF)32X and PIC1XF(LF)150X MCUs each feature peripherals, which include configurable logic cells (CLCs), complementary waveform generators (CWGs) and numerically controlled oscillators (NCOs).

The CLC peripherals enable software control of combinational and sequential logic, which increases the on-chip interconnection of peripherals and I/Os, thereby reducing external components, saving code space and adding functionality.

The CWG peripheral works with multiple peripherals to generate complementary waveforms with dead-band control and auto shutdown, which provides improved switching efficiencies. The NCO peripheral enables linear frequency control and high resolution, which is required for applications such as lighting ballast, tone generation and other resonant control circuits.

The MCUs also feature power consumption of less than 30µA/MHz in active mode, and less than 20nA in sleep; as well as an on-chip 16MHz internal oscillator, analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and up to 4 pulse-width modulation peripherals. An integrated temperature-indicator module enables low-cost temperature measurements.

The PICDEM lab development kit now includes samples of both the PIC10F322 and PIC16F1507 MCUs and the F1 evaluation platform is available for development with enhanced mid-range core 8-bit PIC MCUs, including the PIC1XF(LF)150X family.

A free CLC configuration tool is provided to streamline the setup process of the CLC module by simulating the functionality of the registers and combinational logic in a graphical user interface.

The PIC10F(LF)320 and PIC10F(LF)322 MCUs are available in a 6-pin SOT-23 package, as well as 8-pin PDIP and 2x3mm DFN packages. The PIC12F(LF)1501 MCU will be available in 8-pin PDIP, SOIC, MSOP and 2x3mm DFN packages, and the PIC16F(LF)1503 MCU in 14-pin PDIP, SOIC and TSSOP packages, as well as a 3x3mm QFN package.

The PIC16F(LF)1507 MCU is available in 20-pin SSOP, PDIP, SOIC, and 4x4mm QFN packages, as will the PIC16F(LF)1508/9 MCUs, when available. Pricing starts at $0.37 each, in 10,000-unit quantities.


This article originally appeared on EE Times.