8-bit PIC MCUs with Integrated Op Amps Intro’d by Microchip

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, vice president of Microchip’s MCU8 Division.”

Microchip’s full suite of development tools support the PIC16F MCUs, including the PICkit™ Low Pin Count Demo Board (part # DM164130-9, $25.99), PICDEM™ Lab Development Kit with PICkit™ 3 (part # DM163045, $134.99), PICDEM Mechatronics (part # DM163029, $149.99),PICkit 3 Starter Kit (part # DV164130, $59.99), MPLAB® ICD 3 Evaluation Kit (part # DV164036, $229.99) and the MPLAB XC8 Compiler for 8-bit PIC MCUs.

The PIC16F527 MCU is offered in 20-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages, and is available today for sampling and volume production, starting at $0.47 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC16F570 is offered in 28-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages, and is expected to be available in June for sampling and volume production, starting at $0.57 each in 10,000-unit quantities.