Microchip Tech Announces New General-Purpose 8-bit PIC® Microcontrollers
Microchip Technology Inc. announced a new family of low-cost 8-bit Flash PIC® microcontrollers (MCUs). The 28- and 40-pin PIC16F722/3/4/6/7 (PIC16F72X) MCUs are capable of operation down to 1.8V and feature a 16 MHz internal oscillator; up to 14 Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) channels; communication (SPI, I²C, AUSART) and two Capture, Compare and PWM (CCP) modules; plus the mTouch™ Sensing Solution peripheral. The devices are well-suited for a wide range of general-purpose applications in the appliance, industrial, consumer electronic and many other markets.
The PIC16F72X MCUs have an operating voltage range of 1.8 – 5.5V, with the low-power PIC16LF72X devices offering lower standby and other power-consumption specifications from 1.8 – 3.6V. Both variations feature a Timer1 Gate that runs from the internal 16MHz oscillator, providing ease in conditional event counting and measurements. With up to 14 ADC channels, two CCP modules and communication peripherals, the MCUs are said to increase design flexibility with the ability to interface with external devices such as environmental sensors, as well as provide additional system control and monitoring. The mTouch Sensing Solution peripheral is said to make it easy to add proximity sensing or capacitive touch-sensing user interfaces in place of mechanical buttons or switches, if designers so choose. Additionally, the mTouch peripheral can operate while the device is in "sleep mode," bringing further power savings to the user.
"The PIC16F72X and PIC16LF72X MCUs allow designers to integrate higher levels of functionality into a wide variety of cost-sensitive applications," said Steve Drehobl, Vice President of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "Building upon Microchip’s leadership in 8-bit microcontrollers, this versatile, general-purpose MCU line enhances the usability and features of any product while keeping costs low."
Example general-purpose applications for the PIC16F72X and PIC16LF72X MCUs include: appliance (blenders, refrigerators, dishwashers); consumer/home electronic (toys, cell phones, phone chargers, electric shavers, vacuum cleaners); industrial (digital water heaters, security systems, HVAC control); automotive (car audio, remote controls, power seats, lighting control).
The PIC16F722/3/6 and PIC16LF722/3/6 MCUs are available in 28-pin SPDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages; with prices starting at $0.91 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC16F724/7 and PIC16LF724/7 MCUs are available in 40-pin PDIP, TQFP and QFN packages; with prices starting at $1.34 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
