Microchip Technology Expands 20-Pin PIC Microcontroller Family

Microchip Technology Inc. announced two new 20-pin PIC® microcontrollers to further strengthen its 8-bit portfolio. The PIC16F631 provides a cost-effective entry point for migration from 8- and 14-pin devices, while the PIC16F677 brings affordable hardware I2C™ & SPI capability to the small Flash microcontroller market. Full compatibility with Microchip's latest midrange architecture PIC microcontrollers also makes the pair an suitable choice for upward migration to add more functionality or cost reduction of existing 20-pin designs.

The new microcontrollers are an extension of the PIC16F685/687/689/690 series, and can be used as "drop-in" replacements for their more feature-rich counterparts. Board layout, control code, and tool suites can be completely re-used without modification – giving engineers the freedom to design platform-based systems without the associated cost penalty. Both devices employ the following features: nanoWatt Technology for minimum power consumption in battery-powered applications; dual analog comparators with S/R latch mode to eliminate the need for discrete components; and In-Circuit Serial Programming™ technology for field programmability. These enhancements serve to simplify the design of increasingly complex embedded-control systems.

"Microchip continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving improvement and innovation in our low pin count 8-bit families," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Division. "By adding these new cost-effective 20-pin microcontrollers, we are giving customers more flexibility to choose the best balance of features and price for their specific application."

The new PIC16F631/677 microcontrollers serve a broad market, including the following example applications: battery-powered devices (security systems, smoke and CO detectors, handheld devices), appliances (deep fryers, washers, dryers), and power conversion (power supplies, dc-dc converters, battery chargers).

The two new devices are supported by the full suite of Microchip's development tools, including the PICkit™ 2 Starter Kit, free MPLAB(R) IDE (Integrated Development Environment), and the low-cost MPLAB ICD 2 (In-Circuit Debugger). The PIC16F631 and PIC16F677 microcontrollers are expected to be available in mid-July for general sampling and volume production at in RoHS-compliant 20-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages. Prices start at $0.94 each in 10,000-unit quantities.