Microchip Technology introduces lowest-cost USB PIC MCUs
MicrochipTechnology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, has announced a new familyof 8-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) for USBapplications. The PIC18F13K50and PIC18F14K50 (PIC18F1XK50) are the lowest-cost USB MCUs from Microchip and provide a host offeatures not normally found on inexpensive 8-bit MCUs - enabling the additionof embedded USB into a wide rangeof applications.
Theannouncement means Microchip now offers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of 8-, 16- and 32-bit USB microcontrollers, which are the supported by asingle integrated development environment - the free MPLAB IDE IntegratedDevelopment Environment which provides a consistent development platform acrossall PIC MCUs. This offers designengineers a solid migration path to higher levels of performance andfunctionality.
More engineersare taking advantage of USB as astandardized interface to connect with larger computer-based systems, incombination with other standard embedded serial-interface protocols. The PIC18F1XK50MCUs include a host of serial communications interfaces, such as USB 2.0, I2C, SPIand USART; enabling them to transfer data between USBand 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 avariety of environmental inputs - from temperature and humidity logging tocapacitive touch-sensing.
"Theintroduction of the PIC18F1XK50 USB family exemplifies Microchip's commitment toremain at the forefront of the embedded marketplace," said Steve Drehobl, vicepresident of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology DevelopmentDivision. "More and more, our customers are making USBthe protocol of choice when connecting their embedded systems to the outsideworld. This PIC18 family allowsthem to add USB to their designsusing a single MCU to perform both the communication and the primaryapplication tasks."
"Microchip'sUSB product offering in 8-, 16-and 32-bit PIC MCUs has expanded significantly during the last few months. Theextensive products supported with a single integrated development environmentand common software libraries provide customers with an easy migration path toleverage development efforts across many platforms."
Additionalfeatures onboard the PIC18F1XK50MCUs include a USB host-detection capability, whereby the MCU can beconfigured to enter SLEEP or any other power-managed mode when a USB connection is not present. The new MCUs can alsobe internally or externally clocked with seamless on-the-fly switching,bringing further power savings to the user. Furthermore, with an operatingvoltage range of 1.8 - 5.5V, the MCUs are designed for use in a wide variety ofoperating environments and power supplies, including batteries, USB interfaces or other power sources.
Device-Specific Features
The PIC18F13K50 has 8 KB Flash and 512 Bytes of RAM memory, whereas the PIC18F14K50has 16 KB Flash and 768 Bytes of RAM.Both devices have 256 Bytes of EEPROM for non-volatile data storage. Low-poweroptions are available for both devices (PIC18LF1XK50)offering 1.8-3.6V operation, with reduced power consumption for extremelypower-sensitive applications.
The new MCUsare well-suited for a myriad of applications - from smart remote controls to USB battery chargers. Examples include applicationsin the Consumer Electronic(battery-operated remote controls, personal mediaplayers, personal computing); Industrial(battery-operated data loggers, industrial machines that currently utilizethe RS-232 protocol, handheld instruments); Medical (patient monitors, dosing pumps, blood gasanalyzers) and other markets.
Development Support
Microchipalso announced two new development kits to help engineers get started using thePIC18FK50 MCUs in their designs.The Low Pin CountUSB Development Kit with PICkit 2Debugger/Programmer (Part # DV164126) includespopulated and unpopulated reference-design boards, a PICkit 2 Debugger/Programmer,a CD with tutorials and other supporting materials. For engineers not requiringthe PICkit 2 Debugger/Programmer, Microchip also announced the Low Pin Count USB Development Kit (Part # DM164127) today. Thiskit includes the reference-design boards, CD and supporting materials, only. Bothkits are expected to be available for purchase in calendar Q3 2008 at www.microchipdirect.com.
Additionally,as with all PIC18F MCUs, the PIC18F1XK50 family is supported by Microchip's world-class development tools, including the MPLAB IDE, the MPLAB REAL ICE emulation system, the MPLAB ICD 2in-circuit debugger and the MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer. Microchip's free USB software stack can be downloaded from www.microchip.com/USB.
Device Packaging and Availability
The PIC18F1XK50MCUs are all available in 20-pin SSOP, SOIC, PDIP and 5 x 5 mm QFN packages.The PIC18F13K50 and PIC18LF13K50 MCUs; the PIC18F14K50and PIC18LF14K50 MCUs areavailable in 10,000-unit quantities.
Limited sampling is available now, and volumeproduction is scheduled for calendar Q3 2008.For further information, please contact any Microchip salesrepresentative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Website at www.microchip.com/USB.
Re: Microchip Technology introduces lowest-cost USB PIC MCUs
The PICkit 2 manufactured by Microchip is a low-cost programmer and a debugger that connects to the USB port of the PC. t also includes a disk that contains the following programs, MPLAB IDE, HI-TECH PICC LITE C Compiler, CCS PCB Baseline C Compiler. This programmer is compatible with machines TOP3000 2.5 ~ 6.5V. Powered by USB or External 5V charger included
