Microchip has announced the first 10 members of the PIC16F18877 family. These 8-bit MCUs are available in 8 to 40-pin packages with up to 56 KB of Flash and feature CIPs that enable functions in a broad range of applications, such as consumer electronics, IoT and safety-critical systems. They are the first MCUs to integrate an ADC with computation, which performs input and sensor interface functions such as accumulation, averaging and low-pass filter calculations in hardware instead of software, enabling the CPU to Sleep or execute other tasks.
They're also the first PIC16 MCUs to augment Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with the IDLE and DOZE modes for reduced active power consumption. Additionally, they're the first 8-bit MCUs with Peripheral Module Disable, which completely removes peripherals from the power rail and clock tree for zero power leakage. Other integrated CIPs, such as the Hardware Limit Timer, combine for the easy implementation of safety-critical functions.
"These two new families [the PIC16F18877 family announced today and the PIC16F1579 family announced yesterday] are the latest examples of Microchip's leadership in the 8-bit MCU market, with the continued expansion of innovative CIPs and intelligent analog that enable functions and capabilities far beyond what traditional 8-bit MCUs could perform," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's MCU8 Division.
"These families also exemplify Microchip's 'Flexible Intelligence Made Easy' philosophy, as they provide designers with a broad range of intelligent and configurable peripheral options in many low pin count packages and a wide operating voltage range. Development is made easy via our comprehensive platform of software and hardware tools, integrated under our singular MPLAB(®) X IDE,†Drehobl concluded.
The Curiosity Development Board (part # DM164137, $20) is available to enable easy system design. The freely downloadable MPLAB Code Configurator generates code with the click of a button. It provides a visual representation of an MCU's peripherals, eliminating the need to read data sheets. Additionally, it enables the easy setup of CIPs and provides production-ready code, speeding the development efforts of both new and experienced users. Microchip's MPLAB XC8 compiler and standard programmer/debuggers are also available for purchase.
