Demonstration Board designs mixed signal applications.
Press Release Summary:
PICDEM(TM) Mixed Signal Controller 1 (MSC1) Demonstration Board is for use with PICmicro(R) PIC16C781 and PICI6C782 configurable analog microcontrollers. PICDEM MSC1's Graphical User Interface (GUI) configures microcontrollers' multiple digital and analog peripherals, and downloads configuration to hardware for evaluation. GUI includes code generator that builds initialization assembly code to correspond to selected configuration.Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Makes It Easy To Design Mixed Signal Applications With New Demo Board
CHANDLER, Ariz., Jan. 29, 2002 [NASDAQ: MCHP] - Microchip Technology Inc, is making it easier to design mixed signal applications with the introduction of PICDEM(TM) Mixed Signal Controller I (MSC1) Demonstration Board. For use with the PICmicro(R) PIC16C781 and PICI6C782 configurable analog microcontrollers, designers can use the PICDEM MSC1's Graphical User Interface (GUI) to easily configure the microcontrollers' multiple digital and analog peripherals and download the configuration to the hardware for quick evaluation. The PIC 16C781 and PIC 16C782 microcontrollers offer a single chip solution consisting of a microcontroller and all the components commonly used for embedded measurement and control applications. The PICDEM MSC1 acts as a demonstration unit for the PIC 16C781 and PIC 16C782 and enables specific applications to be implemented more easily.
The GUI includes a code generator that builds initialization assembly code to correspond to the selected configuration. Using the Code Generator, designers can perform an entire configuration with the evaluation tool and add the application-specific code using the MPLAB(R) Integrated Development Environment (IDE) tool. The PICDEM MSC1 firmware allows designers to configure the inputs and outputs of each peripheral module; load and view the contents of the Special Purpose Registers needed to run an application; operate a dynamic conversion loop for scoping the DAC module output; or continuously monitor the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) input channels.
Analog designers will find the PIC16C781 and PIC16C782 devices easy to use because it offers standard building blocks but adds the flexibility to change their designs and interface with other digital components. Digital designers will like the ease with which they can interface to the analog and digital peripherals of the devices by using the PICDEM MSC1.
Target markets for the highly flexible PIC 16C781 and PIC 16C782 configurable analog microcontrollers include almost any application where there is some form of closed loop control that may use firmware or hardware control. For example, an application can include power supply designs where the programmable switch mode controller (PSMC) is used for switching power supply control, the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for voltage set point, and the ADC for current monitoring and controlling the stability and loop dynamics. Additional application possibilities include motor speed control, UPS, power inverters, power tools, signal generation, audio applications, general sensor interfaces (i.e., accelerometers, fuel measurement systems, brake balancing, motion detectors) and temperature control.
The PIC16C781 and PIC 16C782 are available in 20-pin PDIP, SOIC and SSOP packages. Pricing in 1,000-unit quantities is $2.76 each for the PIC16C781 and $2.98 each for the PIC 16C782. The PICDEM MSC1 demonstration board is available for $99. The microcontrollers are available today and the demonstration board will be available for delivery in February.
