Flash Microcontroller enables intelligent power conversion.
Press Release Summary:
Model PIC16F785 lets power-supply designers utilize programmability of digital control in power-conversion applications by providing analog building blocks within programmable, 8-bit Flash microcontroller. Product integrates onboard analog peripherals such as ADCs, 40 nsec comparators, 1.2 V bandgap voltage-reference output, and 2 op amps. It combines integration of mixed-signal capabilities with re-programmability of Flash microcontroller.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Integrates PIC® Microcontroller With Analog Building Blocks for Intelligent Power Conversion Designs
PIC Microcontroller Has Two Operational Amplifiers, Two High-Speed Comparators and Two-Phase Pulse Width Modulator for Maximum Flexibility in Closed-Loop Control Applications
CHANDLER, Ariz., Jan. 31, 2005 [NASDAQ: MCHP - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the PIC16F785, which provides a complete set of integrated peripherals for cost-effective digital control in power-conversion designs. This 8-bit Flash microcontroller has a large complement of onboard analog peripherals, including analog-to-digital converters (A/Ds), comparators, a voltage reference and two operational amplifiers (op amps), which also appeals to a broad range of sensing and closed-loop control applications.
The PIC16F785 offers engineers the flexibility to cost effectively address a wide variety of power- conversion topologies and parameters in applications such as Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) and battery chargers. Digital control in power-conversion applications is emerging as a viable means to manage the increasingly complex power requirements in today's electronic systems, which require intelligent and deterministic control of multiple power rails, startup conditions, fault detection, exception handling, and complex battery-charging algorithms. The PIC16F785 makes it easier for power-supply designers to utilize the programmability of digital control in power-conversion applications by providing the familiar analog building blocks within a programmable microcontroller.
"The PIC16F785 combines unrivaled integration of mixed-signal capabilities with the flexibility and re-programmability of a Flash microcontroller," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Division. "The PIC16F785 is an excellent fit for power-conversion applications, but our customer base is very creative and will find many applications in all the markets Microchip serves, including appliance, automotive, consumer and industrial."
By providing two general-purpose op amps with a 3 MHz Gain Bandwidth Product (GBWP) and 5 millivolt input offset voltage, the PIC16F785 allows designers the flexibility to implement filters, input gains stages and other functions. These two op amps, combined with an integrated 1.2V bandgap voltage-reference output and two high-speed (40 nanosecond) comparators, put the PIC16F785 in a class of its own when it comes to integrated analog peripherals for input sensing. In addition, the PIC16F785's rich standard features make it an excellent general-purpose microcontroller for closed-loop control applications. Other key features include:
· High Speed, Two-phase PWM with asynchronous feedback
· 3584 bytes Flash program memory, 256 bytes EEPROM and 128 bytes RAM
· 8 MHz precision internal oscillator
· nanoWatt Technology power-management features
· 12 Channels of 10-bit A/D
· Standard Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module
· Software-controlled Brownout Reset and an extended Watchdog Timer
Development Tools
The PIC16F785 is supported by the full suite of Microchip's high-performance development tools, including: PICkit(TM) 1 Flash Starter Kit, MPLAB® IDE (Integrated Development Environment), MPLAB ICD 2 (In-Circuit Debugger), PRO MATE® II and MPLAB PM3 universal device programmers, PICSTART® Plus cost-effective development system. Application notes related to power conversion are currently being created.
Availability and Pricing
General sampling is available now, and volume production is expected in February, for the PIC16F785 microcontroller. Package options include PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and 4x4 QFN, with unit pricing in 10k quantities starting at $1.75. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at: www.microchip.com/pic16f785
About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
The Microchip name and logo, PIC, MPLAB, PRO MATE, and PICSTART are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. PICkit is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.
