General-Purpose 8-bit MCUs offer low-power operation.
Press Release Summary:
Offered in 28- and 40-pin packages, PIC16F72X 8-bit Flash PIC® microcontrollers integrate 16 MHz internal oscillator; up to 14 ADC channels; SPI, I2C(TM), and AUSART communication; as well as 2 Capture, Compare, and PWM (CCP) modules. Devices operate from 1.8-5.5 V, depending on model, and include mTouch(TM) Sensing Solution peripheral, which helps in adding proximity sensing or capacitive touch-sensing UIs in place of mechanical buttons or switches.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Announces New Low-Cost, General-Purpose 8-bit PIC® Microcontrollers
28- and 40-pin MCUs Feature 16 MHz Internal Oscillator, Operation Down To 1.8V and Enhanced Peripherals
CHANDLER, Ariz., February 26, 2008 [NASDAQ: MCHP] - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced a new family of low-cost 8-bit Flash PIC® microcontrollers (MCUs). The 28- and 40-pin PIC16F722/3/4/6/7 (PIC16F72X) MCUs are capable of operation down to 1.8V and feature a 16 MHz internal oscillator; up to 14 Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) channels; communication (SPI, I2C(TM), AUSART) and two Capture, Compare and PWM (CCP) modules; plus the mTouch(TM) Sensing Solution peripheral. The highly integrated devices are well-suited for a wide range of general-purpose applications in the appliance, industrial, consumer electronic and many other markets.
The PIC16F72X MCUs have an operating voltage range of 1.8 - 5.5V, with the low-power PIC16LF72X devices offering lower standby and other power-consumption specifications from 1.8 - 3.6V. Both variations feature a Timer1 Gate that runs from the internal 16 MHz oscillator, providing ease in conditional event counting and measurements. With up to 14 ADC channels, two CCP modules and communication peripherals, the MCUs increase design flexibility with the ability to interface with external devices such as environmental sensors, as well as provide additional system control and monitoring. The mTouch Sensing Solution peripheral makes it easy to add proximity sensing or capacitive touch-sensing user interfaces in place of mechanical buttons or switches, if designers so choose. Additionally, the mTouch peripheral can operate while the device is in "sleep mode," bringing further power savings to the user.
"The PIC16F72X and PIC16LF72X MCUs allow designers to integrate higher levels of functionality into a wide variety of cost-sensitive applications," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division.
"Building upon Microchip's leadership in 8-bit microcontrollers, this versatile, general-purpose MCU line enhances the usability and features of any product while keeping costs low."
Example general-purpose applications for the PIC16F72X and PIC16LF72X MCUs include: appliance (blenders, refrigerators, dishwashers); consumer/home electronic (toys, cell phones, phone chargers, electric shavers, vacuum cleaners); industrial (digital water heaters, security systems, HVAC control); automotive (car audio, remote controls, power seats, lighting control).
Development Support
The new MCUs have integrated in-circuit debug and are supported by the MPLAB® IDE Integrated Development Environment, available as a free download from Microchip's Web site (www.microchip.com/MPLAB). MPLAB REAL ICE(TM) in-circuit emulator support is expected to be available in the fourth calendar quarter of 2008.
Device Packaging, Pricing & Availability
The PIC16F722/3/6 and PIC16LF722/3/6 MCUs are available in 28-pin SPDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages; with prices starting at $0.91 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC16F724/7 and PIC16LF724/7 MCUs are available in 40-pin PDIP, TQFP and QFN packages; with prices starting at $1.34 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
Samples are available today by contacting your local Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, and general sampling is expected to be available in April at sample.microchip.com. Volume-production quantities of the devices can be ordered in April at www.microchipdirect.com.
For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/startnow.
Microchip Customer Support
Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers can access four main service areas at www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers free evaluation samples of any Microchip device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and development tools; finally, the Training area educates customers through webinars, sign-ups for local seminar and workshop courses, and information about the annual MASTERs events held throughout the world.
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, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, MPLAB and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. mTouch, PICDEM, PICkit and REAL ICE are trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
