Microcontroller drives 168 LCD segments.
Press Release Summary:
Featuring integrated LCD module and nanoWatt technology, Model PIC16F946 is equipped with 14 Kbytes Flash program memory, 336 Bytes RAM, and 256 Bytes data EEPROM. It includes 2 analog comparators, 8 MHz internal oscillator, and 10-bit ADC with up to 8 signal channels. Housed in 64-pin TQFP package, unit supports SPI, I2C, and AUSART communication protocols, and offers Brownout Reset, watchdog timer, and programmable low voltage detect.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Unveils 64-Pin LCD Microcontroller Capable of Driving 168 LCD Segments
Cost-Effective PIC® Microcontroller Provides Flash Reprogrammability, Integrated LCD Module and nanoWatt Technology
CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 19, 2005 [NASDAQ: MCHP] - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the PIC16F946 PIC® microcontroller with an integrated Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) module. The combination of LCD module, lower power consumption and the high level of peripheral integration reduces the total system cost in many consumer applications. The PIC16F946 adds to Microchip's LCD PIC microcontroller family, providing easy access to varying pin counts and levels of performance, and support for a wide selection of LCD segments.
The PIC16F946 LCD PIC microcontroller features nanoWatt Technology, which meets industry low-power design requirements -- including the need to drive LCD displays in standby conditions. Integrated peripherals include: high-endurance data EEPROM, a stable internal oscillator, a 10-bit Analog to Digital Converter, serial communications peripherals and the ability to implement a low-power real time clock.
"With this introduction, Microchip's LCD PIC microcontroller family continues to provide an industry-leading number of cost-effective and programmable options on a common platform," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "The high level of integration for the PIC16F946 enables design engineers to develop cost-effective compact solutions with ease."
Example applications for the new PIC16F946 with integrated LCD module include: automotive (dashboard displays); instrumentation/measurement (medical instruments/monitors, meter reading, handheld terminal/remote reading); appliance (display/control units on stoves/ovens, microwaves); industrial (payment systems, water/gas/electric/heat utility meters, gasoline pumps); consumer (universal remote controls, programmable thermostats/controls, irrigation control, home security systems, exercise equipment); communications (handset displays).
Additional key features include:
o 14 Kbytes of Flash program memory, 336 Bytes of RAM and 256 Bytes of data EEPROM
o Reliable low-power operation with Brownout Reset (BOR), extended Watchdog Timer (WDT), Programmable Low Voltage Detect (PLVD) and nanoWatt power-management modes
o Enhanced LCD module with four multiplex commons and up to 42 segment drivers
o High-stability, 8 MHz internal oscillator
o 5 MIPS core performance
o 10-bit analog-to-digital converter with up to 8 signal channels
o Two analog comparators
o SPI, I2C, and AUSART communication protocol support
o Three timers, and two Capture/Compare/PWM Modules
Development Tools
To reduce time to market, the PIC16F946 is supported by Microchip's standard, high-performance development systems, including: MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE), MPLAB ICD 2 In-Circuit Debugger, and MPLAB ICE 2000 In-Circuit Emulator. The PICDEM(TM) LCD Demo Board (part # DM163028) and the LCD Daughter Board (part # MA160011) are also available to ease development with this microcontroller's advanced LCD features. In addition, Microchip created an online design center to aid in the development of utility-metering products: www.microchip.com/meter
Availability
The PIC16F946 LCD microcontroller is available today for general sampling and volume production in a 64-pin TQFP package. For pricing or additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/lcd.
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.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, and MPLAB are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. PICDEM is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. I2C is a trademark of Philips Corporation. SPI is a trademark of Motorola. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.
