Microcontrollers distribute intelligence in automobiles.
Press Release Summary:
Models PIC18F4680, PIC18F2680, PIC18F4585, and PIC18F2585 are 4 CAN (Controller Area Network) PIC® Flash microcontrollers that combine ECAN(TM) module, flexible Flash memory, and nanoWatt Technology power management. Up to 48 or 64 Kb Enhanced Flash memory, depending on model, can be programmed in-car and features self-programming capability. These 8-bit devices, housed in 28- and 40/44-pin packages, also inlcude CAN 2.0B interface.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Debuts World's Largest Memory CAN Microcontroller Packed Into a Tiny 28-pin Package
Four New PIC18F Devices Offer Power Management and In-Field Reprogrammability
CHANDLER, Ariz., July 26, 2004 [NASDAQ: MCHP - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today introduced four CAN (Controller Area Network) PIC® Flash microcontrollers, including the world's largest memory 8-bit CAN microcontroller in a 28-pin package. These devices combine the innovative ECAN(TM) module, Enhanced Flash memory and nanoWatt Technology power management into a very small form factor.
Automotive and industrial engineers designing embedded systems have a growing need for cost-effective 8-bit microcontrollers with built-in CAN functionality and flexible Flash memory, balanced with a requirement to consume less power and take up less space. The new 28- and 40/44-pin PIC18F microcontrollers help solve these design concerns with the onboard ECAN module, up to 64K bytes of Enhanced Flash memory that can be programmed "in-car", and integrated nanoWatt Technology low-power modes.
"As manufacturers continue to add electronics for distributing intelligence within the automobile, there is a growing need for high-performance microcontrollers in small packages with innovative power management capabilities," said Dan Termer, Vice President of Microchip's Automotive Products Group. "Our new ECAN microcontrollers feature nanoWatt Technology power management and offer the most capability in the smallest footprint, thus enabling our customers to effectively meet these needs."
The PIC18F4680, PIC18F2680, PIC18F4585 and PIC18F2585 microcontrollers feature 48K bytes or 64K bytes of Enhanced Flash program memory. The Enhanced Flash technology offers self-programming capability, allowing the microcontroller to be programmed after being placed in a circuit board and providing tremendous flexibility, reduced development time, increased manufacturing efficiency and faster time to market. With the addition of this new PIC18F family, Microchip's CAN devices are now pin-out and package compatible from 16K bytes to 64K bytes, providing maximum design flexibility.
These cost-effective devices are an ideal solution for a wide range of high-end applications requiring additional memory, including: automotive (body controllers, immobilizer receivers, occupant detection systems, power steering, anti-lock braking and stability sensing systems); industrial (DeviceNet(TM) interfaces, copy machines, hydraulic pressure regulators, motor control); computing (RAID systems and UPSs); consumer (tanning beds and vending machines); and medical (pharmaceutical distribution systems and wheel chairs).
Each microcontroller features Microchip's ECAN module, a flexible and easy-to-use CAN 2.0B interface. The industry-unique ECAN module offers configurable transmit and receive (TX/RX) buffers that can be used for standard CAN operation or as FIFO registers, allowing one device to be used for multiple applications.
The on-board ECAN module enables multiple applications to be configured on a single node, easier implementation to a software protocol bridge from a CAN network and a device to be re-used across different applications. Code-compatible with existing PIC microcontrollers that feature CAN, the new devices allow current customers to easily migrate to a more scalable CAN device with larger Flash memory. The ECAN module supports standard Bosch CAN specifications and provides hardware support for the DeviceNet protocol and a FIFO state machine. To enable these multiple functions, the ECAN module features three software-configurable operating modes: Legacy, Enhanced and FIFO.
Additional features of the new microcontrollers include:
· 32 kHz to 32 MHz (8 MIPS) internal oscillator
· Fail-safe clock monitor
· Operation from an external crystal or clock source for 10 MIPS performance at 40 MHz
· 3K bytes of RAM and 1K byte of high-endurance EEPROM data memory
· Analog-to-digital converter with up to 11 channels x 10-bit resolution and 100 ksps
· Two analog comparators with internal voltage regulator circuitry, programmable brownout detect, and programmable low-voltage detect
· One Capture/Compare/PWM module, 1 Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM module
· Operating voltage range of 2.0 - 5.5 volts, and an extended temperature range of -40°C to +125°C
· Serial I/O features include SPI and I2C modules, and a USART module with Local Interconnection Network (LIN) protocol support
· Microchip's advanced PMOS Electrically Erasable Cell (PEEC) process technology, with up to 1,000,000 data memory ERASE/WRITE cycles, up to 100,000 Flash program memory ERASE/WRITE cycles, and 40 years of data retention
· In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) technology, for programming after being placed on a board
Tools and Availability
All four Flash microcontrollers are supported by Microchip's world-class development tools, including: MPLAB® Integrated Development Environment (IDE), MPLAB C18 C compiler, MPLAB ICD2 In-Circuit Debugger, and MPLAB ICE 2000 In-Circuit Emulator. The PICDEM CAN LIN 2 Demonstration Board (Part Number: DM163011) shows the functionality of the integrated CAN module features on these devices and is available for $199.
The four microcontrollers are available today for sampling and volume production is expected later this quarter, in the package options listed below. For pricing or additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web www.microchip.com/takeoff.
· PIC18F2680 and PIC18F2585: 28-pin SDIP and SOIC
· PIC18F4680 and PIC18F4585: 40-pin PDIP, and 44-pin TQFP or QFN
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, PICmicro, and MPLAB are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. ECAN, In-Circuit Serial Programming, ICSP and PICDEM are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. I2C is a trademark of Philips Corporation. SPI is a trademark of Motorola. DeviceNet is a trademark of ODVA. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
