Multiple microcontrollers have core-independent peripherals

Two 8bit families have been added to the PIC MCUs from Microchip. They have core-independent peripherals which can be interconnected to combine and perform functions autonomously, without the core.

These functions are deterministically and reliably performed in hardware instead of software, making system performance far beyond typical 8bit MCUs, claims the company, while simplifying the design experience and reducing memory cost.

Both families offer Peripheral Pin Select, which enables flexible pin mapping and PCB routing to minimise EMI and crosstalk.

Example applications include consumer electronics, the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable technology and safety-critical systems.

The four new members of the PIC16F1579 family are offered in 14 to 20pin packages with up to 28kbyte of Flash. The core independent peripherals enable functions in applications such as LED lighting and motor control. The 8bit PIC MCUs have four 16bit PWMs, each with independent timers. System-communication functions are supported via serial interfaces for LIN and DMX connectivity, while the family’s intelligent analogue integration enables signal and sensor interface functions.

The first 10 members of the PIC16F18877 family are available in eight to 40pin packages with up to 56kbyte of Flash, with core independent peripherals that enable functions in consumer electronics, IoT and safety-critical systems. They are the first MCUs to integrate an ADC with computation, which performs input and sensor interface functions such as accumulation, averaging and low-pass filter calculations in hardware instead of software, says the company. This enables the CPU to sleep or execute other tasks. They are also the first PIC16 MCUs to augment the company’s eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with the IDLE and DOZE modes for reduced active power consumption. They are also the first 8bit MCUs with Peripheral Module Disable, which completely removes peripherals from the power rail and clock tree for zero power leakage. Another core independent peripherals is the Hardware Limit Timer, for the implementation of safety-critical functions.

The Curiosity Development Board (DM164137) is available today, to enable easy system design.

http://www.microchip.com/CIPs-072015a


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