May 30, 2011 - Microchip Technology announced additions to its Enhanced Mid-Range core 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) family—the peripheral-rich, low pin count PIC12F(LF)1840 and PIC16F(LF)1847. Featuring 7 KB and 14 KB of on-chip Flash memory, respectively, and up to 1 K RAM, the new devices are the highest-memory PIC MCUs in 8- and 18-pin packages.
The "LF" versions feature eXtreme Low Power (XLP) Technology, for active currents of less than 40 µA/MHz and sleep currents down to 20 nA.
With their high level of peripherals and features, including mTouch capacitive touch-sensing and multiple communications peripherals, these general-purpose MCUs are well suited for a wide range of applications in the appliance (e.g. coffee makers, blenders, dishwashers); consumer (e.g. battery chargers, vacuum cleaners, printers, remote controls); and automotive markets (e.g.
LED lighting, keyless entry, body electronics), among others. Microchip's eXtreme Low Power Technology remains the industry standard for battery-friendly MCUs, helping to improve overall energy efficiency in a variety of applications. The PIC12F(LF)1840 and PIC16F(LF)1847 MCUs are highly integrated, featuring multiple PWMs with independent time bases, a LIN-capable EUSART, and up to two I2C/SPI interfaces. The on-chip, 32-level Voltage Reference can be used as a simple Digital-to-Analog Converter, and the Data Signal Modulator enables designers to create custom bit patterns using a broad spectrum of inputs.
Development Support
The PIC12F(LF)1840 MCUs are supported by the PICkit 2 Low Pin Count Demo Board (part # DM164120-1), while the PIC16F(LF)1847 MCUs are supported by the PICkit 18-pin Demo Board (part # DM164120-4). All of the devices are supported by the PICkit 3 (part # PG164130) and MPLAB ICD 3 (part # DV164035) debugger/programmers, as well as the PICDEM Lab Development Kit (part # DM163035). The latter comes complete with a development board containing five popular 8-bit PIC MCUs; a bag of discrete components; a debugger/programmer and a CD containing a User's Guide, labs and application examples.
Packaging and availability
The PIC12F(LF)1840 MCUs are available in 8-pin PDIP, SOIC and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN SOIC packages. The PIC16F(LF)1847 MCUs are available in 18-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and 4 mm x 4 mm UQFN packages.
