New PIC24 Lite MCUs Feature On-Chip Op Amps, 8-bit DACs, 12-bit ADC, Flexible PWM Modules and eXtreme Low Power Technology for Cost-Sensitive Automotive, Consumer, Medical and Industrial Applications
Microchip Technology Inc. announced a new addition to its 16-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) portfolio with the low cost PIC24F “KM” family. This family offers up to 16 KB Flash, 2 KB RAM and 512B EEPROM, along with advanced analog integration, in low pin-count options for cost-sensitive automotive, consumer, medical and industrial applications.
The PIC24F “KM” family provides a new level of integrated analog functionality such as a 12-bit ADC with threshold detection, 8-bit DACs for analog control loops and precision comparator references, and op amps to assist in sensor amplifications. The PIC24 “KM” MCUs are the first to feature the new Multiple-output Capture Compare PWM Module (MCCP) and Single-output Capture Compare PWM Module (SCCP) peripherals, which include integrated timers and advanced PWM control to enable motor-control, power-supply and lighting applications. The MCCP and SCCP modules combine timers, input captures, output compare and PWM functions in a single time base for optimal flexibility. These modules include 16/32-bit timer support, and can operate from a high-speed clock for higher resolution due to their ability to operate asynchronously. They also allow for automatic operations during sleep mode, to optimize power consumption.
This is also the first PIC24 family to offer a Configurable Logic Cell (CLC) for increased on-chip interconnection of peripherals. The CLC module helps in creating custom real-time logic functions on-chip and is supported by the CLC configuration tool, which helps in coding the circuit graphically instead of in assembly or C, thereby saving time for the programmers.
In addition to advanced peripheral integration, the “KM” family includes support for both 3V and 5V applications. Many customers prefer 3V operation for portable, battery-operated applications, and the 3V “KM” products all include eXtreme Low Power (XLP) for optimal battery life. Other customers prefer 5V operation with the PIC24FV16KM product variants, for applications where more dynamic range, noise immunity and robustness are the key factors. The PIC24F “KM” with its extreme low power and advanced analog integration, is an excellent solution for customers working on cost-sensitive applications, such as flow meters, smoke detectors, stepper and BLDC motors, LED dimming, battery charging, environmental sensors and portable disposable medical products.
Development Support
Customers wanting to get started on developing with the 3V PIC24F “KM” MCUs can purchase the Microstick for the 3V PIC24F K-series (part # DM240013-1, $34.95). Customers who want to develop with the 5V PIC24FV “KM” MCUs can purchase the Microstick for 5V PIC24F K-series (part # DM240013-2, $29.95). Both Microsticks are USB powered and include an integrated debugger/programmer, so no external programmer is needed. They also include a Device-Under-Test (DUT) socket for easy device swapping, and can be plugged into a prototyping board. These Microsticks are supported by Microchip’s free MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and are compatible with all 3V and 5V PIC24F K-series MCUs in 28-pin SPDIP packages. The Microstick for 5V PIC24F K-Series (DM240013-2) is available for the promotional introductory price of $19.99.
Pricing & Availability
The PIC24F “KM” MCUs operate from 1.8 to 3.6V, while PIC24FV “KM” versions operate from 2 to 5.5V. The PIC24F(V)16KM204, PIC24F(V)08KM204 and PICF(V)16KM104 are offered in 44-pin TQFP and QFN packages, as well as 48-pin UQFN packages. The PIC24F(V)16KM202, PIC24F(V)08KM202, PIC24F(V)16KM102 and PIC24F(V)08KM102 are available in 28-pin SOIC, SSOP, SPDIP and QFN packages. The PIC24F(V)08KM101 is offered in 20-pin SOIC, SPDIP and SSOP packages. All of these new MCUs are available today for sampling and volume production, starting at $1.77 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
