Microchip intros new series of 16-bit MCU, DCU

ARIZONA, USA: Microchip Technology Inc., a provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced a new series of 16-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC(R) Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) that bring advanced control to cost-sensitive general-purpose and motor-control designs.

The new devices enable low-cost, sensorless motor-control designs, with support for a wide range of motor-control algorithms, and include an on-chip Charge Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) and 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), to enable intelligent sensor applications and mTouch(TM) capacitive touch sensing, said a press release.

The devices are supported by three new Plug-In Modules (PIMs) and a single-board motor-control starter kit that includes cap-touch sliders and an onboard BLDC motor, making it easy for designers to create high-performance applications in the appliance (e.g. washing machines), medical (e.g. infusion pumps) and industrial (e.g. AC-induction motors) markets, among others.

"Customers are always looking for ways to incorporate more features and functionality into their designs without increasing costs," said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip's High-Performance Microcontroller Division.

He added that the dsPIC33FJ16 DSCs and PIC24FJ16 MCUs meet these needs, with the 'MC' versions enabling customers to enjoy the benefits of advanced motor control, such as higher efficiency, quieter operation, smoother torque and higher reliability.