Microchip expands 8-bit PIC MCU portfolio

USA: Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, has announced from Embedded World an expansion of its 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) portfolio with the PIC12(L)F157X family, which features multiple 16-bit PWMs with an assortment of analog peripherals and serial communications in an 8-pin package.

These MCUs deliver three full-featured 16-bit PWMs with independent timers, for applications where high resolution is needed such as LED lighting, stepper motors, battery charging and other general-purpose applications. In addition to standard and center-aligned PWM output modes, the peripheral also has four compare modes and can serve as an additional 16-bit timer.

The Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG), in combination with the 16-bit PWMs, can be used to create half-bridge and full-bridge drive control. The CWG is a powerful waveform generator, which can generate complementary waveforms with fine control of key parameters such as polarity, dead band and emergency shutdown states.

It provides a cost-effective solution, saving both board space and component cost when driving FETs in motor-control and power-conversion applications. The Core Independent Peripherals (CWG, 16-bit PWMs) coupled with the Analog Peripherals (10-bit ADCs, comparator and 5-bit DAC) enable closed-loop feedback and control.

The PIC12F157X MCUs are well suited for a wide range of applications, such as lighting (e.g. indoor/outdoor LED lighting, RGB LED colour mixing); consumer (e.g. electric razors, radio-control toys); and automotive (e.g. interior LED lighting).