Microchip Introduces New PIC16F18446 Series Microcontrollers
Microchip Technology Inc., a supplier of integrated microcontrollers, mixed-signal, analog devices and flash memory solutions, has introduced two new microcontroller families designed for customer innovation: the PIC16F18446 series and the ATmega4809.
Microchip Technology Inc. (New Microchip Technology Inc.) introduces the new PIC16F18446 family of microcontrollers that are ideal for sensor nodes. Considering the flexibility required in the application, the PIC16F18446 and its integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC2) have an operating voltage range of 1.8 to 5V and are compatible with most analog output and digital sensors. The 12-bit ADC2 automatically filters to provide more accurate analog sensor readings and ultimately deliver higher quality end user data. Since this ADC2 wakes up the core on demand, rather than on a predetermined schedule, this reduces the power consumption of the system, making the MCU ideal for battery-powered applications. In addition, this feature allows the sensor node to operate with a small battery, reducing end-user maintenance costs and overall design footprint.
The release of the ATmega4809 is a new family of megaAVR® microcontrollers that create high-response command and control applications. Its integrated high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has the processing power to speed up analog signal conversion for a deterministic system response.
As the first megaAVR device to include a core-independent peripheral (CIP), the ATmega4809 can perform tasks through hardware rather than software. This reduces the amount of code and dramatically reduces the amount of software work, which speeds time-to-market. For example, configurable custom logic (CCL) peripherals can be connected to a custom external trigger combination through hardware without interrupting the core, reducing power consumption while reducing response time.
In addition, the ATmega4809 can be added to the system to enable a variety of functions that can be provided by more complex microprocessor-based (MPU) designs. By using CIP to execute command and control tasks in the MCU without using the MPU, the risk of response delay is greatly reduced, resulting in a better end-user experience. The ATmega4809 was selected as the onboard microcontroller for the next-generation Arduino development board. Adding ATmega4809 devices to the board saves developers time to write code so they can spend more time focusing on innovation. Hardware-based CIP makes design creation more efficient, and the transition from project development to mass production is easier than ever. Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's 8-bit MCU product division, said: "The new generation of Arduino development board uses ATmega4809 devices, which not only strengthens the cooperation between the two companies, but also brings the advantages of CIP and intelligent simulation to the Arduino platform."
The PIC16F18446 microcontroller family is compatible with MPLABPICkitTM4 (part number: PG164140) and is Microchip's newest online tool for low-cost programming and debugging. The Curiosity Development Board (part number: DM164137) is a feature-rich, rapid prototyping board that also helps designers build on these MCUs. Both development tools are supported by the MPLABX Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the MPLABXpress Cloud IDE. In addition, Microchip offers the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC). As a free software plug-in, it provides a graphical interface to help designers configure a variety of peripherals and features for any application.
With the ATmega4809XplainedPro (part number: ATmega4809-XPRO) evaluation kit, designers can quickly complete prototyping based on the ATmega4809. This USB-powered kit features touch buttons, LEDs, expansion headers for quick installation, and an onboard programmer/debugger that integrates seamlessly with AtmelStudio7 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and AtmelSTART. AtmelSTART is a free online tool for configuring peripherals and software to speed development. The Curiosity Development Board and the ATmega4809XplainedPro Evaluation Kit include a mikroBUSTM-compatible socket for easy addition of sensors, actuators or communication interfaces in the MikroelektronikaclickboardsTM expansion board library.
The PIC16F18446 and ATmega4809 family of devices are available now in volume quantities, offering a wide range of memory capacities, pin counts and package options. The MPLABPICkit4 programmer/debugger, the Curiosity development board, and the ATmega4809XplainedPro evaluation kit are also available, providing powerful technical support to microcontroller developers.