Microchip announces a new family of microcontrollers, the PIC24FJ128GC010. This family consists of an analog system-on-chip that integrates an all-analog signal chain, including Microchip's first on-chip precision 16-bit A/D converter and a 12 Msps 10-bit A/D converter, plus a D/A converter and dual op amps. Added to this is eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology for longer battery life in portable medical and industrial applications.
This combination of analog integration and low power reduces system cost and noise, as well as improves signal performance in applications such as portable medical monitoring devices such as blood glucose and blood pressure meters, as well as industrial applications. and portable monitoring devices, such as voltage and current monitors, gas sensors, and high-speed sensor networks, among others. The PIC24FJ128GC010 family integrates an LCD display controller that offers the ability to control up to 472 segments with displays that offer a wealth of information to the user, such as the ability to provide alphanumeric drop-down menus. The built-in USB supports clinical data download for medical equipment and can function as a service/data port for industrial equipment. Capacitive touch sensing is supported by an integrated mTouch™ peripheral.
The integration of a 16-bit A/D converter, USB, and LCD into a single, low-power microcontroller enables very small form factor, battery-powered applications. The PIC24FJ128GC010 family represents a significant cost reduction over a multi-chip solution, allowing for lower noise, higher signal performance, smaller board size, and faster time-to-market.
The PIC24FJ128GC010 family is supported by the PIC24F Intelligent.Integrated.Analog Starter Kit (DM240015), which is offered at a special introductory price of $89,99 for a limited time. This kit focuses on the analog electronics that integrates the family to preserve the integrity of the signal. It provides 95% of what designers need to develop a portable analog prototype; they only have to add the sensors.
For more information, visit Microchip's Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/6T4J.
