New CLB (Configurable Logic Block) module offers tailored hardware solutions and helps eliminate the need for external logic components
Microchip Technology offers a tailored hardware solution by introducing its PIC16F13145 microcontroller family in order to cover the need for higher levels of customization in embedded applications. These microcontrollers, which incorporate a new CIP (Core Independent Peripheral) called CLB (Configurable Logic Block) module, allow you to create custom, hardware-based combinational logic functions directly inside the microcontroller. Thanks to its integration into the microcontroller, the CLB allows designers to optimize the speed and response time of embedded control systems, eliminating the need for external logic components and reducing the cost of the bill of materials and the consumption. The process is further simplified by a graphical interface tool that makes it easy to create custom logic designs with CLB. The PIC16F13145 family is designed for applications that use custom protocols, task sequencing or I/O control to manage real-time control systems in the industrial and automotive sectors.
“The CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) module has been integrated into Microchip microcontrollers for more than a decade and the new CLB module is the next step in the evolution of our customizable logic offering as it allows this family of microcontrollers to be used in applications which typically correspond to stand-alone programmable logic devices,” said Greg Robinson, vice president of Microchip's 8-bit microcontroller business unit. “Few single-chip solutions on the market today address the design challenges of embedded systems engineers like the PIC16F131 family of microcontrollers. “New microcontrollers manage tailored logic functions, minimize power consumption, simplify designs and can accommodate changing design requirements.”
Since CLB operation does not depend on the CPU clock speed, it improves system latency and provides a low-power solution. The CLB can be used to make logical decisions while the CPU is in sleep mode, thus further reducing software consumption and dependency.
The PIC16F13145 microcontrollers also include a fast 10-bit A/D converter with built-in computing, an 8-bit D/A converter, fast comparators, 8-bit and 16-bit timers, and serial communication interfaces (I2C and SPI) to enable execution of system-level tasks without the CPU. The family will be supplied in various packages with 8 to 20 pins.
