Microchip expands its range of PIC24 Lite microcontrollers with advanced analog integration and 5V operation

Microchip announces a new addition to its line of 16-bit PIC® microcontrollers with the low-cost PIC24F "KM" family. This family offers up to 16 KB Flash, 2 KB RAM, and 512 bytes EEPROM, as well as advanced analog integration, with a reduced pin count for cost-sensitive applications in automotive, consumer, medical, and industrial. The PIC24F "KM" family » provides a new level of integrated analog functionality such as a 12-bit A/D converter with threshold detection, 8-bit D/A converters for analog control loops and precision comparator references, as well as op amps that help amplify the sensor signal. The PIC24 “KM” microcontrollers are the first to incorporate the new MCCP (Multiple-output Capture Compare PWM Module) and SCCP (Single-output Capture Compare PWM Module) peripherals, which integrate timers and advanced PWM control for motor control applications, power supplies and lighting. The MCCP and SCCP modules combine timers, input capture, output comparison, and PWM functions into a single time base to maximize flexibility. These modules include support for 16/32 bit timers and can work with a high-speed clock to increase resolution thanks to their ability to work asynchronously. It also allows automatic operation in sleep mode to optimize energy consumption. This is also the first PIC24 family to offer a CLC (Configurable Logic Cell) for further integrated peripheral interfacing. The CLC module makes it easy to create custom on-chip real-time logic functions and is supported by the CLC configuration tool, which helps you code the circuit graphically instead of in assembler or C, This saves programmers time. In addition to integrating advanced peripherals, the "KM" family includes support for 3V and 5V applications. Many customers prefer 3V operation in portable battery powered applications and all 3V 'KM' products incorporate eXtreme Low Power XLP to optimize battery life. Other customers prefer 5V with versions of the PIC24FV16KM product for applications where higher dynamic range, noise immunity, and robustness are key factors. The PIC24F "KM" with its extremely low power consumption and advanced analog integration is an excellent solution for customers working on cost sensitive applications such as flow meters, smoke detectors, brushless DC and stepper motors, LED dimming , battery charging, environmental sensors and portable disposable medical products. Customers can get started developing with 24V PIC3F "KM" microcontrollers with the Microstick for 24V PIC3F "K" Series (DM240013-1), which is priced at $34,95. Customers who want to develop with the 24V PIC5FV "KM" microcontrollers can purchase the Microstick for 24V PIC5F "K" series (DM240013-2) priced at $29,95. Both Microsticks are powered by USB and have a built-in debugger/programmer, so they don't need an external programmer. They also include a DUT (Device-Under-Test) socket for easy device switching and can be connected to a prototyping board. These Microsticks are supported by Microchip's free MPLAB® X IDE environment and are compatible with 24V and 3V PIC5F “K” series microcontrollers in 28-pin SPDIP packages. From now until September 2013, the Microstick for the 5V PIC24F "K" series (DM240013-2) has a special launch price of $19,99