Microchip Expands Low Pin Count, Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit PIC® Microcontroller (MCU) Family

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced the latest additions to its Enhanced Mid-Range core 8-bit PIC^® microcontroller (MCU) family—the peripheral-rich, low pin count PIC12F(LF)1840 and PIC16F(LF)1847. Featuring 7 KB and 14 KB of on-chip Flash memory, respectively, and up to 1 KB RAM, the new devices are the highest-memory PIC^® MCUs in 8- and 18-pin packages. The "LF” versions feature eXtreme Low Power (XLP) Technology, for active currents of less than 40 µA/MHz and sleep currents down to 20 nA. With their high level of peripherals and features, including mTouch™ capacitive touch-sensing and multiple communications peripherals, these general-purpose MCUs are well suited for a wide range of applications in the appliance (e.g. coffee makers, blenders, dishwashers); consumer (e.g. battery chargers, vacuum cleaners, printers, remote controls); and automotive markets (e.g. LED lighting, keyless entry, body electronics), among others.

Microchip’s eXtreme Low Power Technology remains the industry standard for battery-friendly MCUs, helping to improve overall energy efficiency in a variety of applications. The PIC12F(LF)1840 and PIC16F(LF)1847 MCUs are highly integrated, featuring multiple PWMs with independent time bases, a LIN-capable EUSART, and up to two I²C™/SPI interfaces. The on-chip, 32-level Voltage Reference can be used as a simple Digital-to-Analog Converter, and the Data Signal Modulator enables designers to create custom bit patterns using a broad spectrum of inputs.

"The PIC12F(LF)1840 and PIC16F(LF)1847 demonstrate our commitment to low power, and providing our customers with the most energy-efficient devices on the market,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "The new MCUs’ combination of large memories, low power consumption and innovative peripherals give our customers the tools they need to extend battery life, reduce board space and, most importantly, lower their bill-of-materials costs.”

Development Support

The PIC12F(LF)1840 MCUs are supported by the PICkit™ 2 Low Pin Count Demo Board (part # DM164120-1, $23.99), while the PIC16F(LF)1847 MCUs are supported by the PICkit 18-pin Demo Board (part # DM164120-4, $23.99). All of the devices are supported by the PICkit 3 (part # PG164130, $44.95) and MPLAB^® ICD 3 (part # DV164035, $189.99) debugger/programmers, as well as the PICDEM™ Lab Development Kit (part # DM163035, $124.99). The latter comes complete with a development board containing five popular 8-bit PIC MCUs; a bag of discrete components; a debugger/programmer and a CD containing a User’s Guide, labs and application examples. All of these tools can be purchased today, at microchipDIRECT (http://www.microchip.com/get/L0QX).

Packaging, Pricing & Availability

The PIC12F(LF)1840 MCUs are available in 8-pin PDIP, SOIC and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN SOIC packages, for $0.75 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC16F(LF)1847 MCUs are available in 18-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and 4 mm x 4 mm UQFN packages, for $1.04 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/MUP6. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip’s authorized distribution partners.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip Web site (http://www.microchip.com/get/P0PE).

Note: The Microchip name and logo, MPLAB, and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries. mTouch, PICDEM, and PICkit are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A., and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

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Tags / Keywords: Microchip, MCHP, PIC, microcontroller, MCU, 8-bit, extreme low power, XLP, energy efficient, touch sensing, low pin count

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