Tag Archives: PIC mcu


Interfacing AC power lines with PIC microcontrollers

Applications like automatic power factor correction, power measurement, and power line monitor require interfacing the high voltage AC power lines to microcontrollers. This application note from Microchip describes a simple method for measuring parameters from the AC power line by using only one external resistor, and is more reliable than using a bulky and expensive transformer. This method takes advantage of the input static protection circuitry that exists on I/O pins of a CMOS PIC16C5X. These protection circuits are designed to short the inputs to the power supplies when a large overvoltage is applied, thus protecting the chip from static electricity spikes.

Input static protection circuitry on PIC I/O pin

 

New 8-bit PIC microcontrollers feature advanced analog and digital integration

There is a good news for PIC fans. Microchip Technology, Inc. has recently announced the expansion of its 8-bit enhanced Mid-range core microcontroller (MCU) family to include advanced analog and digital integration, such as 12-bit A/D converter, 8-bit DAC, Op-Amps with Rail-to-Rail input/output, and high-performance Rail-to-Rail comparators.

Key peripherals in the new 8-bit PIC MCUs

CHANDLER, Ariz., March 26, 2012 [NASDAQ:  MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced from DESIGN West in San Jose  the expansion of its 8-bit PIC16F(LF)178X enhanced Mid-range core microcontroller (MCU) family to include advanced analog and integrated communication peripherals, such as on-chip 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), 8-bit Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), operational amplifiers, and high-speed comparators, along with EUSART (including LIN), I2C™ and SPI interface peripherals.  The MCUs also feature the industry’s best level of advanced PWM control and accuracy via the new Programmable Switch-Mode Controllers (PSMCs).  This combination of features enables higher efficiency and performance, along with cost and space reductions in applications such as closed-loop control in power supplies, and lighting.  The “LF” versions of the MCUs feature eXtreme Low Power Technology, for active and sleep currents of just 32 µA/MHz and 50 nA, respectively, helping to extend battery life and reduce standby current consumption.  Low power consumption and advanced analog and digital integration make the general-purpose PIC16F(LF)178X MCUs ideal for LED lighting, battery management, digital power supply, motor control and other applications.

More details of the story can be found here.

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