Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has unveiled the PIC16F13145 family of microcontrollers (MCUs), responding to the growing demand for customization in embedded applications. Equipped with the new Core Independent Peripheral (CIP) known as the Configurable Logic Block (CLB) module, these MCUs offer a hardware-based solution for creating custom combinational logic functions directly within the MCU.
Designed to optimize the speed and response time of embedded control systems, the integration of the CLB module eliminates the necessity for external logic components. This not only simplifies the design process but also contributes to a reduction in Bill of Materials (BOM) cost and power consumption. Tailored for applications in the industrial and automotive sectors, the PIC16F13145 family is geared towards scenarios requiring custom protocols, task sequencing, or I/O control for real-time control systems.
One notable feature of the CLB module is its operational independence from the CPU clock speed, enhancing system latency and providing a low-power solution. This capability allows for logical decisions even during the CPU’s sleep mode, thereby further reducing power consumption and software reliance. The MCUs also feature a fast 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with built-in computation, an 8-bit Digital-to-Analog (DAC) converter, fast comparators, 8- and 16-bit timers, and serial communication modules (I2C and SPI), enabling various system-level tasks to be executed without engaging the CPU.
Greg Robinson, Vice President of Microchip’s 8-bit microcontroller business unit, emphasized the significance of the CLB module, stating, “The new CLB module is the next step in the evolution of our customizable logic offering, enabling this family of MCUs to be utilized in applications that are typically the domain of standalone programmable logic devices.”
To streamline the development process, a graphical interface tool assists in synthesizing custom logic designs using the CLB. Supported by the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), a free software plug-in within MPLAB X IDE, the PIC16F13145 family provides an easy GUI-based interface to configure the device and on-board peripherals, including the CLB. Advanced users have the option to employ Hardware Description Language (HDL).
Microchip Technology offers the PIC16F13145 family in various packages, ranging from 8 pins to 20 pins. Complementing the family is the PIC16F131 Curiosity Nano Evaluation Kit, designed to provide complete support for designing with the PIC16F131 family and ensuring a seamless embedded development experience with reduced time to market.
The PIC16F131 MCUs are currently available, with prices starting at $0.47 each in 10,000-unit quantities, presenting an affordable and efficient solution for embedded engineers addressing design challenges in the current market.
