In response to the escalating demand for efficient data handling in cloud-connected edge nodes, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has introduced the PIC18-Q20 family of microcontrollers (MCUs), heralding a breakthrough as the industry’s first low pin count MCUs with Improved Inter Integrated Circuit (I3C) support. This development marks a significant stride in sustainable sensor interfacing, particularly in high data rate applications, and is poised to enhance the capabilities of next-generation devices.
The PIC18-Q20 MCUs come with up to two I3C peripherals and Multi-Voltage I/O (MVIO) in compact 14- and 20-pin packages as small as 3 x 3 mm. These microcontrollers provide an efficient solution for real-time control, touch sensing, and connectivity applications. Offering configurable peripherals, advanced communication interfaces, and seamless connection across multiple voltage domains without external components, the PIC18-Q20 MCUs are primed for applications where space, power, and performance are crucial factors.
I3C functionality, coupled with flexible peripherals and the ability to operate on three independent voltage domains, enables these MCUs to excel as auxiliary components alongside a primary MCU in larger systems. They efficiently process sensor data, manage low latency interrupts, and handle system status reporting tasks that the main MCU might struggle with. Notably, the I3C peripheral operates within a voltage range of 1.0 to 3.6V, providing adaptability and energy efficiency.
Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s 8-bit MCU business unit, emphasized the significance of this development: “One of the main barriers to large-scale IoT adoption is the cost of implementing an edge node. With the PIC18-Q20 family of MCUs, Microchip is helping to break down that barrier, enabling flexible, cost-effective scaling of IoT applications and embracing the new standard communications interface.”
Crucially, I3C technology offers higher communication rates and lower power consumption when compared to its predecessor, I2C. This advancement is achieved while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy systems. The integration of I3C and MVIO functionalities, alongside Microchip’s configurable Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), reduces system costs and design complexity. The need for external level shifters is mitigated as the MCUs support on-chip multiple voltage domains, leading to a reduction in board space.
Microchip’s PIC18-Q20 MCU family is supported by a comprehensive development ecosystem of hardware and software tools, including MPLAB® X and MPLAB Xpress Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC). This streamlined development environment simplifies implementation and code generation, significantly reducing overall development time and financial investment for developers.
To facilitate rapid prototyping and evaluation of I3C and MVIO capabilities, Microchip offers the PIC18F16Q20 Curiosity Nano Evaluation Kit—a compact, cost-effective development board designed to accelerate innovation in this groundbreaking technology.
