Low-cost USB microcontrollers
23 July 2008
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip has released a new family of 8-bit PIC microcontrollers for USB applications.
The PIC18F13K50 and PIC18F14K50 are the company's lowest-cost USB microcontrollers and are supported by Microchip's free USB software stack and free MPLAB IDE, which provides a consistent development platform across all PIC microcontrollers.
More engineers are taking advantage of USB as a standardised interface, in combination with other serial-interface protocols. The PIC18F1XK50 micro-controllers include I²C, SPI and USART interfaces, alongside USB 2.0, enabling them to transfer data between USB and other embedded serial networks. In addition, they provide a 10-bit, 9-channel analog-to-digital converter and dual comparators with S/R Latch, giving users the capability to process a variety of inputs - from temperature and humidity to capacitive touch-sensing.
Additional features include a USB host-detection capability, where the MCU can be configured to enter sleep or any other power-managed mode when a USB connection is not present. The new MCUs can also be internally or externally clocked with seamless on-the-fly switching, bringing further power saving options. With an operating voltage range of 1,8-5,5 V, they are designed for use with a wide variety of operating environments and power supplies, including batteries, USB interfaces or other power sources.
The PIC18F13K50 has 8 KB Flash and 512 Bytes of RAM memory, and the PIC18F14K50 has 16 KB Flash and 768 Bytes of RAM. Both devices have 256 Bytes of EEPROM for non-volatile data storage.
Microchip also announced two new development kits, to help engineers get started using the PIC18FK50 in their designs.
Further reading:
ESP32-S31 for advanced IoT
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
At the heart of the device is a dual-core 32-bit RISC-V MCU operating at up to 320 MHz, delivering 6,86 CoreMark/MHz performance with MMU support for efficient memory management.
Read more...
Cortex-M33 performance for cost-sensitive designs
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
The STM32C5 series from STMicroelectronics introduces a new generation of entry-level microcontrollers engineered to deliver enhanced processing capability, modern security, and cost-effective scalability for connected embedded applications.
Read more...
Memory shortage 2026: Engineering implications for South Africa
DSP, Micros & Memory
[Sponsored] Addressing this challenge requires system-level thinking and adoption with McKinsey Electronics providing the engineering and sourcing framework required to maintain system resilience despite ongoing global constraints.
Read more...
Cost-effective microcontroller series
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
The STM32C5 series from STMicroelectronics delivers an excellent balance of performance, efficiency, and affordability for embedded designs that require more capability without increasing bill of materials cost.
Read more...
Battery-friendly Thread and BLE solution
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
Positioned as an incremental upgrade to the ESP32-H2, Espressif’s ESP32-H21 adds an integrated DC-DC converter that reduces active current draw and helps extend battery life in power-sensitive consumer and industrial devices.
Read more...
Next generation HMI processing platform
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s latest hybrid MCU SiP integrates an Arm926EJ-S processor with 512 Mb of DDR2 SDRAM and is engineered to meet the rising demand for sophisticated HMI solutions in modern vehicles.
Read more...
Low-power SoC for IoT designs
iCorp Technologies
DSP, Micros & Memory
Espressif’s ESP32-H4 is a dual-core 32-bit RISC-V SoC designed for battery-powered wireless products that require low energy consumption, strong security, and modern connectivity.
Read more...
Chip for high-density power
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s dsPIC33AK256MPS306 Digital Signal Controllers combine high-resolution control, high-speed analogue, and security with support for post-quantum cryptography.
Read more...
The end of ‘entry-level’: STMicroelectronics’ STM32C5 sets a new baseline for embedded systems
DSP, Micros & Memory
[Sponsored] Instead of incrementally improving legacy Cortex-M0+ architectures, STM32C5 introduces a Cortex-M33-based platform into the entry-level category. This changes not only performance expectations, but also how engineers approach system architecture, consolidation, and long-term scalability.
Read more...
Cost-efficient wireless MCU
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
The STMicroelectronics STM32WBA2 is a cost-effective, low-power wireless microcontroller designed for energy-sensitive IoT applications.
Read more...
printer friendly version