Low-cost USB microcontrollers
9 July 2008
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip has announced a new family of 8-bit PIC microcontrollers for USB applications.
The PIC18F13K50 and PIC18F14K50 are the lowest-cost USB microcontrollers from Microchip and provide many features not normally found on inexpensive 8-bit microcontrollers. The new devices 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 MCUs 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 microcontrollers 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 13K50 has 8 KB Flash and 512 Bytes of RAM memory, while the 14K50 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. The Low Pin Count USB Development Kit with PICkit 2 includes populated and unpopulated reference-design boards, a PICkit 2 debugger/programmer, a CD with tutorials and other supporting materials. If a PICkit 2 is not required, Microchip also offers the Low Pin Count USB Development Kit. This kit includes the boards, CD and supporting materials only.
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