Microchip has released to market two new Flash PIC microcontrollers, the PIC18F2450 and PIC18F4450, with full USB 2.0 connectivity for 12 Mbps data-transfer rates, and 12 MIPS (48 MHz) processing performance. Combined with a wide variety of on-chip peripherals, nanoWatt technology power management, and self-programmable Flash memory, the company says that these features provide a complete solution for designers working with USB in industrial, medical and many other embedded applications.
Many USB-capable microcontrollers are optimised for applications in PC peripherals and consumer markets, rather than for embedded designs. Microchip's new USB PIC microcontroller family makes the benefits of full-speed USB available to a broader range of embedded applications that operate in harsh environments and only occasionally connect to personal computers. Some applications that may benefit from the USB PIC microcontrollers include industrial data-logging, timing and analysis tools; battery-powered handheld devices; and fire, security, home-automation and back-up (UPS) systems.
The two microcontrollers feature 16 KB of self-programmable enhanced Flash memory, which allows field upgrades for end applications via the USB port. This Flash technology provides endurance to 100 000 erase/write cycles and data retention of more than 40 years. The PIC18F2450 comes in 28-pin SOIC, SDIP and QFN while the PIC18F4450 comes in 40-pin DIP; 44-pin TQFP and QFN.
One area of concern for many USB-application designers is the quantity and quality of available firmware support. Microchip has a set of libraries for the most common application classes, including the human interface device (HID), communication device class (CDC) and custom drivers. A useful application note 'Migrating Applications to USB from RS-232 UART with Minimal Impact on PC Software' for migrating legacy serial applications is available from the company.
Analysis of switch-mode power supply: inductor violations Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
Common switch-mode power supply (SMPS) design errors are discussed, and their appropriate rectification is specified, with details on complications that arise with the power stage design of DC-DC switching regulators.
Read more...Microsoft Windows IoT on ARM Altron Arrow
Computer/Embedded Technology
This expansion means that the Windows IoT ecosystem can now harness the power of ARM processors, known for their energy efficiency and versatility.
Read more...The 8-bit survival syndrome – Part 2
DSP, Micros & Memory
Just like the 4-bit pre-microcontroller, the 8-bit MCU has been finding ways to stick around. Their features and speeds have been improving, offering competitive reasons to work with them.
Read more...Microchip introduces ECC608 TrustMANAGER Altron Arrow
Circuit & System Protection
To increase security on IoT products and facilitate easier setup and management, Microchip Technology has added the ECC608 TrustMANAGER with Kudelski IoT keySTREAM, Software as a Service (SaaS) to its Trust Platform portfolio of devices, services and tools.
Read more...Enhanced code protection for USB µC portfolio Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
To help easily incorporate USB power and communication functionality into embedded systems, Microchip Technology has launched the AVR DU family of microcontrollers.
Read more...General-purpose MCU with RISC-V architecture EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
Renesas has released a general-purpose MCU to enhance its existing RISC-V portfolio, and this is its first MCU using a RISC-V core developed internally at the company.
Read more...8-bit MCU with I3C support Avnet Silica
DSP, Micros & Memory
The PIC18-Q20 8-bit microcontrollers from Microchip easily interface with devices operating in multiple voltage domains, and the built-in I3C interface supports higher-speed and lower-power data transfers than I2C.
Read more...SolidRun unveils new SoM Altron Arrow
AI & ML
SolidRun and Hailo has unveiled a game-changer for engineers and AI product developers with the launch of their market-ready SoM, which packs the cutting-edge capabilities of the Hailo-15H SoC.