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For Immediate Release
Editorial Contact:
Eric Sells
Microchip Technology Inc.
(602) 786-7478
Reader/Literature Inquiries:
(602) 786-7668
Web: www.microchip.com
NEW MIXED-SIGNAL MICROCONTROLLERS
REDUCE SYSTEM COST WITH ADVANCED ANALOG PERIPHERALS
CHANDLER, Ariz., Sept. 11, 1998 [NASDAQ: MCHP] – Microchip Technology Inc. today
introduced two 8-bit RISC one-time-programmable (OTP) microcontrollers which provide a
complete mixed-signal system solution, substantially reducing discrete logic components, related
circuitry and overall system cost. By incorporating highly sophisticated analog peripheral
technology, the PIC16C773 and PIC16C774 allow direct precision interface to the power supply
and device under control.
“Leading engineers are carefully partitioning the embedded system into digital logic that
can take advantage of high integration and flexible non-volatile memory that can meet demands
for user interfaces which can change rapidly,” said Ron Cates, strategic marketing manager for
Microchip. “The PIC16C773 and PIC16C774 provide designers with a single-chip system
solution that complements the digital logic by merging the flexibility of OTP memory with
advanced analog functionality at a competitive 8-bit microcontroller price.”
The PIC16C773 and PIC16C774 contain a precision voltage reference (+/- 3%),
programmable brown-out detection (+/- 3%) at 50 A current and programmable low-voltage
detection (+/- 3%) at 50 A current to handle real-world microcontroller issues. The integrated
absolute voltage reference provides stable supplies for sensor devices and ratio metric conversion
from non-linear sensor waveforms. System reliability is improved with programmable brownout and low voltage detection peripherals to accommodate power supply interruptions or battery
voltage decay.
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The new microcontrollers also feature a 6- or 10-channel 12-bit (with a design target of
+/-1 LSB) analog-to-digital (A/D) converter—the most advanced analog peripheral incorporated
onto an 8-bit OTP microcontroller—to enable precision analog interface to the device under
control. Microchip achieved this innovation by employing its standard 2-poly, dual layer metal
process which allows for very accurate poly1-poly2 capacitors needed for precision analog cell
generation over all process, voltage and temperature ranges. Advanced analog functionality is
typically not found on ROM-based microcontrollers because OTP technology enables the
implementation of high precision analog technology because of similar process needs.
With 4K x 14 bits of OTP program memory, the PIC16C773 and PIC16C774 feature an
RS-485 type UART for multi-drop data acquisition applications, up to 5 MIPS performance at
20 MHz, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, and I2C or SPI communications capability for
peripheral expansion. Precision timing interfaces are accommodated through two CCP modules:
capture at 12.5 nanoseconds maximum accuracy at 16-bit resolution, compare at
200 nanoseconds maximum accuracy at 16-bit resolution and pulse-width modulation at 20 KHz
accuracy at 10-bit resolution.
Applications for the PIC16C773 and PIC16C774 range from intelligent sensors, data
acquisition, power conditioning, thermostats and environmental monitoring. Smart sensors can
use the enhanced Serial Communications Port (SCI) that supports the RS-485 multidrop protocol
used in distributed control. For IEEE1451 sensors, the Synchronous Serial Port can be used in
the standard SPI mode with software control of the remaining signals.
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“The affordable, one-time programmable (OTP) capabilities offered by the PIC16C773,
PIC16C774 and the PICmicro family solve a range of critical business problems for our
customers,” said Cates. “Engineering managers can react faster to code changes and reduce the
time required to fix bugs or respond to special customer requests for changes. OTP also reduces
the design verification cycle, which can be as long as 16 weeks with competitive ROM-based
devices. OTP and on-board programming address procurement issues by reducing and limiting
WIP liability and facilitating code revision,” Cates explained. “Microchip’s worldwide
distributors stock OTP devices, allowing customers to meet any up-side sales opportunities or
accommodate engineering changes off the shelf.”
Microchip offers the PICMASTER Universal Development System, the industry’s most
complete, fully-integrated programming development and emulation system. Operating in the
Microsoft Windows environment, the development system features the MPLAB Integrated
Development Environment, which gives users the flexibility to edit, compile and emulate all
from a single user interface--at no additional cost. The comprehensive PICMASTER is available
for $2,490 without the PRO MATE II device programmer ($3,345 with PRO MATE II). A CEcompliant version of PICMASTER is available for European applications. Low-cost PICmicro
microcontroller development is provided by PICSTART Plus, the MPLAB development
software suite and a programmer supported by assembler and simulator software tools. Other
support and development tools include fuzzy logic tools, programming support and a software
simulator.
Available in PDIP and PLCC packages, pricing for the 28-pin PIC16C773 is $5.88 each
in 1,000-unit quantities and for the 40-pin PIC16C774 is $7.10 each in 1,000-unit quantities.
Samples are available today with volume shipments planned for November 1998. For more
information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.
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Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the PICmicro family of 8-bit RISC-based
microcontrollers—with OTP, Enhanced FLASH, EEPROM and ROM memory technologies;
serial EEPROMs and related specialty memory products; and KEELOQ code hopping devices.
These products target thousands of embedded control applications in the consumer, automotive,
office automation, communications and industrial markets. Microchip’s quality systems are ISO
9001 certified. Headquartered near Phoenix in Chandler, Ariz., Microchip employs
approximately 2,200 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and
the Americas.
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Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, PICMASTER, PICSTART, PRO MATE and KEELOQ are registered trademarks of Microchip
Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. PICmicro and MPLAB are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other
countries. I2C is a trademark of Philips Corporation. SPI is a trademark of Motorola. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.