Microchip introduces a new family of 16-bit PIC24 Lite microcontrollers

Microchip Technology announced the launch of a new family of 16-bit PIC24 Lite microcontroller (MCU) that combines ultra-low power (XLP) technology, low price, and low pin count packages, making it ideal for the most cost-sensitive applications in consumer, medical, and security. The PIC24F "KL" series has a typical hibernation current of 30 nA at 25 ° C and a typical operating current of 150 μA/MHz at 1.8V. To optimize low-cost applications, these products include flexible peripherals such as the Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) to help designers configure I2C™ or SPI interfaces. And Enhanced Capture/Compare /PWM (ECCP) peripherals that enable designers to customize multiple PWM and input capture configurations. The "KL" series products are available in 14-pin, 20-pin and 28-pin packages.

Today's manufacturers are under intense pressure to reduce costs while offering more advanced, low-power products. The PIC24 "KL" MCU combines rich features in a low-pin number package, thus providing an ideal entry-level 16-bit solution for low-cost electronic toys, electric shavers, portable blood pressure monitors, and other applications that require less I/O and storage capacity. MCUS with up to 16 MIPS execution have a flexible set of peripherals that help make customers' products stand out in the market while keeping costs low.

"The PIC24F 'KL' family was developed for cost-sensitive applications that require 16-bit performance, sleep, and an extremely low-power, low-pin number package in operation mode," said Mitch Obolsky, Microchip's vice president of Advanced MCU Architecture. Our new MCUS address these needs for the most cost-sensitive applications."

Development tool support

Customers who wish to develop with the PIC24F "KL" MCU can now purchase the USB-powered PIC24FK 3V K-Series Microstick (part number DM240013-1). This easy-to-use development platform has all the features designers need to get started with PIC24F "KL" MCUS, including an on-board debugger/programmer and a device under Test (DUT) socket for easy replaceable devices. The development platform, about half the size of a credit card, is so portable that it can be plugged into a prototype board. The Microstick comes with a USB cable, the array pins used in the prototype board, and the PIC24F16KL402 and PIC24F16KA102 MCUS. It is supported by Microchip's free MPLAB® Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and is compatible with all 3V PIC24F K-series MCUS in 28-pin SPDIP packages.