Two new 8-bit PIC® microcontrollers from Microchip Technology Inc., the PIC16F527 and PIC16F570, combine the ease-of-use of a PIC MCU with low-cost analog peripherals to create a well-integrated, cost-effective family suitable for a wide range of applications. With an on-chip dual Op Amp module, 8-bit ADC and two comparators, these MCUs are ideal for systems that require signal conditioning and amplification to interpret analog inputs.
The PIC16F527 and PIC16F570 employ a small and highly efficient 8-bit architecture, and add several features to support ease of use and system robustness. The all-new hardware interrupt capability gives designers the freedom to implement more complex functions without adding software overhead, while an integrated Brown-Out Reset (BOR) can detect faults in system power and safely reset the MCU to avoid memory corruption. The two MCUs also feature self-read/write program Flash memory, which allows for high-use data EEPROM functionality. These key features, along with the integration of commonly used analog peripherals, make the PIC16F527 and PIC16F570 well suited for a number of low-cost sensor products, such as smoke detectors, carbon-monoxide detectors, photo sensors and automotive sensor-interface modules.
The PIC16F527 MCU is offered in 20-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages, and is available today for sampling and volume production, starting at $0.47 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC16F570 is offered in 28-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages, and is expected to be available in June for sampling and volume production, starting at $0.57 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
