Microchip introduces universal 8-bit microcontroller

     Microchip Technology announced at the Embedded World Conference in Germany that its new 8-bit single-chip microcomputer (MCU) family featuring a new generation of analog and digital peripherals is ideal for general-purpose applications, as well as battery charging, LED lighting, ballast control, power conversion and system control applications. The PIC12F(HV)752 MCU integrates complementary output generator (COG) peripherals to provide non-overlapping complementary waveforms for inputs such as comparators and pulse width modulation (PWM) peripherals, while implementing dead zone control, automatic shutdown, automatic reset, phase control, and blanking control.

     In addition, the new MCU is equipped with 1.75 KB self-read program memory, 64 bytes of RAM, 10-bit ADC on chip, capture/compare /PWM module, high-performance comparator (response time below 40 ns), and two 50 mA drive capacity I/ OS, helping engineers improve overall system functionality and reduce costs.

     Engineers are always faced with the challenge of reducing system costs while improving system performance and efficiency, especially in recent LED lighting and battery charging applications. The PIC12F(HV)752 MCU meets these needs with a wide range of on-chip general-purpose and dedicated peripherals, including an integrated COG, high-performance comparator, and 50 mA output that directly drives the MOSFETs. The PIC12HV752 MCU is a high-voltage device in this family that integrates a shunt regulator to enable the device to operate at 2V up to an unspecified user-defined maximum voltage with an operating current of less than 2 mA. This high-voltage device is ideal for cost-sensitive applications using high-voltage power rails. In addition, a 4-channel 10-bit ADC can be used to enable a variety of sensor and mTouch™ touch sensing applications, including capacitive touch.

     "With numerous peripheral enhancements such as the new COG and 50 mA drive capability, the PIC12F752 MCU provides high-efficiency power conversion for applications such as LED lighting and battery charging," said Steve Drehobl, Microchip's vice president of security, Microcontroller and technology Development. While remaining a versatile product family, the PIC12F752 MCU provides a versatile platform for integrating intelligence in a variety of applications. Whether used in lighting, power or appliance applications, these MCUS can achieve greater efficiency, lower costs and improve the user experience."