Microchip announces, from Embedded World, an expansion of its 8-bit PIC® microcontroller (MCU) portfolio, with the peripheral-rich, low pin-count PIC16(L) F161X
family. These new MCUs expand the offering of Microchip’s Core Independent Peripherals (CIP), which off-load timing-critical and core-intensive tasks from the CPU, allowing it to focus on other application tasks. In addition, this family integrates fault-detecting hardware features to assist engineers in developing safety-critical applications.
The PIC16(L)F161X family offers a variety of key features, including the Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), which monitors proper software operation within predefined limits, improving reliability. The Cyclic Redundancy Check with Memory Scan (CRC/SCAN) detects and scans memory for corrupted data. This family also includes a Hardware Limit Timer (HLT), which detects hardware fault conditions, including stall and stop, to simplify closed-loop-control applications. These peripherals make it easier for designers to implement safety standards such as UL & class B, or fail-safe operation.
In addition to the HLT, the PIC16(L)F161X features the unique, 24-bit Signal Measurement Timer (SMT). The SMT performs high-resolution measurements of any digital signal, in hardware, resulting in more precise and accurate measurements. This is ideal for speed control, range finding and RPM indicators. Both timers are designed to reduce design complexity, by eliminating the need for additional code and external components.
This high level of integration makes these MCUs appealing to a broad range of applications, such as monitoring and fail-safe systems including industrial machinery and power supplies; as well as products with variable-speed motor control such as fans and home appliances.
Microchip Technology
www.microchip.com/get/VDLM