New Mixed-Signal Microcontrollers Reduce System Cost With Advanced Analog Peripherals.

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 1998--Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MCHP) Thursday 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 microamps current and programmable low-voltage detection (+/- 3%) at 50 microamps 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 brown-out and low voltage detection peripherals to accommodate power supply interruptions or battery voltage decay.

The new microcontrollers also feature a 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(TM) or SPI(TM) 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.

"The affordable, one-time programmable (OTP) capabilities offered by the PIC16C773, PIC16C774 and the PICmicro(TM) 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(R) Universal Development System, the industry's most complete, fully-integrated programming development and emulation system. Operating in the Microsoft Windows(R) environment, the development system features the MPLAB(TM) 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(R) II device programmer ($3,345 with PRO MATE II). A CE-compliant version of PICMASTER is available for European applications.

Low-cost PICmicro microcontroller development is provided by PICSTART(R) Plus, the MPLAB(TM) 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 $4.22 each in 1,000-unit quantities and for the 40-pin PIC16C774 is $5.10 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.

Microchip Technology Inc. manufactures the PICmicro(TM) 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(R) 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, Microchip employs approximately 2,200 people worldwide and has sales offices throughout Asia, Europe, Japan and the Americas.

Note to Editors: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, PICMASTER, PICSTART, PRO MATE and KEELOQ are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. PICmicro and MPLAB are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. I2C is a trademark of Philips Corp. SPI is a trademark of Motorola. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Microchip Technology Inc., Chandler

Eric Sells, 602/786-7478 (Editors)

Reader/Literature Inquiries, 602/786-7668

Web: www.microchip.com