New family of devices offer a versatile array of CIPs to simplify complex designs

The PIC18F “K42” family, which combines an extensive array of CIPs, high-resolution analog, on-chip DMA and vectored interrupts for fast processing, is now available from Microchip. The DMA controller enables data transfers between memory space and peripherals without CPU involvement, improving system performance and lowering power consumption. When interrupts are required, vectored interrupts provide faster response times with fixed latency reducing software overhead. Code development is also simplified with the user-friendly MPLAB Code Configurator, making the family well suited for an extensive range of applications and markets, including touch sensing, automotive, industrial control, IoT, medical and white goods. The family claims to features the largest total memory of any 8-bit PIC MCU with up to 128KB Flash and 8KB RAM. CIPs simplify the implementation of common system functions like sensor interface, signal generation, power conversion, motor control, safety management and system communications. The devices features a 12-bit ADC with computation which automates analog signal analysis for real-time system response. The MCUs also include Configurable Logic Cells, low-power modes (IDLE, DOZE and Peripheral Module Disable) to reduce power consumption and improved serial communications including UART with support for asynchronous systems, DMX, DALI and LIN protocols along with higher-speed, standalone I2C and SPI. “The latest PIC18F ‘K42’ family is an important expansion to the 8-bit PIC family,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s 8-bit MCU division. “This latest family allows customers in every market space to do more with system functions performed in hardware requiring less application code and high-resolution intelligent analog for signal conditioning.”