Improve response time to critical system events on CAN networks

Microchip has expanded to the PIC18 product line with a new family of 8-bit MCUs that combine a CAN bus with an extensive array of CIPs. The CIPs increase system capabilities while making it easier for designers to create CAN-based applications without the complexity of added software. A key advantage of using a K83 MCU in CAN-based systems is that the CIPs provide deterministic response to real-time events, shorten design time and can be easily configured through the MCC tool. The new family is ideal for applications using CAN in the medical, industrial and automotive markets, such as motorised surgical tables, asset tracking, ultrasound machines, automated conveyors and automotive accessories. The CIPs enable system designers to reduce time-to-market with fast configuration of a hardware-based peripheral rather than writing and validating an entire software routine to accomplish a task. The PIC18 K83 devices contain 15 time-saving CIPs including CRC with memory scan for ensuring the integrity of non-volatile memory; DMA enabling data transfers between memory and peripherals without CPU involvement; WWDT for triggering system resets; 12-bit ADC with Computation (ADC2) for automating analogue signal analysis for real-time system response; and CWG enabling high-efficiency synchronous switching for motor control. The new products are supported by MCC, a free software plug-in that provides a graphical interface to configure peripherals and functions specific to each application. MCC is incorporated into the company’s downloadable MPLAB X IDE and the cloud-based MPLAB Xpress IDE.