06-10-2023 | Microchip Technology | Semiconductors
Leading the way in I3C integration, Microchip Technology now offers its PIC18-Q20 family of MCUs, the industry's first low-pin count MCUs with up to two I3C peripherals and MVIO. Available in 14- and 20-pin packages as small as 3mm x 3mm, the MCUs are a compact solution for real-time control, touch sensing and connectivity applications. The MCUs provide configurable peripherals, advanced communication interfaces and easy connection across numerous voltage domains without external components.
With I3C functionality, flexible peripherals and the ability to perform on three independent voltage domains, the MCUs are ideal to be used in conjunction with a primary MCU in a larger overall system. This family of MCUs can accomplish tasks such as processing sensor data, handling low latency interrupts and system status reporting that the main MCU cannot perform as efficiently. While the CPU runs at a different voltage domain, the I3C peripheral operates from 1V to 3.6V. These low-power, small-form-factor MCUs can be used in various space-sensitive applications and markets, including automotive, industrial control, computing, consumer, IoT and medical.
"One of the main barriers to large-scale IoT adoption is the cost of implementing an edge node. With the PIC18-Q20 family of MCUs, Microchip is helping to break down that barrier," said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip's 8-bit MCU business unit. "By introducing the industry's first low pin count MCU with I3C, we are enabling flexible, cost-effective scaling of IoT applications and embracing the new standard communications interface." As the market shifts to demand higher performance solutions with lower power and smaller size, I3C helps designers and software developers address these potentially challenging requirements.
Compared to I2C, I3C provides higher communication rates and lower power consumption, all while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy systems. The I3C and MVIO functionality, combined with the company's configurable CIPs, allow for lower system costs, reduced design complexity, and reduced board space by replacing external level shifters with on-chip multiple voltage domains.
The MCU family is supported by the company's full development ecosystem of hardware and software tools, including its MPLAB X and MPLAB Xpress IDEs and MPLAB Code Configurator. Its development environment is straightforward and makes it easier to implement and generate code, allowing for a reduction in overall development time and reduced financial investment.
Developers can quickly evaluate I3C and MVIO capabilities on the PIC18-Q20 using the company's PIC18F16Q20 Curiosity Nano Evaluation Kit – a compact, cost-effective development board for rapid prototyping.
