LOW PIN COUNT, GENERAL-PURPOSE EIGHT-BIT PIC FAMILY
EXPANDED
Microchip Technology Inc., has announced expansion of its eight-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
offload timing-critical and core-intensive tasks from the
CPU, allowing it to focus on other application tasks.
Additionally, 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 (stall, stop, etc.),
simplifying closed-loop control applications. These
peripherals make it easier for designers to implement
safety standards (e.g., UL and 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 (e.g., industrial machinery,
The PIC16(L)F161X family is supported by
Microchip’s standard suite of development tools,
including the MPLAB® ICD 3 (part DV164035,
$189.99) and PICkit™ 3 (part PG164130, $44.95)
programmer/debuggers, along with the PICkit™ 3
Low Pin Count Demo Board (part DM164130-9,
$25.99).
THREE-WHEEL ROBOT
PLATFORM KIT
ServoCity is now offering a new three-wheel robot platform. This kit includes all the mechanical parts
needed to build an omni-directional robot. Complete with
large 6” diameter drive wheels with rubber lips, it offers
fantastic traction. The ball bearing swivel along with the ball
bearing supported 4” wheel at the rear enables smooth
turning transitions.
The chassis can easily be reconfigured for various
applications and accepts all Actobotics™ components. The
included motor mounts are compatible with ServoCity’s
3V-12V gearmotors and 6V-12V precision gearmotors
(drive motors sold separately). Users can incorporate many
types of drive motors by simply switching out the motor
mounts. Retail price is US$79.99.
80 April 2014
Continued from page 19
For more information, contact:
Microchip Technology, Inc.
Web: www.microchip.com
For more information, contact:
ServoCity
Web: www.servocity.com
■ NEW PRODUCTS