This has been made possible by the integration of the Programmable Ramp Generator (PRG), which automates slope and ramp compensation and increases stability and efficiency in hybrid power conversion applications. The PRG provides real-time responses to system changes, down to nanoseconds, without CPU interaction and for multiple independent power channels. This allows customers to reduce latency and the number of components, as well as improve system efficiency.
The PIC16(L)F1769 family includes intelligent analog and digital peripherals, including tri-state operational amplifiers, 10-bit A/D converters, 5- and 10-bit D/A converters, 10- and 16-bit PWM, and high-speed comparators, as well as two 100 mA high-current I/Os. The combination of these integrated peripherals helps meet the demand for multiple independent closed-loop power channels and system management, while also providing an 8-bit platform that simplifies design, enables greater efficiency and increased performance, and helps eliminate numerous discrete components in power conversion systems.
Along with power conversion peripherals, these PIC microcontrollers incorporate a unique hardware-based LED dimming control function thanks to the interconnections of the Data Signal Modulator (DSM), operational amplifiers, and
16-bit PWM. The combination of these peripherals creates an LED dimming engine that synchronizes switching control and eliminates both excess and shunt current to the LED. Synchronized output switching helps to smooth dimming, minimize color shifts, increase LED lifespan, and reduce heat. This family also includes Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) such as the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Complementary Output Generator (COG), and Zero Cross Detect (ZCD). These CIPs take the capabilities of the 8-bit PIC microcontroller to a new level, as they are designed to handle tasks without code or CPU supervision to maintain operation after initial configuration. As a result, they simplify the implementation of complex control systems and offer designers the flexibility to innovate. The CLC peripheral allows designers to create custom logic interconnects for each application, reducing interrupt latency, saving code space, and adding functionality. The COG peripheral is a powerful waveform generator that can generate complementary waveforms with precise control of key parameters such as phase, deadband, erase, emergency shutdown states, and error recovery strategies. It offers a cost-effective solution that saves board space and component costs. The ZCD detects when a high-voltage AC signal crosses ground, making it ideal for TRIAC control functions.
These new 8-bit PIC microcontrollers offer multiple independent closed-loop power channels and system management, making them attractive for power supplies, battery management, LED lighting, automotive interior/exterior lighting, and other general-purpose applications. In addition to these features, the family offers EUSART, I2C™/SPI, and eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology and is available in small form factor 14- and 20-pin packages.
The PIC16(L)F1769 family is supported by Microchip's standard suite of premium development tools, including the MPLAB® ICD 3 (DV164035) priced at $199.95; the PICkit™ 3 (PG164130) at $47.95; and the MPLAB Code Configurator, which connects to Microchip's free MPLAB X integrated development environment and provides a graphical method for configuring 8-bit systems and peripheral functions, thus taking designers from concept to prototype in minutes through efficient automatic generation and easy modification of C code for each application.
The PIC(L)F1764, PIC(L)F1765, PIC16(L)F1768 and PIC(L)F1769 models are now available for sampling in 14- and 20-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP, TSSOP and QFN packages, while volume production is planned for March.
