These microcontrollers, which integrate a dual integrated operational amplifier module, an 8-bit A/D converter and two comparators, are ideal for systems that require signal conditioning and amplification to interpret analog inputs.
The PIC16F527 and PIC16F570, which employ a small, high-efficiency 8-bit architecture, add several features that enhance ease of use and system robustness. This all-new hardware interrupt capability gives designers the freedom to implement more complex functions without adding software, while the Brown-Out Reset (BOR) function can detect system power failures and safely reset the microcontroller to prevent memory corruption. Both microcontrollers also incorporate self-reading/write program Flash memory, enabling data-intensive EEPROM functionality. These key features, along with the integration of commonly used analog peripherals, make the PIC16F527 and PIC16F570 well-suited for a wide range of low-cost sensor products, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, photosensors, and automotive sensor interface modules.
The PIC16F527 microcontroller is available in 20-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP, and QFN packages and is currently available for sampling and volume production. The PIC16F570 is available in 28-pin PDIP, SOIC, SSOP, and QFN packages and is expected to be available in June for sampling and volume production.
Microchip's comprehensive suite of development tools offers support for PIC16F microcontrollers, including the PICkit™ Low Pin Count Demo Board (DM164130-9) priced at $25.99; the PICDEM™ Lab Development Kit with PICkit™ 3 (DM163045) at $134.99; PICDEM Mechatronics (DM163029) at $149.99; the PICkit 3 Starter Kit (DV164130) at $59.99; the MPLAB® ICD 3 Evaluation Kit (DV164036) at $229.99; and the MPLAB XC8 Compiler for 8-bit PIC microcontrollers.
