These microcontrollers provide three full 16-bit PWM outputs with independent timers for high-resolution applications such as LED lighting, stepper motors, battery charging, and other general-purpose applications. In addition to standard and center-aligned PWM output modes, the peripheral also features four compare modes and can serve as an additional 16-bit timer.
The CWG, along with the 16-bit PWMs, can be used to create half-bridge and full-bridge drive control. The CWG is a powerful waveform generator that can produce complementary waveforms with precise control of key parameters such as polarity, deadband, and emergency shutdown states. It provides a cost-effective solution that saves board space and component costs when driving FETs in motor control and power conversion applications. The CWG and the 16-bit PWMs are Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) combined with 10-bit A/D converters, a comparator, and 5-bit D/A converters to enable feedback and closed-loop control.
The PIC12F157X microcontrollers are well-suited for a wide variety of applications, including indoor/outdoor LED lighting and RGB LED color mixing; consumer applications such as electric shavers and radio-controlled toys; and LED lighting in the automotive interior.
The PIC12F1572 enables communication with an EUSART at the lowest price point in the PIC microcontroller lineup. The inclusion of EUSART allows for general-purpose serial and LIN communication for automotive and industrial control. Integrated 10-bit A/D converters support human-touch interface applications using Microchip's mTouch™ capacitive sensing solution. Additionally, the PIC12F157X offers non-volatile data storage with HEF (High Endurance Flash) memory. The "LF" versions incorporate low-power technology for active currents below 35 µA/MHz and sleep currents as low as 20 nA, making them ideal for battery-powered applications.
Microchip's entire suite of development tools supports the PIC12F157X microcontrollers, including the MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE); the PICkit™ 3 (PG164130) priced at $44.95; the 8-bit Reduced Pin Count Development Kit (DM164130-9) at $25.99; the MPLAB ICD 3 (DV164035) at $189.99; and the PICDEM™ Lab Development Kit (DM163045) at $134.99. Microchip has also created the RGB Board Development Platform and the “LED Color Mixing” Application Note (#AN1562) to help developers design lighting applications using the PIC12F157X family.
The PIC12LF1571, PIC12LF1572, PIC12F1571, and PIC12F1572 microcontrollers are now available for sampling and volume production in 8-pin PDIP, SOIC, MSOP, and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN packages
