The DMA controller enables data transfers between memory and peripherals without CPU involvement, improving system performance and reducing power consumption. When interrupts are needed, vector interrupts provide faster response times with fixed latency to reduce software overhead. Code development is also simplified by MPLAB® Code Configurator, making the PIC18F “K42” family ideal for a wide range of applications and markets, including touch sensing, automotive, industrial control, the Internet of Things, medical, and home appliances.
The PIC18F “K42” family boasts the largest total memory among 8-bit PIC® microcontrollers, with up to 128KB of Flash and 8KB of RAM. These microcontrollers simplify the implementation of common system functions such as sensor interfacing, signal generation, power conversion, motor control, safety management, and system communications. The PIC18F “K42” incorporates a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with calculations that automate the analysis of analog signals for real-time system response. The microcontrollers also include configurable logic cells; low-power modes (IDLE, DOZE, and Peripheral Module Disable) to reduce power consumption; advanced serial communications, including UART support for asynchronous systems; and DMX, DALI, and LIN protocols, as well as faster standalone I2C and SPI.
This family is supported by Microchip's development ecosystem, including the Curiosity platform and MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), a free software extension that provides a graphical interface for configuring peripherals and application-specific functions. MCC is part of Microchip's award-winning MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which is available as a free download.
Curiosity development boards are cost-effective, fully integrated platforms for microcontroller development, aimed at users and manufacturers with no prior experience, as well as those seeking a feature-rich board for rapid prototyping. Designed from the ground up to take full advantage of Microchip's MPLAB X and MPLAB Xpress development environments, the Curiosity platform includes an integrated programmer/debugger and requires no additional hardware. The Curiosity HPC (High Pin Count) board, DM164136, is compatible with the PIC18F “K42” family.
The 10 products in the PIC18F “K42” family are now available for sampling and volume production and are supplied in various packages.
