Microchip has introduced two new 8-bit MCU families with integrated Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs). You may be thinking that 8-bit processors are unlikely to cut the mustard for many of today’s applications but built-in interconnected CIPs combine to perform functions autonomously, without intervention from the processor. This makes these new 8-bit families suitable for a much broader range of applications. Functions are deterministically and reliably performed in hardware instead of software so the system performance is much better than you could otherwise expect from a typical 8-bit MCU. 8-bit architecture also leads to a simpler system design and reduced memory costs.

The PIC16F1579 and PIC16F18877 families are available in 8 to 40-pin packages, reducing board space and can operate from a voltage between 1.8 to 5.5 V. Both families offer the Peripheral Pin Select feature, which enables flexible pin mapping and PCB routing to minimize EMI and crosstalk. Example applications include consumer electronics, the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable technology and safety-critical systems.

The four new members of the PIC16F1579 Family are offered in 14 to 20-pin packages with up to 28 KB of Flash and feature CIPs that enable functions in a broad range of applications, such as LED lighting and motor control. They are the first 8-bit PIC MCUs with four 16-bit PWMs each with independent timers, for flexible output and signal generation functions, including edge, center-aligned and other output modes. System-communication functions are supported via serial interfaces for LIN and DMX connectivity, while the family’s intelligent analog integration enables signal and sensor interface functions.

The first 10 members of the PIC16F18877 Family are available in 8 to 40-pin packages with up to 56 KB of Flash and feature CIPs that enable functions in a broad range of applications, such as consumer electronics, IoT and safety-critical systems. They are the first MCUs to integrate an ADC with computation to perform input and sensor interface functions such as accumulation, averaging and low-pass filtering in hardware instead of software, enabling the CPU to Sleep or execute other tasks. They’re also the first PIC16 MCUs to augment Microchip’s eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology with the IDLE and DOZE modes for reduced active power consumption. The family is also the first 8-bit MCUs with Peripheral Module Disable to completely remove peripherals from the power rail and clock tree for zero power leakage. Other integrated CIPs, such as the Hardware Limit Timer, combine for the easy implementation of safety-critical functions.

Read the press release from Microchip for more details.