Microchip adds self-programmable Flash memory to 8-bit family

Microchip announces a new member of its popular 8- and 14-pin PIC16F61X 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) family, targeting cost-effective general-purpose applications. The PIC12F617 MCU features 3.5kbyte of self-programmable Flash program memory, and peripherals such as a 10-bit Analogue-to-Digital Converter (ADC), comparator, Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM) and VREF for closed-loop-control applications—all in a miniature 3 mm x 3 mm DFN package.

The PIC12F617 MCU provides 3.5kbyte of Flash programmable memory with a self read-write capability. This serves as a low-cost alternative to data EEPROM and is useful when an application requires remote updates, or the ability to store system data or look-up tables. The microcontroller features an 8MHz internal oscillator, an on-chip 4-channel 10-bit ADC, a comparator with hysteresis and a PWM with complementary outputs that provide a framework for applications such as LED lighting control, motor control, capacitive touch keys and system monitors. Along with this new product introduction, Microchip also announced a price reduction on the rest of the PIC16F61X family members, including the PIC12F609, PIC12F615, PIC16F610, PIC16F616 MCUs, and their corresponding high-voltage variants.

Microchip’s complete suite of standard development tools can be used with the PIC12F617 MCU, including the user-friendly and free MPLAB® IDE, along with the HI-TECH C® compiler for PIC12 MCUs. The HI-TECH Lite edition is a completely free, fully-functional compiler with no time limitations. The MPLAB ICD 8- and 14-pin Debugging Header (part # AC162083, $35) is required for debugging the PIC16F616 and PIC12F617 devices. All of these tools can be purchased today at microchipDIRECT.