Microchip has announced 8bit PIC (peripheral interface controller) microcontrollers in six- to 20pin packages. The PIC10F(LF)32x and PIC1xF(LF)150x microcontrollers each feature configurable logic cells, complementary waveform generators and numerically controlled oscillators. They expand the reach of the PIC10F, PIC12F and PIC16F microcontrollers and are suitable for small kitchen appliances; interior automotive lighting; consumer power tools; and utility meters. The configurable logic cell peripherals enable software control of combinational and sequential logic, which increases the on-chip interconnection of peripherals and I/Os, says the company. The waveform generators work with multiple peripherals to generate complementary waveforms with dead-band control and auto-shutdown, which provides enhanced switching efficiencies, according to the company. The numerically controlled oscillator peripheral is claimed to enable linear frequency control and high resolution, which is required for lighting ballast, tone generation and resonant control circuits. All of the microcontrollers have low power consumption, with currents of less than 30µA/MHz in active mode and less than 20nA in sleep. There is also an on-chip 16MHz internal oscillator, ADC, and up to four PWM peripherals.
