Microchip has launched Arm-based PIC microcontrollers to make it easier to add Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity. Wireless connectivity has become a mandatory feature in many devices, but it often increases the complexity and costs of the development of systems, since it usually needs to be added as a part of a larger application.
Microchip Technologies is introducing the first Arm Cortex-M4F-based PIC microcontroller (MCU) family which resolves many of the wireless connectivity design challenges. It integrates Bluetooth Low Energy functionally and directly into one of a system’s most basic components. An industry-leading comprehensive developer ecosystem supports this system.
“Our PIC32CX-BZ2 MCU family removes barriers that have made it difficult to bring wireless applications to market, from availability problems and complex challenges to regulatory certification hurdles and long-term support concerns,” said Steve Caldwell, vice president of Microchip’s wireless solutions business unit. “Our family tightly integrates wireless connectivity with an MCU that is built on our decades of specialized experience and backed by a vertical manufacturing approach that encompasses ICs, Microchip’s highly integrated software stacks, in-house module manufacturing, and a customer-driven obsolescence practice.”
The PIC32CX-BZ2 family includes a System-on-Chip (SoC) device lineup as well as RF-ready modules that are global regulatory certified. In addition to the Bluetooth Low Energy functionality, the family of MCUs includes the Zigbee stacks and Over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities. The hardware features include a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), multiple timer/counters for control (TCC) channels, a broad range of interfaces to touch, an onboard encryption engine, CAN, sensor, display, and other peripherals.
The family carries 1 MB of Flash memory that is able to support large application codes, OTA updates, and multiprotocol wireless stacks. AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (125C) qualified packages further simplify wireless connectivity integration when highly robust solutions are necessary.
For development
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In addition to the MPLAB Code Configurator, the MPLAB Harmony v3 framework includes numerous other tools and an ecosystem of programmers, virtual sniffers, compilers, and debuggers. Other support includes GitHub demo applications and documentation, wireless design check services, and building blocks. The building blocks walk developers through all the steps involved in the application development process.
There is also the PIC32CX-BZ2 and WBZ451 Curiosity Development Board.
The PIC32CX-BZ2 Family of products can be found here.
Microchip Technologies | microchip.com
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