The Next Evolutionary Step in Customizable Logic, Microchip Releases PIC16F13145 Family of MCUs

To address the expanding need for increasing levels of customization in embedded applications, Microchip Technology is offering a tailored hardware solution with the launch of its PIC16F13145 family of microcontrollers (MCUs). Outfitted with a new Core Independent Peripheral (CIP)—the Configurable Logic Block (CLB) module—the MCUs enable the creation of hardware-based, custom combinational logic functions directly within the MCU. Because of its integration into the MCU, the CLB allows designers to optimize the speed and response time of embedded control systems, eliminating the need for external logic components and reducing Bill of Materials (BOM) cost and power consumption. The process is further simplified by a graphical interface tool, which helps synthesize custom logic designs using the CLB. The PIC16F13145 family is designed for applications utilizing custom protocols, task sequencing or I/O control to manage real-time control systems in the industrial and automotive sectors.

Since the CLB’s operation is not dependent on the CPU clock speed, it improves the system’s latency and provides a low-power solution. The CLB can be used to make logical decisions while the CPU is in sleep mode, further reducing power consumption and software reliance. The PIC16F13145 MCUs also include a fast 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with built-in computation, an 8-bit Digital-to-Analog (DAC) converter, fast comparators, 8- and 16-bit timers and serial communication modules (I2C and SPI) to allow many system-level tasks to be performed without the CPU. The family will be available in various packages from 8 pins up to 20 pins (more info).