Enhance system functionality with CIP and create CAN-based applications without adding additional SW.

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) today announced the addition of a new family of 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) to its PIC18 product line that combines a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus with an extensive range of Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs).

This CIP enhances system functionality while allowing easy creation of CAN-based applications without the complexities of adding software.

When using K83 MCUs in CAN-based systems, a key advantage is that CIPs provide deterministic response to real-time events, reduce design time, and are easily configured through the MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC) tool.

This new product family is ideal for CAN applications in the medical, industrial and automotive markets, including powered surgical tables, asset tracking, ultrasound machines, automated conveyors and automotive accessories. System designers can greatly benefit from the time savings they save by being able to configure hardware-based peripherals much more easily, as opposed to having to write and verify entire software routines to perform the task.

“Being able to configure an MCU with just a few clicks within MCC will change the way you design with CAN,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s 8-bit MCU business unit. “The CIPs included in the K83 family make it easier to take advantage of communications, intelligent analog and low-power features with the same tool set used on other PIC MCUs.”

The PIC18 K83 device includes 15 CIPs that perform time-saving functions, including a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) with memory scan function to ensure the integrity of non-volatile memory, Direct Memory Access (DMA) that enables data transfer between memory and peripherals without CPU intervention, Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT) for triggering system resets, a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC2) with built-in computation that automatically performs analog signal analysis for real-time system response, and a Complementary Waveform Generator (CWG) that implements high-efficiency synchronous switching for motor control.