8-pin Microcontroller Features 3.5 kB Self-Programmable Flash Memory

MCU Enables Higher-Performing Designs in a Variety of Applications

CHANDLER, Ariz., Jan. 25, 2010 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced 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 3.5 kB of self-programmable Flash program memory, and peripherals such as a 10-bit Analog-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 new MCU provides an excellent migration path for customers using previous-generation 8-pin PIC MCUs who wish to upgrade to a larger-memory, more peripheral-rich MCU for future designs. This product is well-suited for a variety of general-purpose applications in the consumer, appliance, industrial, medical and other markets.

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The PIC12F617 MCU provides 3.5 kB 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 8 MHz 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.

“Engineers often want to add more features and functionality to their design without having to drastically alter their design,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. “The PIC12F617 MCU provides engineers with more features, such as self-programmable Flash, while maintaining pin compatibility with Microchip’s more than 20 other 8-pin PIC12 MCUs.”

Development Tool Support

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.  For applications with limited program space, the Standard and PRO editions offer denser code and improved performance.  Additionally, there is a variety of debugging hardware, from the popular PICkit™ 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer ($44.95), to the MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger, ($219.99), MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer ($895) and MPLAB REAL ICE™ In-Circuit Emulator ($495.00). 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 (http://www.microchip.com/get/563P). More information on Microchip development tools is available at http://www.microchip.com/get/KWWH.

Packaging, Pricing & Availability

The new PIC12F617 MCU is available in 8-pin PDIP, SOIC, MSOP and 3 mm x 3 mm DFN packages, starting at $0.56 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC12F609 and PIC12F615 MCUs are available in 8-pin SOIC packages, for $0.49 and $0.52 each, respectively, in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC16F610 and PIC16F616 MCUs are available in 14-pin SOIC packages, for $0.56 and $0.65 each, respectively, in 10,000-unit quantities.

Samples of all of the MCUs can be ordered today, at http://www.microchip.com/get/26LF. The devices can be purchased today at microchipDIRECT (http://www.microchip.com/get/563P). For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/9X5D.