Date: 22/03/2011

8-bit, 20-pin MCUs from Microchip with remote firmware update

Microchip Technology Inc. has expanded its existing 28-/40-pin PIC16F72X microcontroller (MCU) family with two new 20-pin devices coded as PIC16F(LF)720 and PIC16F(LF)721. These general purpose low power consuming MCUs are designed for broad range of applications such as home appliance (e.g. blenders, refrigerators, dishwashers); consumer/home electronic (e.g. TV remote controls, toys, phones, set-top boxes); industrial (e.g. digital water heaters, security systems, humidity sensors); and automotive (remote lock systems, power seats, level sensors, lighting control) markets .

The key specifications and features these MCUs are:

Self-write memory and a temperature indicator module. The self-write Flash program memory can be used to perform remote firmware updates, while the temperature-indicator module provides a means for measuring the temperature of the surrounding environment.

Offer up to 7 KB of self-write Flash program memory, a temperature-indicator module, an 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), a capture/compare PWM module, and various serial communication peripherals, such as I2C, SPI and AUSART.

"The PIC16F(LF)720/1 family provides customers with a general-purpose platform for developing cost-sensitive applications," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller & Technology Development Division. "The addition of smaller pin-count options, self-write program memory and temperature indicator module further expands this family into even lower-cost applications."


Package: 20-pin, 4 mm x 4 mm QFN package, and 20-pin PDIP, SOIC and SSOP
Availability: Now