Microchip Technology Inc. (MCHP, Financial) has announced the launch of its PIC16F17576 microcontroller series, designed to meet the growing need for low-power solutions in applications monitoring volatile analog signals. These new microcontrollers boast a suite of integrated low-power peripherals that can perform precise measurements while conserving energy.
The highlight of the PIC16F17576 series is its ability to continue functioning in sleep mode, thanks to its innovative combination of a low-power comparator and voltage reference. This design enables continuous analog measurements with a minimal current draw of less than 3.0 microamperes.
Featuring an Analog Peripheral Manager, the microcontrollers are adept at minimizing energy use by activating only necessary peripherals, which is particularly beneficial for battery-operated devices. This feature allows for effective signal monitoring without a significant drain on power resources.
The microcontrollers come equipped with operational amplifiers that have software-controlled gain ladders. This setup permits a single operational amplifier to toggle between multiple gain settings, effectively reducing noise while maintaining precision and efficiency. With a capacity of up to four operational amplifiers and a 12-bit differential analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with automated averaging, the PIC16F17576 family offers accurate signal measurements across a diverse range of inputs.
