Column: MCUs
of integration and their versatility, allowing designers to quickly develop and incorporate new features. MCUs also offer a much-reduced development cycle compared to their more powerful 16- and 32-bit counterparts. Even if system requirements
remain unchanged, there are many other advantages to adopting 8-bit MCUs, like their exceptionally low power requirements, making them particularly suitable for wearables and handheld devices. Their low cost is another key
benefit: in today’s age, where consumer electronics adoption is driven by affordability and accessibility, the need for cost-effective solutions can’t be overstated. Microchip Technology makes 8-bit MCUs, of the PIC and AVR families,
that cater to the varied requirements of consumer devices. These products also incorporate advanced features like core-independent peripherals (CIPs) and integrated analogue capabilities, allowing designers to develop cutting-edge products.
PIC families Microchip’s PIC16F171 MCU integrates several key features designed specifically for consumer electronics applications like white goods and smart IoT devices. It includes a low-noise operational amplifier, a 12-bit differential analogue-to-digital converter with computation (ADCC) for processes like filtering and averaging, two 8-bit digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) and 16-bit pulse-width modulation (PWM), amongst other features that
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are otherwise provided by separate modules and circuits. The PIC16F180XX MCU family
is ideal for cost-effective sensor applications and real-time control, like portable consumer electronics. These devices integrate a 10-bit ADCC, automated voltage divider techniques for advanced capacitive touch sensing, and an 8-bit DAC and a PWM module. Microchip also offers a comprehensive software ecosystem, with many plug-ins and tools. Whether it’s designing sleek
wearable devices or revolutionising home automation systems, 8-bit MCUs can serve as the backbone of modern consumer electronics. Their simplicity, affordability and power efficiency make them indispensable for next-generation solutions.
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