Microchip PIC12F617 microcontroller

Microchip has released the latest member of its 8- and 14-pin PIC16F61X 8-bit PIC microcontroller family, targeting 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 and VREF for closed-loop-control applications - all in a miniature 3 x 3 mm DFN package.

The MCU provides a migration path for users with previous-generation 8-pin PIC MCUs who wish to upgrade to a larger-memory, more peripheral-rich MCU for future designs.

The device 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.

The company’s suite of standard development tools can be used with the MCU, including MPLAB IDE, along with the HI-TECH C compiler for PIC12 MCUs.

The HI-TECH Lite edition is free and fully functional 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 PICkit 3 in-circuit debugger/programmer, to the MPLAB ICD 3 in-circuit debugger, MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer and MPLAB REAL ICE in-circuit emulator.

The MPLAB ICD 8- and 14-pin debugging header is required for debugging the PIC16F616 and PIC12F617 devices.