Microchip MCUs simplify analogue sensor design
Enabling devices designed for capturing rapidly changing analogue signals to respond quickly while consuming minimal power, especially in battery-operated applications, PIC16F17576 MCUs from Microchip Technology feature integrated low-power peripherals and the ability to precisely measure volatile analogue signals.
PIC16F17576 MCUs include a new low-power comparator and voltage reference combination that can operate while the MCU core is in sleep mode. This allows continuous analogue measurement while consuming less than 3.0 µA of current. The Analog Peripheral Manager (APM) controls which peripherals are active to minimise total energy consumption and enable battery-operated applications to monitor signals effectively without excessive power drain.
Targeted at applications that measure volatile analogue signals, PIC16F17576 MCUs include op-amps with software-controlled gain ladders. This allows a single op-amp to switch between multiple gain options, which helps mitigate noise while maintaining precision and power efficiency. Featuring up to four op-amps and a 12-bit differential ADC with automated averaging, the MCUs facilitate precise signal measurement over a wide range of inputs.
“Sensor systems can quickly become complex, often requiring multiple analogue components that add board size, cost and power draw,” said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s MCU business unit. “We’re cutting that complexity with the integrated analogue features in our low-power PIC16F17576 MCUs. You can eliminate parts and reduce power consumption, cutting costs and simplifying the overall design process.”
The MCUs suit several industries, including environmental and industrial monitoring, smart homes, and building automation. Key applications include vibration and strain measurement, flow metering, gas detection, cold asset tracking and motion sensing.
PIC16F17576 MCUs are supported by MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and MPLAB Code Configurator, which allow designers to easily manage the functionality of APM and analogue peripherals. The devices are compatible with Microchip’s Curiosity Nano EV14L29A development board and MPLAB PICkit™ development tools.
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