PIC MCUs Target Low-Cost Motor control

Tailored to basic, open-loop and low-end closed-loop motor control, the 8-bit PIC18F1330 family of microcontrollers combines a PWM peripheral with up to six channels and 10 MIPS performance at 40 MHz in packages as small as 18 pins. The devices also provide an upward migration path from the general-purpose PIC16F families and migration to the PIC18F4431 group for more sophisticated control. Features of the new MCUs include up to 8 KB of flash, 128 bytes of EEPROM, 256 bytes of RAM, two 16-bit timers, three 10-bit a/d converters, three comparators, and a LIN interface. Additionally, they include a 14-bit, tri-phase PWM module with up to three channels of complimentary outputs, edge- or center-aligned operation, override logic for special commutation functions, programmable dead-band delay, fault inputs for hardware shutdown, and output override functions. The devices are available in 18-pin PDIPs and SOICs, 20-pin SSOPs, and 28-pin, 6 mm x 6 mm QFN packages, all of which are RoHS-compliant. Pricing starts at $2 each/10,000. MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC., Chandler, AZ. (888) 628-6247.