Flash MCUs Employ Nano Watt Technology

Expanding the PICmicro line of flash microcontrollers are seven devices that employ the company's nanoWatt technology, an advanced PMOS or programmable electrically erasable cell (PEEC) process technology with proprietary circuit design, manufacturing and application techniques. The PIC16F627A, PIC16F628A, PIC16F648A, PIC16F818, PIC16F819, PIC16F87 and PIC16F88 microcontrollers feature a clock system with up to three software-controlled power-managed modes. They include a watchdog timer, brownout reset, and timer 1. Operating on 2V to 5.5V, power consumption is less than 1 µA in standby mode. Other features include a two-speed start-up from reset or sleep modes and a fail-safe clock monitor that detects external clock failures. The PIC16Fxx devices also provide up to 7 KB of flash memory, up to 368 bytes of RAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, and an internal oscillator generating frequencies up to 8 MHz. Available in 18-pin PDIP, 20-pin SOIC, 20-pin SSOP and 6 mm x 6 mm QFN packages, prices range from $1.30 to $2.00 each/10,000. MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INC., Chandler, AZ. (480) 792-7668.