Dr. Brian Feldman and his team at Stanford University have developed a new microchip. It promises to streamline and simplify diabetes diagnoses. Ben Coxworth of Gizmag writes: For people who don’t already know, here’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes: the body produces little or no insulin in the case of type 1, and […]
Tag Archives: microchip
Recommended usage of Microchip serial RTCC devices
Another good app note from Microchip, a guidance in using the Microchip RTCC family of devices (PDF): This application note provides assistance and guidance in using the Microchip RTCC family of devices. This application note covers both the I 2C™ (MCP794XX) and SPI (MCP795XXX) family of devices. These recommendations are not meant as requirements, however, their […]
Simple link budget estimation and performance measurements of Microchip sub-GHz radio modules
Assessing the link budget with this app note (PDF) from Microchip: This application note describes a simple link budget analysis, measurement and techniques to evaluate the range and performance of wireless transmission with results, and uses developed models to estimate the path loss for short range Microchip Sub-GHz modules using MRF89XA and MRF49XA radios both for […]
App note: Switching power supply design with the PIC16F785
An SMPS application using PIC16F785 from Microchip, app note here (PDF). In this application note, we will examine a typical buck topology intelligent SMPS design using the PIC16F785. The design presented here shows an alternative single-chip approach to adding intelligence to SMPS designs. The basic design is really unchanged. There are current and voltage feedback […]
App note: Gas and water metering with the PIC16F91X family
Good app note from Microchip on using PIC micro for metering application. Electronic utility meters are an important step towards automating the utility metering process. Automated utility meters allow many new features that help reduce the cost of utilities to customers and reduce the cost of delivering utilities to the utility provider.
App note: Using the Microchip motor model library for Simulink
Using the Microchip motor model library for Simulink, app note here (PDF!): Microchip’s Motor Model Library is a set of components (“blocks”) that can be used with the Simulink® simula- tion tool from MathWorks®. These blocks are intended to allow engineers to model a system with Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) under closed- loop control of an […]
App note: An overview of DMX512A
An overview of (Digital Multiplex) DMX512A (PDF!) from Microchip: This application note presents an overview of DMX512A. It shows and explains the recommended electrical and electronic requirements, then presents how the protocol was implemented in the Microchip Technology DMX512 Library. Included is a discussion on using the back-channel capabilities. DMX512 is the most common lighting communications protocol used […]
App note: USB to I²C bridge reference guide
A USB to I²C bridge reference guide (PDF!) from Microchip: Microchip’s SCSI USB to I²CTM bridge devices provide a USB to I²C bridge. The I²C bridge utilizes SCSI pass-through commands using the Mass Storage Class driver. The internal hub can have e.g., three ports enabled with two exposed externally. This document includes the following topics: • Example of […]
App note: PCB Design Guidelines for QFN and DQFN Packages
Efficiently design your PCB involving QFN or DQFN packages with this App note from Microchip. Successful implementation of QFN and DQFN packages requires special consideration for printed circuit board (PCB) layout and solderpaste stencil production. This application note describes the important items to consider. QFN packages are physically robust, thermally efficient, and occupy much less […]
App note: USB Battery Charging with the Microchip/SMSC USB2534 Hub Controller
USB2534 Hub Controller Chip provides various battery charging protocols built-in. App note here. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is the most used computer interface in the world. It started as an expansion bus for personal computers, but has proliferated quickly due to its flexibility, performance, and hot plug capability. It is used by most portable […]
App note: Wi-Fi data logger
An app note from Microchip on Wi-Fi data logger (PDF!): Dataloggers are used in a variety of industries, some examples are: Environmental sensors Motor RPM measurements Location tags using GPS Temperature sensors Light sensors Motion sensors A data logger can be configured in a number of ways depending on the application. This case study covers the following application […]
App note: MRF24WG0MA/MB software migration
Another app note from Microchip on MRF24WG0MA/MB software migration (PDF!): This application note explains the necessary changes to the existing MLA software stack to migrate from older MRF24WB0MA/MB software stack to incorporate the MRF24WG0MA/MB modules
Application note: WiFly WebScan
Here’s an application note from Microchip: WiFly WebScan (PDF!) WebScan is a special firmware release based on the standard WiFLY firmware that is designed to run on all Roving Networks Wi-Fi™ modules such as the RN-171 and RN-131. The Webscan firmware adds Real-Time Location System (RTLS) capability and is designed specifically to address the key requirements in […]
App note: Debugging stand-alone real-time clock/calendar-based applications
Here’s an application note from Microchip: Debugging stand-alone real-time clock/calendar-based applications (PDF!) An increasing number of applications require Real-Time Clock/Calendar (RTCC) devices. Microchip’s RTCC’s (I2C™ and SPI) are feature-rich devices that incorporate EEPROM, Time/Date registers, Time-Stamp registers, alarm modules, SRAM, a watchdog timer, and event detect modules, making them useful in many timekeeping applications. This application […]
App note: Using the PIC16F1XXX High-Endurance Flash Block
An application note from Microchip: Using the PIC16F1XXX High-Endurance Flash Block (PDF!) This application note illustrates the benefits offered by the high-endurance Flash block and describes a small C library which allows a simple and safe use of its capabilities.
MPLAB X IDE v2.05 released
Microchip has announced the release of MPLAB IDE v2.05. This release provides:Major performance improvements in opening and closing projects. Added Emulation Header Data Breakpoint comparisons on , !=. Avoid building projects when tool options are changed that do not require a rebuild. ASM hyperlinks to labels and Include files. Jump Trace added for 33/24EP devices. […]
App note: A complete low-cost design and analysis for single and multi-phase AC induction motors using an 8-Bit PIC16 microcontroller
Here’s an application note (PDF!) from Microchip on driving a single and multi-phase AC induction motor (ACIM) using the PIC16F1509 microcontroller: This document provides a detailed analysis of driving a single and multi-phase AC induction motor (ACIM) using the PIC16F1509 microcontroller. Laboratory data is presented alongside the simulated data in an extensive reasoning of the entire design. The purpose […]
Microchip PIC chips could have been the Power Behind Arduino
Gerry Sweeney writes: As I understand it Microchip are in the silicon chip business selling micro-controllers – actually Microchip make some really awesome parts and I am guessing here but I suspect they probably want to sell lots and lots of those awesome parts right? So why do they suppress their developer community with crippled […]
NRF24L+ library for XC16
Arhi writes: I ported some NRF24l+ library long time ago but was having lot of problems with it trough time, it was not easy to use and had some conceptual problems that could only be solved by a complete rewrite so I looked around and found a very well written library for NRF24l+ made for […]
Pratham: Breadboardable PIC32 board
Gaurav Chaudhary has written an article detailing his Pratham – breadboardable PIC32 breakout with USB OTG , USB/SDCard/UART bootloader: doing random projects with Microcontroller i always come into position when i need to have a bit more power and Peripherals then regular 8-bit micro or Arduino has to offer, but most of the powerful micro usually come in […]