Microchip yesterday announced the XC++ compiler for PIC32 microcontrollers. It’s free to use, but comes with code optimization restrictions in the free version. This compiler adds support for C++ code, and comes with built in Dinkumware template libraries The MPLAB XC32++ supports all of Microchip’s 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs). This compiler enables designers to develop […]
Tag Archives: microchip
App note: Implement capacitive sensing on a PIC10F microcontroller
Here’s an app note from Microchip describing how to implement capacitive sensing using two pins on the tiny PIC10F microcontroller. Capacitive sensing is implemented by turning the comparator into a relaxation oscillator. The output of the comparator is used to charge and discharge the sensing capacitor, that is formed by a pad on the circuit […]
App note: Microchip’s serial EEPROM cross reference guide
A handy serial EEPROM cross reference guide from Microchip. Lists devices from Atmel, Catalyst, Fairchild, Philips, Rohm, ST, and Xicor that are interchangable with Microchip’s serial EEPROMs
Workshop Video #44: Bus Blaster v3 design overview
Bus Blaster v3 design overview, programming and self-test. We also thank Microchip for sending us 2 tubes of scratch ‘n’ dent 23LC1024 marked 23K1024. Read about the Bus Blaster v3 and how it came to be, below. Update: new video with correct sound mixing
Two tubes of 23LC1024 SRAMs from Microchip
Microchip sent two tubes of mislabeled 23lc1024 SRAM chips to play with. First project is Logic Shrimp v2.
App Note: Thermal considerations for low-dropout regulators
Here’s an app note from Microchip aimed at shedding some light into power dissipation and heat-sinking of low-dropout regulators. Basically all power that is dissipated from LDOs is turned into heat. This article describes what to look for in datasheets to calculate if, and what kind of cooling your devices need. LDOs specify maximum output […]
App note: Button debouncing with configurable logic cells
A while ago we heard about some new PIC microcontrollers with a tiny bit of integrated logic, a CPLD-lite that can replace a few external logic chips. This app note shows how to make a button debouncer with the peripheral. In this application note, a PIC10F322 is being used to implement a delay block/debouncer. The […]
Microchip’s PIC18F2/4550 replacements are available for sampling
In July we mentioned that Microchip was getting ready to release replacements for the famous PIC18F2550 and PIC18F4550 microcontrollers, and now they are available for sampling. The PIC18F2/45K50 family is pin to pin comparable with the older series, and are also capable of running at 5V. The price has gone down considerably, as the new […]
Microchip expands USB portfolio with fifteen new 8-bit PIC MCUs
Microchip has announced the release of a new line of USB 8-bit PICs. The new devices range from 14 to 100 pins with up to 128 KB of Flash. According to the announcement, sampling should begin in early October. All feature internal clock sources with the 0.25% clock accuracy necessary for USB communication eliminating the […]
App note: High power LED driver with PIC12F675
A current controlled buck converter for driving high-power LEDs. The PIC12F675 microcontroller has an integrated comparator, which in combination with a low pass filter provides a control circuit for the SMPS. The circuit is based on a buck topology switching power supply using the on-chip comparator peripheral within the PIC12F675 microcontroller. The switching power supply […]
chipKIT design challenge
Microchip and Digilent are having a chipKIT design contest. The contest revolves around the chipKIT PIC32-based Arduino compatible platform. The contest has 3 different categories. One is for applications using available shields and libraries. Another is for custom library development, and the final is for custom hardware projects. Prizes include up to $4000 in cash […]
App note: Reducing acoustic noise in PWM controlled fans
Microchip describes techniques to reduce acoustic noise in pulse width modulator controlled fans. One solution is to use an RC filter to decrease the slew-rate of the PWM pulses. Fan speed control extends fan service life and decreases airflow noise and average fan current. The most efficient way to implement fan speed control is to […]
chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield winner
Today we announce the winner of the chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield! There were lots of great ideas, thanks for your submissions. Congratulations to Tom, his idea for a nano-brewery data logger scored him a chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield: FREE BEER. I would like to build a data logging controller […]
GIVEAWAY: Another chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield
Later today we will announce the winner of the chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield! Leave a comment on the original contest post with an idea for a cool project. The chipKIT uC32 is available for $34.99 and chipKIT Wifi shield for $49.99 from Digilent.
GIVEAWAY: Another chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield
Tomorrow we’ll give away another chipKIT uC 32 and a chipKIT Wifi shield! Leave a comment on yesterday’s post with a project idea, and these boards could be yours on Thursday. The chipKIT uC32 is available for $34.99 and chipKIT Wifi shield for $49.99 from Digilent.
GIVEAWAY: Another chipKIT 32-bit board and Wifi shield
Another chipKIT 32-bit Arduino-compatible board and Wifi shield to give away this week. Leave a comment on this post with a project idea, and these boards could be yours on Thursday. The chipKIT uC32 is based on the popular Arduino open-source hardware prototyping platform and adds the performance of the Microchip PIC32 microcontroller. The uC32 […]
App note: Capacitive touch sensors with metal coverings
Usually capacitive touch interfaces can’t be used with metal coverings, but Microchip’s Metal Over Cap overcomes this limitation: As a user interface, capacitive touch has several advantages: it is low power, low cost, simple to implement, reliable mechanically, and it allows designers a great deal of freedom in the shape of the buttons. However, for all […]
App note: IrDA stack for infrared data exchange
IrDA is a set of protocols for exchanging data over infrared light. It’s significantly more complicated at the protocol level and hardware level than simple IR transmitter like remote controls. To get started in IrDA you’ll need some software to encode and decode packets, Microchip describes their IrDA stack in this app note: The Microchip […]
App note: Using PIC32s with wireless data and navigation equipment
Microchip covers how to use PIC32s with GSM/GPRS/GPS wireless data and navigation systems. It uses their Machine to Machine board with a GSM/GPRS/GPS communication module: [Machine-to-Machine] uses a device to capture an event, which is then relayed through a network to an application that translates the event into meaningful information. A common application of M2M […]
chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield winner
Today we announce the winner of the chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield! There were lots of great ideas, thanks for your submissions. Congratulations to Andreas, his idea for an internet connected Nixie Tube Clock scored him a chipKIT uC 32 and chipKIT Wifi shield: Have a bunch of alphanumeric nixie tubes in a […]