Microchip Technology expanded its Full-Speed USB 2.0 Device PIC microcontroller (MCU) portfolio with three enhanced midrange 8-bit families comprising 15 scalable parts ranging from 14 to 100 pins with up to 128 kbytes of flash. All feature internal clock sources with the 0.25% clock accuracy necessary for USB communication, which eliminates the need for an external crystal. In addition, all three families are eXtreme Low Power compliant, with power consumption down to 35 µA/MHz active and 20 nA in sleep mode. More information can be gained from this video.

The 14- and 20-pin PIC16F145X MCUs are available in packages as small as 4 by 4 mm. The PIC18F2X/4XK50 devices, available in 28- and 40/44-pins, offer a cost-effective, pin-compatible migration option for customers utilizing legacy PIC18 USB MCUs. The three family members feature 1.8- to 5-V operation, and integrate a “Charge Time Measurement Unit” for higher performance cap-touch sensing as well as measurement in applications such as audio docks and data loggers.

The full-featured PIC18F97J94 family offers integrated LCD control, RTCC with Vbat, and USB. Available in 64, 80, and 100 pins, the nine-member family integrates 60- by 8-segment LCD controller. It also contains a real-time clock/calendar with battery back-up.

To help speed development times, the downloadable and open-source USB Framework within the free Microchip Library of Applications (MLA) includes USB drivers for many common USB classes, including HID, CDC, Mass Storage, Win-USB and Audio-MIDI. These drivers can be used with all 15 of the new PIC MCUs. Hardware development tools are also available for purchase. Pricing for the MCUs starts at $0.50 each in high volumes.