Microchip unveils PIC16F17576 MCU family to enhance analog sensor design

The PIC16F17576 MCUs feature software-controlled gain ladders, up to four operational amplifiers, and a 12-bit differential ADC with automated averaging, ensuring precise analog signal measurement across a wide range of inputs

Microchip Technology has introduced the PIC16F17576 microcontroller (MCU) family, designed to capture rapidly changing analog signals while minimizing power consumption, making them ideal for battery-powered applications. These MCUs feature a new low-power comparator and voltage reference combination, which allows them to operate in sleep mode while continuously measuring analog signals with less than 3.0 µA of current draw.

The Analog Peripheral Manager (APM) in the PIC16F17576 optimizes power efficiency by controlling which peripherals are active, reducing energy consumption without compromising performance. This makes it ideal for devices that need to monitor signals without excessive power drain.

Designed for applications requiring precise analog signal measurement, these MCUs include operational amplifiers (op amps) with software-controlled gain ladders, allowing a single op amp to switch between multiple gain levels to minimize noise while preserving precision. With up to four op amps and a 12-bit differential ADC with automated averaging, the PIC16F17576 MCUs ensure accurate signal measurements across a broad range of inputs.

“Sensor systems can quickly become complex, often requiring multiple analog components that add board size, cost and power draw,” said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s MCU business unit. “With the integrated analog features in our low-power PIC16F17576 MCUs, we’re cutting that complexity. You can eliminate parts and reduce power consumption, cutting costs and simplifying the overall design process.”

PIC16F17576 MCUs are well suited for measuring analog signals in a number of industries, including environmental and industrial monitoring, smart home and building automation. Key applications include vibration and strain measurement, flow metering, gas detection, cold asset tracking and motion sensing. Visit the website to learn more about Microchip’s full portfolio of PIC MCUs.

PIC16F17576 MCUs are supported by MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and MPLAB Code Configurator which allows designers to easily manage the functionality of the APM and analog peripherals. The devices are compatible with Microchip’s Curiosity Nano EV14L29A development board and MPLAB PICkit development tools. PIC16F17576 MCUs are available starting at $.57 each in 10,000-unit quantities.