FasterPIC32Development With Fewer Resources

BE THE MAESTRO!

MIDDLEWARE

PERIPHERAL LIBRARIES

APPLICATIONS

DEVICE DRIVERS

3RD PARTY SOFTWARE

Winter 2012

SENSING2.4 GHz RF CONTROL WIRELESSPIC32MZ

Nov/Dec 2013

The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, dsPIC, FlashFlex, KEELOQ, KEELOQ logo, MPLAB, PIC, PICmicro, PICSTART, PIC32 logo, rfPIC, SST, SST Logo, SuperFlash and UNI/O are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. FilterLab, Hampshire, HI-TECH C, Linear Active Thermistor, MTP, SEEVAL and The Embedded Control Solutions Company are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. Silicon Storage Technology is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in other countries.Analog-for-the-Digital Age, Application Maestro, BodyCom, chipKIT, chipKIT logo, CodeGuard, dsPICDEM, dsPICDEM.net, dsPICworks, dsSPEAK, ECAN, ECONOMONITOR, FanSense, HI-TIDE, In Circuit Serial Programming, ICSP, Mindi, MiWi, MPASM, MPF, MPLAB Certified logo, MPLIB, MPLINK, mTouch, Omniscient Code Generation, PICC, PICC-18, PICDEM, PICDEM.net, PICkit, PICtail, REAL ICE, rfLAB, Select Mode, SQI, Serial Quad I/O, Total Endurance, TSHARC, UniWinDriver, WiperLock, ZENA and Z-Scale are trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries.SQTP is a service mark of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. GestIC and ULPP are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Germany II GmbH & Co. & KG, a subsidiary of Microchip Technology Inc., in other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies. 2013, Microchip Technology Incorporated, All Rights Reserved.

ContentsNEW TOOLS 13 Out-of-the-Box Audio14 Control Your Sensors from

Anywhere15 1-2-3 Tools for Human Interface17 Tools Spotlight

DESIGN ARTICLES20 How Does This Sound?22 Superior Power Measurement

FEATURES18 December Is a Great Month

for Savings24 Watch and Learn25 Another MASTERs Success

SHOWCASE 4 Be the Maestro!

MPLAB Harmony lets you orchestrate faster PIC32 development with fewer resources

NEW PRODUCTS 6 Rising to New Levels

PIC32MZ 32-bit MCUs have class-leading performance of 330 DMIPS and 3.28 CoreMarks/MHz

8 Going the DistanceNew 2.4 GHz RF solutions for 256-QAM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth extend mobile device and router ranges

10 Get the Right TouchMicrochip expands capacitive-touch control portfolio with a robust turnkey solution

11 Always In ControlNew dsPIC DSCs for appliance, automotive and industrial applications enable dual motor control

12 Power to DriveThree-Phase Brushless DC Companion Device enables complete, robust motor system solutions

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Nov/Dec 2013

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Its That Time of Year Again

While many of us are in the midst of the usual flurry of preparations and fun activities that go along with celebrating the upcoming holidays, rep-resentatives from the top consumer electronics retailers and the worlds greatest technology leaders are getting ready to converge at the 2014 International CES, scheduled for January 710 in Las Vegas. The team at Microchip is also busily preparing for this exciting and over-the-top event. Our main exhibit will be in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. If you are going to be at CES, we hope youll stop by our booth to say hello and visit our five special display areas where youll be able to see and interact with our latest products and technologies.

In our Automotive zone, we will showcase technologies that enable innovative connectivity solutions within the cockpit, keep your devices powered when youre in the drivers seat, and advance HMI to the next level. You can experience the intelligent integration of motion and orientation sensors into the PC platform at our Computing zone. Visit our Connected Home zone to see first-hand how our solutions integrate the latest embedded wireless technology into your designs.

Learn how Microchip helps bring your world together with a wide range of USB and Ethernet connectivity solutions in our Connectivity zone and at our Touch and Gesture zone you can explore our award winning technologies covering a broad range of im-plementations for touch and gesture sensing applications in all three dimensions. If you are interested in learning more about our broad portfolio of cost-effective, easy to implement wireless solutions, you can visit our Wireless Suites at the Las Vegas Hotel (LVH). For more details and to make an appointment to meet with representatives from Microchip, go to our CES 2014 Event page.

As always, we would be happy to get your feedback on MicroSolutions. Feel free to email us at MSFeedback@microchip.com.

(continued on page 5)

SHOWCASE

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Industry studies have shown that, with the growing complexity of embedded systems, software development accounts for 60% of the average design cycle. At the same time, de-signers are utilizing a variety of software with untested compatibility and multiple sources of purchasing and support. This causes increased verification and debug time after the design is completed, which can cost 1030 times more than when defects are found during the design phase.

Announced in conjunction with Microchips new PIC32MZ family, the new MPLAB Harmony integrated software frame-work provides a new software development approach that is unmatched in the embedded industry. It is the most compre-hensive 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) firmware development framework available and is the first to integrate the licensing, resale and support of Microchip and third-party middleware, drivers, libraries and real-time operating systems.

No one else provides a single, comprehensive firmware development framework where de-signers can download and find support for such a broad range of pre-tested, interoper-able software. Currently, Harmony includes third-party offerings from Express Logic,

Be the Maestro!MPLAB Harmony Lets You Orchestrate Faster PIC32 Development with Fewer Resources

The First Embedded Firmware Development Framework with Internal and Third Party Support, Licensing and Resale

FreeRTOS, InterNiche, WITTENSTEIN High Integrity Systems and wolfSSL, with many more on the way. This unprecedented collaboration means that you can greatly simplify your PIC32 MCU code development process by reducing common integration bugs, thus accelerating your products time to market.

The MPLAB Harmony framework reduces development time and costs by providing a single integrated, abstracted and flexible source for Microchip-tested, debugged and interoper-able code. Additionally, Harmony provides a modular architecture that enables the efficient

integration of multiple driv-ers, middleware and libraries, while offering an RTOS-inde-pendent environment. This pre-verification and integra-

tion speeds development and increases reuse. On the hardware side, the Harmony framework makes it even easier to port code and to mi-grate among all of our 32-bit PIC32 MCUs. And, by utilizing this single source for in-house and third-party codeboth free and premiumthat is supported by Microchip, you can greatly in-crease your reaction time to your ever-changing end market requirements.

The first release of MPLAB Harmony is available today, and the basic framework is

The MPLAB Harmony framework reduces development time

and costs.

free. It provides initial support for the new PIC32MZ family, as well as the PIC32MX families. Full support for all PIC32 families is planned for the next version release, which is expected in March 2014.

Youll find many helpful resources in our comprehensive MPLAB Harmony Online Design Center, including a link to easily download the framework and get started with your development. Youll also discover a modular menu of free and premium software options that are currently available. With MPLAB Harmony, your next 32-bit design could be your magnum opus.

Notes from Our Partners About MPLAB Harmony

Express Logic, William E. Lamie, President and CEO: Deeply-embedded applications demand a high level of integration between the RTOS and IDE. Our advanced ThreadX Real-Time Operating System, integrated within the MPLAB Harmony framework, is designed to ease the development of high-performance applications that take advantage of the latest advancements in 32-bit PIC32 microcontroller technology.

FreeRTOS, Richard Barry, Director: It has been great to collaborate with Microchip on MPLAB Harmonya truly practical solution with unquestionable benefits for PIC32 users. MPLAB Harmony allows application programmers to write less code themselves, end up with a more reliable product and, of course, get that all important time-to-market advantage.

InterNiche Technologies, Inc., Larry Larder, President: InterNiche worked closely with Microchips application engineers to ensure that our low-cost TCP/IP object code and our source-code networking modules are compatible with the MPLAB Harmony platform. InterNiche offers a complete suite of commercial-grade network modules that are pre-integrated with MPLAB Harmony so that PIC32 customers can quickly add value to their designs while reducing time to market.

SEGGER Microcontroller Systems, Ivo Geilenbruegge, Managing Director: As a Microchip PIC32 ecosystem partner, SEGGER is excited about MPLAB Harmonys progressive approach to flexible software development. SEGGER will be adding this framework support for our RTOS (embOS) and middleware, including emWin, the industry-leading embedded graphics package.

WITTENSTEIN High Integrity Systems, Andrew Longhurst, Business Development Manager: OPENRTOS delivers high performance while utilizing minimal resources. It is also easy to use and, when integrated with the other feature-rich MPLAB Harmony components, will ensure your next development is completed within the shortest time possible.

wolfSSL, Larry Stefonic, CEO: Developing secure software with cryptography is difficult and anxiety ridden, even for the most skilled and experienced engineers. With that in mind, wolfSSL is focused on providing security software that works seamlessly for the MPLAB Harmony developer. Our deep integration with the MPLAB Harmony framework reduces both project risk and security risk, because the cryptography libraries from wolfSSL come pre-tested and ready to use. Developers can implement wolfSSL crypto with MPLAB Harmony for both better productivity and peace of mind.

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The PIC32MZ family provides three times the performance and four times the memory.

(continued on page 7)

The PIC32MZ family takes performance and feature innovation to new levels.

NEW PRODUCT

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Embedded designers are faced with ever-increasing demands for incor-porating additional features into their products, requiring increased microcontroller performance and more memory. At the same time, they are looking to lower cost and com-plexity by utilizing fewer MCUs so that they can remain competitive in todays markets. Our new 24-member PIC32MZ Embedded Connectivity (EC) family of 32-bit MCUs takes performance and feature innovation to new levels by offering breakthrough performance and high memory and peripheral integration.

To support todays demanding applications, the PIC32MZ provides class-leading performance of 330 DMIPS and 3.28 CoreMarks/MHz, along with dual-panel, live-update Flash (up to 2 MB), large RAM (512 KB) and the connec-tivity peripherals including a 10/100 Ethernet MAC, Hi-Speed USB MAC/PHY (a first for PIC MCUs) and dual CAN ports. The PIC32MZ also has class-leading code density that is 30% better than competitors, along with a 28 Msps ADC that offers one of the best throughput rates for 32-bit MCUs. Rounding out this familys high level of integration is a full-featured hardware crypto engine with a random number generator

Rising to New LevelsPIC32MZ 32-bit MCUs Have Class-Leading Performance of 330 DMIPS and 3.28 CoreMarks/MHz for 30% Better Code Density

New 24-Member Family Integrates 2 MB Flash, 512 KB RAM, 28 Msps ADC, Crypto Engine, Hi-Speed USB, 10/100 Ethernet, CAN and Many Serial Channels

for high-throughput data encryption/decryption and authentication (e.g., AES, 3DES, SHA, MD5 and HMAC), as well as the first SQI interface on a Microchip MCU and the PIC32s highest number of serial channels.

The PIC32MZ family provides three times the performance and four times the memory over the previous-generation PIC32MX families, along with a high level of advanced peripheral integration. For applications requiring embed-ded connectivity, the familys Hi-Speed USB, Ethernet and CAN support comes with a broad set of wired and wireless protocol stacks. If you want to add a better graphic display to your em-bedded application, the PIC32MZ can support up to a WQVGA display without any external graphics chips. Streaming/digital audio appli-cations can take advantage of this familys 159 DSP instructions, large memory, peripherals such as I2S and available software.

Managing field updates is another significant challenge for design engineers. The PIC32MZ has 2 MB of internal Flash to enable live up-dates via dual independent panels that provide a fail-safe way to conduct field updates while operating at full speed.

The PIC32MZ is Microchips first MCU to employ Imaginations MIPS microAptiv core,

$299 for the first six months, can be used with either starter kit to develop graphics HMI, connectivity and audio applications. The 168-pin to 132-pin PIC32MZ EC Adapter Board (AC320006) enables development with Microchips ex-tensive portfolio of application-specific daughter boards. The PIC32MZ2048EC Plug-in Module (MA320012) is available for existing users of the Explorer 16 Modular Development Board (DM240001).

The new PIC32MZ family was designed for high-end and next-generation embedded applications that require high levels of per-formance, memory and advanced-peripheral integration. These devices enable you to add features such as improved graphics displays, faster real-time performance and increased

which adds 159 new DSP instructions that enable the execution of DSP algorithms at up to 75% fewer cycles than the PIC32MX fam-ilies. This core also provides the microMIPS

instruction-set architecture, which improves code density while operating at near full rate, instruction and data cache, and its 200 MHz/330 DMIPS offers three times the performance of the PIC32MX.

Development SupportThree new PIC32MZ development tools are available. The complete, turnkey PIC32MZ EC Starter Kit costs $119, and comes in one version to support family members with the integrated crypto engine (DM320006-C) and those without (DM320006). The Multimedia Expansion Board II (DM320005-2), which is available at an introductory price of

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PIC32MZ EC 32-bit MCU Family

Figure 1 - PIC32MZ Block Diagram

security with a single MCU, lowering both cost and complexity. For additional informa-tion on the PIC32MZ family of MCUs, contact your local Microchip sales office.

NEW PRODUCT

7

NEW PRODUCT

8

The SST12CP12 is Microchips latest 2.4 GHz RF high-power amplifier.

chieving maximum data rate and longest range, while maintaining tem-perature stability, is essential to high

power Wi-Fi access-point, router and set-top box designers. For mobile devices, design-ers need to reduce current consumption and save precious board space, while achieving maximum data rate and transmission range. Two new high linearity 2.4 GHz products from Microchips RF Division meet the objectives of these applications.

The SST12CP12 is our latest 2.4 GHz RF high-power ampli-fier with added support for the 256-QAM ultra-high data rate modulation. With its high linear output power of up to 23 dBm at a dynamic EVM as low as 1.8% and MCS8 40 MHz bandwidth modulation, along with 25 dBm linear power at 3% EVM, this amplifier significantly extends the range of IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN systems while providing excellent power at the max-imum 256-QAM data rate. It is also spectrum mask compliant up to 28.5 dBm for 802.11b/g communication, and utilizes Orthogonal Fre-quency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) to correct severe channel conditions without the need for complex equalization filters. Additionally, the SST12CP12 reduces board space with its small 3 x 3 x 0.55 mm, 16-pin QFN package.

Going the Distance New 2.4 GHz RF High-Power Amplifier and 2.4 GHz 50 ohm Matched RF Front End Module for 256-QAM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Extend Mobile Device and Router Ranges

SST12CP12 and SST12LF09 Combine High Linear Output Power with Low EVM in Small Packages for Longer Range at Maximum Data Rate

The SST12CP12 power amplifier has a low operating current of 380 mA at 23 dBm, which enables more transmission channels and a higher data rate for each system. This amplifier also features 50 ohm on-chip input match and simple output match, which is easy to use and speeds time to market. Additionally, the inte-grated linear power detector provides tempera-ture stability and immunity to VSWR radio-wave reflection, for accurate output power control that ensures all of the power reaches its destination.

Our RF power amplifiers have a strong position in the WLAN market due to their reliability combined with high-power efficiencies that can only

be achieved using InGaP/GaAs HBT. The SST12CP12 provides the same reliable oper-ation over temperature at extra-low EVM and extends the range of an ultra-high data rate 256-QAM system for your Wi-Fi-based design.

Building on the reputation of our RF power amplifiers, our new 2.4 GHz, 50 ohm Matched RF WLAN Front End Module (FEM)the SST12LF09offers the same reliable, high-ef-ficiency operation and low dynamic EVM over temperature, while adding a low-noise receiver, which combine to extend the range of 2.4 GHz

Our RF power amplifiers have a strong position in the WLAN market.

(continued on page 9)

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module are available through Microchips sales representatives.

If you are looking for reliable solutions to help extend the range of your 2.4 GHz ultra high data rate design, contact your local Microchip sales office for pricing and availability on the SST12CP12 and the SST12LF09.

You can take advantage of the SST12LF09s small package size and extra output power at 5V bias to reduce the board size and complexity of your design while boosting your products output power. This FEM also features 50 ohm on-chip input and output match, which is easy to use and shortens time to market.

Development SupportEvaluation boards for the SST12CP12 power amplifier and the SST12LF09 front-end

ultra high data rate mobile devices, routers and set-top boxes.

The SST12LF09 integrates a transmitter power amplifier, a receiver low-noise ampli-fier, and a low-loss, single-pole three-throw antenna switch for Bluetooth connectivity into one compact 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.4 mm, 16-pin QFN package, making it ideal for high-data-rate wireless applications. With its high linear output power of up to 15 and 17 dBm for 1.8% dynamic EVM at 3.3V and 5V, respectivelyalong with 17 and 18.5 dBm linear power for 3% EVM at 3.3V and 5V, respectivelythis FEM significantly extends the range of IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN systems while providing excellent transmit power at the maximum 256-QAM data rate. The receiver has a 12 dB gain and a greater than 6 dBm input (1 dB) compression level. In the LNA bypass mode, the receiver has a 9 dB loss and an 8 dBm input compression level.

Need a Unique ID or Serial NumberPre-Programmed 32-bit Serial Number

Unique ID for Device Identification 2 Kb and 256 Kb Density Extend ID to Other Lengths I2C, SPI and UNI/O Bus

NEW PRODUCT

9

The SST12LF09 significantly extends the range

of IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN systems.

NEW PRODUCT

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The CAP12XX family of turnkey capacitive touch controllers..

Microchip is a true one-stop shop for designers looking for input sens-ing solutions, offering turnkey and firmware solutions for keys/proximity, sliders, touch pads and touch screens, as well as 3D gesturing with our GestIC technology.

Expanding our CAP11XX RightTouch product portfolio, the new CAP12XX family of turnkey capacitive touch controllers provide a wide variety of slider, button and proximity function-ality and making it easy for you to add aes-thetically pleasing, low-cost touch interfaces.

The six-member family is comprised of the CAP1203, CAP1293, CAP1206, CAP1296, CAP1208 and CAP1298, available in 8- to 16-pin packages.

The CAP12XX family serves a wide range of ap-plications in the consumer electronics and auto-motive markets. The family provides designers with improved proximity performance and 3.3V to 5V operation. It is also a lower-cost option when integrated LED drivers are not required.

Get the Right TouchMicrochip Expands Capacitive-Touch Control Portfolio with a Robust Turnkey Solution

CAP12XX Family Provides Smaller Form Factor, 5V Operation and Improved Proximity Performance for Consumer and Automotive Applications

Applications Consumer Electronics

Tablets Printers Audio players Small appliances Televisions

Automotive Interior controls Central stack Overhead lights

Development SupportThe CAP1298 Evaluation Board (DM160223) and CAP1188 Evaluation Board (DM 160222) are available to assist you with developing your touch interface. Youll find more information on these two evaluation boards on page 15.

The CAP12XX family is a perfect complement to Microchips mTouch firmware-based solutions. The CAP1203 and CAP1293 are available in 2 x 3 mm, 8-pin TDFN packages. The CAP1206 and CAP1296 are available in 3 x 3 mm, 10-pin DFN packages. The CAP1208 and CAP1298 are available in 3 x 3 mm, 16-pin QFN packages. Contact your local Microchip sales office for additional details.

The CAP12XX portfolio makes it easy to add aesthetically pleasing,

low-cost touch interfaces.

Applications Appliances

Air conditioners Washing machines Dishwashers Refrigerators

Automotive Cooling fans Fuel pumps Water pumps Sensors

Industrial Embroidery machines Lathes Printers

NEW PRODUCT

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Analog integration enables advanced

sensor applications.

New dsPIC33EP512GM710 family helps optimize system costs in air conditioners and washing machines.

Our portfolio of dsPIC DSCs already provides features and resources that give you more precise control for your motor control applications. The new dsPIC33EP512GM710 family adds even higher levels of integration to enable more efficient, less expensive designs in a variety of applica-tions, including the appliance, automotive and industrial markets.

These new DSCs enable efficient dual motor control with 12 motor control PWM channels (6 pairs), dual 12-bit ADCs, multiple 32-bit Quadrature Encoder Interfaces, and two CAN modules. This high level of integration allows the devices in the dsPIC33EP512GM710 family to inde-pendently control two motors for optimized system costs in applications such as air con-ditioners or washing machines. This family can also serve as a communication hub for auto-motive or industrial applications to connect with multiple CAN buses.

An expansion to the existing dsPIC33EP families, the dsPIC33EP512GM710 devices support 512 KB Flash, 48 KB RAM, and four op-erational amplifiers (op amps). Other features

Always In ControlNew dsPIC DSCs for Appliance, Automotive and Industrial Applications

dsPIC33EP512GM710 Family Enables Dual Motor Control, Dual CAN Communication and Advanced Sensor Interfaces

include enhanced analog functionality with two independent ADC modulesconfigurable as 10-bit 1.1 Msps with four sample and holds or 12-bit 500 ksps with one sample and holdsupporting up to 49 channels. This enables ad-vanced sensor applications that require multiple precision ADCs with several sample and holds as well the processing power of a DSP. The family also includes a Peripheral Trigger Gener-ator (PTG) for scheduling complex, high-speed peripheral operations which saves software cycles and reduces firmware complexity.

Development SupportThe dsPIC33EP512GM710 family is supported by the dsPICDEM MCLV-2 Development Board (DM330021-2) and the dsPICDEM MCHV-2 Development Board (DM330023-2) with the new dsPIC33EP512GM706 Single Motor Internal Op Amp PIM (MA330033). The new dsPIC33EP512GM710 General Purpose PIM (MA330035) is offered for use with the Explorer 16 Development Board (DM240001) for non-motor control applications.

The new dsPIC33EP512GM710 MCU family comes in a variety of package and memory size options as noted in the product datasheet. For additional information, contact your local Microchip sales office.

NEW PRODUCT

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The MCP8024 includes functions that power dsPIC DSCs and PIC MCUs.

The automotive and industrial markets continue to demand cost-effective motor solutions with higher performance, higher integration, faster time to market and more flexibility than ever before. To help you meet the challenges of designing higher per-forming motor drive and control products, the new MCP8024 three-phase BLDC motor gate driver with power module includes functions that power dsPIC DSCs and PIC MCUs with capabilities to drive six N-channel MOSFETs.

The MCP8024 operates across a wide voltage range of 6V to 28V and can withstand transient voltage up to 48V. The device provides high-integration analog such as three current sensing operational ampli-fiers, an over-current comparator, MOSFET drivers and bidirectional communication inter-face for a complete motor system design. The configurable driver dead-time management, driver blanking-time control, and Over-Current Limit (OCL) for external MOSFETs offer a sig-nificant increase in flexibility. The adjustable step-down DC-to-DC converter powers a broad range of MCUs with the efficiency benefits of a switch-mode power supply. Additionally, the

Power to DriveThree-Phase Brushless DC Companion Device Enables Complete, Robust Motor System Solutions

MCP8024 Provides All Power, Sensing and Protection Functions Needed for Motor Drive and Control Designs

wide operating temperature range from 40C to +150C (H-temp) allows the MCP8024 to be utilized in harsh environments such as automotive under-hood applications.

Available in thermally enhanced 40-pin QFN 5 x 5 mm and 48-pin TQFP 7 x 7 mm package types, the MCP8024 is well-suited for a broad range of applications in the automotive market, such as HVAC blowers and pumps, and in the industrial market, including fans, motion control and robotics, among others.

With its integrated voltage regulators, current sensing amplifiers and over-current protection, the MCP8024

an ideal candidate for use with a broad range of MCUs, DSCs and FPGAs. Supported by the MCP8024 TQFP BLDC Motor Drive Evaluation Board (ADM00557), which is expected to be available later in December, it allows you to implement a complete motor solution with im-proved performance and high robustness and also offers you the benefits of increased efficien-cy and lower system cost while reducing your time to market. Contact your local Microchip sales office for additional information on the MCP8024.

The MCP8024 is an ideal candidate for use with

a broad range of MCUs, DSCs and FPGAs.

NEW TOOL

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A comprehensive solution for developing Bluetooth and USB digital audio devices.

Created by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) has enabled convenient wireless stereo audio for a number of applications such as smartphone home and automotive audio docks, wireless speakers, A/V receivers and all-in-one compact audio systems. Bluetooth audio support is now a common requirement for smartphone docking solutions to allow consumers to use their phone as a music source or as a remote control to select the song of their choice and play it from across the room. To address the latest chal-lenges in RF design, software de-velopment, and certifications, developers need a proven, easy-to-use and complete develop-ment kit that will enable them to start their de-signs right out of the box. Since market require-ments vary, developers also need the flexibility to customize their development platform to suit their target market.

Our new full-featured PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Development Kit (DV320032) enables custom application development on PIC32 MCUs for Bluetooth and USB digital audio solutions. It ships with audio streaming demo code to deliver up to 24-bit, 192 kHz audio and has been tested with over 100 different Bluetooth audio enabled devices, spanning 18 different manufactur-ers. It includes an interface for use with iPod

Out-of-the-Box AudioPIC32 Bluetooth Audio Development Kit Eases Development of Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Docks and Bluetooth Speakers

and iPhone products, enabling expansion to support these popular devices. The Bluetooth hardware module and the Bluetooth A2DP audio software have been Bluetooth.org certi-fied, saving you significant certification costs. The modular design allows you to swap out the included daughter boardsone for audio and one for Bluetoothto create your own custom versions with your preferred audio and wireless solution.

The kit also supports USB Host and Device connectivity, Apple device authentication module interface, a 2-inch color LCD, five general-pur-

pose button switches, five LEDs and a Plug-In Module interface for PIC32 MCU upgrades. A PIC32MX450F256 MCU which runs at 80 MHz with 256 KB Flash and 64 KB RAM is included. Bluetooth Libraries are also available to enable multiple audio and data profiles as well as USB digital audio. These include the Bluetooth Serial Port Protocol (SPP), the Bluetooth Audio Suite 1 (A2DP with the standard SBC CODEC support) and Bluetooth Audio Suite 2 (A2DP with SBC and AAC CODEC support).

With such a broad feature-set and so much flexibility, the PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Development kit makes an excellent gen-eral purpose development tool for adding high-quality wireless audio to your design.

Add high-quality

wireless audio to your design.

NEW TOOL

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The Gateway Demo bridges data from the MiWi network to the Internet.

You can find sensors just about everywhere these days; from a sub-urban home security sensor to energy monitoring sensors in a Manhattan skyscraper. The data from these sensors is what makes them useful, and so the ability to easily mon-itor and control this data is extremely import-ant. It probably comes as no surprise that the Internet provides the best visibility to valuable sensor data.

Developing a way to bridge sensor data to the Internet just got a lot easier with Microchips new development tool, the MiWi Protocol to Wi-Fi Wireless Demo Kitor Gateway Demo. This remarkable tool integrates our proprietary MiWi wireless networking protocol with our Wi-Fi TCP/IP stack on a single PIC MCU, cleverly bridging the data from a MiWi network to the ubiquitous Internet.

The MiWi protocol is specifically designed to carry small amounts of data over a mid-range distance and consume very little power. It sup-ports both point-to-point and mesh networking, so any MiWi protocol-enabled sensors can transmit data via other MiWi protocol nodes to the central hub. In many applications, such as home and industrial automation, multiple sensors need to send their status information to the central hub either periodically or based

Control Your Sensors from Anywhere New Development Tool Seamlessly Bridges MiWi Protocol Mesh Networks to the Internet via Wi-Fi

on an event. The MiWi protocol enables this to be easily implemented in a low-cost, low-power node configuration.

While the MiWi protocol creates a simple mesh network, most applications require the sensor information to be transmitted to or accessed from remote locations. The Gateway Demo solves this problem by bridging the data from the MiWi network to the Internet, making the data from hundredseven thousandsof sensors accessible anywhere. The ability to bridge the MiWi protocols low power, low data rate and mesh network capability to a standard Wi-Fi protocol is a powerful tool.

The demo kit includes a wireless host gateway board with both the MiWi and Wi-Fi transceiv-er modules. It also includes two MiWi demo boards to create a three-node MiWi protocol network. The gateway board connects over Wi-Fi to a client device, such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone, or directly to an access point. Data from the MiWi protocol nodes is monitored and displayed via Wi-Fi on the client device.

The Gateway Demo (DM182018) is available from Microchips worldwide distribution network or from microchipDIRECT for just $169.00 USD. Order it today to get a quick start to your wireless sensor design.

Additional Resources: MiWi Wireless Protocol Microchips Wi-Fi Solutions Demonstration of MiWi to Wi-Fi

Gateway Demo Kit (Video)

CAP1188 Evaluation Board

NEW TOOLS

15

CAP1298 Evaluation Board

Todays consumers expect a sleek user interface and modern way to interact with everyday devices like remote con-trols, keypads and appliances, just as they do with their cell phones and tablets. They want to lightly tap on a button, swipe across the surface to move an image, or possibly even gesture up or down in the air to change the temperature on a thermostat. The fast pace of adoption of advanced interfaces in mainstream products to meet customer expectations puts pressure on designers to find ways to add innovative sens-ing solutions to standard designs with fast time to market and minimal design risk. To facilitate designs across the range of these possibilities, we have expanded our line of input sensing tools with the introduction of some new develop-ment tools for one-, two- and three-dimensional input sensing.

Our RightTouch technology is the perfect solution for quickly adding sleek capacitive touch keys, sliders or proximity sensing to your design. The CAP1118 Evaluation Board (DM160222) and the CAP1298 Evaluation Board (DM160223) for the CAPXXXX reg-ister-based turnkey touch controllers allow for easy integration of up to 14 touch sensor inputs with multiple button pattern and slider detection, press and hold, proximity detection

1-2-3 Tools for Human InterfaceMicrochips Expanded Suite of Human Interface Tools Covers All Three Dimensions

and LED drivers, all in a package as small as a 2 x 3 mm TDFN. The CAP1298 Evaluation Board provides you with an evaluation board, chip and a simple tuning GUI. Designs are easy to start with no firmware experience needed.

If your design incorporates two-dimensional gestures and multi-touch, the Projected Capacitive Touchpad Development Kit (DM320016) showcases the easy-to-integrate turnkey MTCH6301 Projected Capacitive Touch Controller with 11 standard built-in ges-tures and multi-touch supporting up to 13 x 18 channels. You will also get access to the PCap source code for design flexibility and fur-ther optimization. The Projected Capacitive Touchpad Develop-ment Kit comes with a combined PCB touch pad and a small dot matrix display to show the touch and gesture output. A free software GUI is offered for easy customization and parameter tuning as needed, along with a full reference design with sensor design guidelines. We make it easy to add gestures and multi-touch to your interface design.

Projected Capacitive Touchpad Development Kit

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everything you need to build a complete MGC3130 reference system including the MGC3130 Module and one exam-ple reference electrode. With several additional reference electrode designs, the Aurea Graphical User Interface Software, and an I2C to USB Bridge Module, the MGC3130 Hillstar Development Kit enables an easy design-in of the MGC3130. Also pro-vided is an artificial hand for parameterization and performance evaluation of the sensor structure as well as the MGC3130 Software Development Kit SDK, which supports both Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Maybe youd like to replace old mechanical buttons with sleek capacitive buttons or include some basic gestures in your prod-uct design. Or maybe you want to add cut-ting-edge 3D air gestures for a real wow factor. We make it easy to learn about and understand the unique performance capa-bilities for interactivity, including options that you may not have considered such as air gestures. Our expanded portfolio of human interface development tools helps you over-come the typical challenges presented by input sensing designlong learning curves,

When your user interface involves interacting in three-dimensional air space, our patented GestIC technology enables you to incorpo-rate intuitive air gestures. Just a wave of your hand can dim the lights on a home automation system or adjust the volume or scroll through a menu on an audio dock. Keyboards and PC peripherals with air gesture capabilities allow Windows 8 functionality without using the touch screen. The possibilities are endless for air gesture interaction and control.

The new MGC3130 Hillstar Development Kit (DM160218) with the worlds first elec-trical near field (E-field) 3D Tracking and Gesture Controllerthe MGC3130to enable intuitive and natural free space ges-ture control. This single chip allows fast and reliable tracking of movements and precision hand gestures up to 15 cm with no blind spots. The Hillstar Development Kit includes

MGC3130 Hillstar Development Kit

difficulty in obtaining true development tools and samples and lack of supportby provid-ing a suite of complete development tools with full support, all from one supplier.

If you need to keep up with the rapidly increasing demand for advanced interfac-es, you will benefit from our suite of new 1D/2D/3D development tools. Visit our Touch and Input Sensing Solutions area to learn more about our innovative technology and to locate development tools and documen-tation that will make it easy for you to add interactivity to your next design.

microchipDIRECT Memory Programming

We Can Now Program Memory Devices microchipDIRECT can now program our high running 24xxxx series of EEPROM memory parts with prices as low as $0.02 USD per device. If you need to add a lookup table/boot program or code to your memory device, save time and money and use microchipDIRECT memory programming.

NEW TOOL

16

17

TOOLS SPOTLIGHT

17

Free Code Configuration Plug-In for MPLAB X IDE Makes Developing Firmware on 8-bit PIC MCUs Fast and Easy

A new user friendly plug-in tool for the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is now available that gener-ates drivers for controlling and driving the peripherals inside 8-bit PIC MCUs based on the settings and selections made in its user interface. The MPLAB Code Configurator generates

seamless, easy-to-understand C code that is reliable and designed for efficient use of CPU and memory resources. A key feature of this tool is its production of the peripheral starter code, which is easy to migrate between similar peripherals and products. The generated driver functions can be used in many different application programs, providing a very powerful and extremely easy-to-use development platform. Additionally, the MPLAB Code Configurator offers many new and powerful features that provide flexible code creation options to efficiently solve your application development obstaclesall at a minimal cost. With its broad feature set and flexibility, this tool makes for an excellent general-purpose code development tool. The MPLAB Code Configurator plug-in is avail-able today and can be installed from the Easy to install MPLAB X Plugin tab under the Features (Extended) menu.

New Cloud-Based Development Platform Now Available on Amazon Web Services Marketplace

If you would like to add cloud connectivity to your designs, but have limited experience in this area, our new Cloud Development Platform can get you up and running on the proven Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) infrastructure quickly and easily. This simple Cloud Development Platform is available on the Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Marketplace and enables you to quickly learn cloud-based communication. With this platform, you can easily create a working demo that connects an embedded application with the Amazon EC2 service. At the heart of this platform is our Wi-Fi Client Module Development Kit (DM182020), which offers you a simple way to bridge the embedded world and the cloud to create applications encompassing the Internet of Things.

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DEVELOPMENT TOOL DEALS

18

December Is a Great Month for Savings

lthough Microchip gives you great deals on select development tools every year of the month, December gives you two opportunities to shop for products at up to 50% off their regular prices. You can always check our Development Tools Deals page to see whats

currently on sale, but you get even more opportunities for savings on additional items with our 2013 End of Year Sale. To take advantage of these special sale prices, go to microchipdirect.com and add the item to your cart. Add the coupon code during checkout. These are limited time offers so act quickly to get yours while the deals are still available and supplies last.

December 2013 Deals(Prices Effective Through December 29, 2013)

MCP2210 Evaluation Kit (ADM00421)This kit demonstrates how to use the MCP2210 USB-to-SPI chip in several real-life applications. It contains an MCP2210 Breakout Module Board, an MCP2210 SPI Slave Motherboard and a mini-USB cable, and its on sale for $19.99 USD with coupon code TP1353.

Wi-Fi Comm Demo Board (DV102411)The Wi-Fi Comm Demo Board provides a compact development platform to help you evaluate our Wi-Fi solutions. The board contains a PIC32 MCU and an FCC/IC/ETSI-certified MRF24WB0MA Wi-Fi module. Its only $34.99 USD with coupon code TP1354.

MRF89XAM9A PICtail/PICtail Plus Daughter Board (AC164138-2)Targeted for MiWi development environment and other proprietary wireless protocol applications,

the MRF89XAM9A is a perfect solution for low-cost, low-power, complete embedded wireless applications. The MRF89XAM9A PICtail/PICtail Plus Daughter Board, which is on sale now, can be plugged in to many of our demonstration and development boards. Use coupon code TP1355 to get yours for $23.99 USD.

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MPLAB Starter Kit for dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DM330011)Using its speech and audio processing capabilities, the MPLAB Starter Kit for dsPIC DSCs introduces you to our dsPIC devices. The kit is USB-powered, has on-board debug circuitry and a 24-bit codec for high-quality audio applications. Use coupon code TP1356 to get the sale price of $44.99 USD.

End of Year Sale Going on Now Through January 4, 2014

With savings of up to 45% off the regular price, theres something for everyone in our list of select products being offered during our End-of-Year Sale available through microchipdirect.com. This is just a sample of some of the 13 development tools on sale; youll find more on our End of Year Sale page. Fill up your cart today with gifts for yourself using coupon code EOY2013.

mikromedia for dsPIC33 (TMIK011)Save 10% on the mikromedia for dsPIC33, a small, compact unit that provides amazing multimedia capabilities. Based on the dsPIC33FJ128GP710, it includes a 320 x 240 TFT display with touch-screen, USB to UART serial converter, stereo MP3 codec, 8 MBit serial flash, microSD card slot, headphone jack, and USB connector. Pow-ered by USB, the board can easily play MP3 files from a microSD card with full 320 kbps quality.

Explorer 16 Development Board (DM240001)The Explorer 16 Development Board is a low-cost modular development system for our16-bit and 32-bit MCUs. It includes processor plug-in modules (PIMs) for easy device swapping between MCU families. The board also provides a PICtail Plus daughter card connector for USB, CAN, Ethernet, wireless, graphics and other expansion boards. Its on sale now for $103.99 USD.

DALI Lighting Communications Development Kit (DV160214-1)This kit provides a universal lighting development platform for the creation of communications-enabled lighting applications. The plat-form consists of a main board and various communications interface adapters to support in the development of DALI, DMX512A, as well as future protocols. Save 45% and get your kit for $104.50 USD.

Low Pin Count USB Development Kit (DM164127)Created with the USB novice in mind, this all-inclusive kit contains the hardware, software, and code examples necessary to bring your next USB design from concept to prototype. It provides an easy, low-cost way to evaluate the functionality of the PIC18F14K50 and PIC18F13K50 20-pin USB MCUs and also supports the PIC16F145x USB MCUs in 14- and 20-pins. A great value for $21.99 USD, it comes with Getting Started with Microchips Low Pin Count USB Solutions, a self-directed course and lab material to help you learn about adding USB connectivity to embedded systems.

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How Does This Sound?Compact MP3 Decoder Libraries for PIC32 MCUs Reduce System-Level Cost

The MP3 compression format is commonly used for storing and streaming digital audio data. It can compress the original audio content with minimal effect on sound quality. The higher the compression ratio is, the lower the quality of the sound. Therefore, during MP3 encoding an engineer must carefully balance the file size with the desired audio quality. When the combination of these two elements is right, MP3 encoded data can offer very high quality audio.

One of the advantages of MP3 audio is that it can be separated into segments. Each segment is independent and may be decoded or played. This feature makes MP3 compression very attractive for streaming audio applications.

MP3 encoding uses psychoacoustic principles which are used to determine how sound is perceived psychologically and physiologically by humans. The human ear can typically hear sounds in the range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, although with age the higher frequencies may be in-audible to some individuals. One of the principles applied in encoding is to limit the high frequency information, especially at low bit rates. The threshold of sound perception varies with frequency. A low level sound at high frequencies may be inaudible or may add little to the musical experience. In some situations, an otherwise clearly audible sound can be masked by another sound of higher intensity. The MP3 encoder evaluates the perceptual experience loss to the listener by analyzing various such phenomena and makes a qualitative judgment based on the chosen compression rate (bit rate). Alternatively, a Variable Bit Rate (VBR) can be used and the encoder will select the bit rate for every frame based on the amount of information contained. A decoder then takes the compressed data and produces decompressed audio on a frame-by-frame basis.

Microchips Compact MP3 Decoder Library enables the use of the MP3 algorithm on small memory footprint PIC32 MCU devices, which reduces your system-level cost. The Library is avail-able either in source or binary form and requires only 28 MIPS of performance (CD quality audio), 42 KB Flash and 11 KB RAM memory for operation on PIC32 MCUs.

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DESIGN ARTICLE

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Table 1 below shows the different audio layers that use the .mp3 file type. The

Compact MP3 Decoder Library implements the MPEG-1, Audio Layer III, which has been approved in the ISO/IEC 11172-3 standard.

Compact MP3 Decoder Features Implements MPEG-1, Audio Layer III

decoder (ISO/IEC 11172-3) Simple user interface initialize decoder

and pass MP3 data Optimized C-callable APIs

Assembly optimized implementation for overall performance

Supported sampling rates: 32 kHz 44.1 kHz 48 kHz

Supported bit rates (kbps): 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, 320, Variable Bit Rate (VBR)

For additional information on adding MP3 audio support to your product, contact your local Microchip sales office.

Encoding Format Layer I Layer II Layer IIIMPEG-1 (Fs = 32, 44.1, 48 kHz) No No YesMPEG-2 (Fs = 16, 22.05, 24 kHz) No No NoMPEG-2.5 (Fs = 8, 11.025, 12 kHz) No No No

Table 1 - Audio Layers Using .mp3 File Type

Complete Solutions Make Audio Easy!

PIC32 ROCKS AUDIO

16 -, 24-bit Audio 12S Codec MP3 Decode USB Audio

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Superior Power MeasurementSecond Generation of Energy Measurement Analog Front Ends for Metering, Multi-Load Monitoring and Data Acquisition Applications

Government regulations, competitive forces, technology innovations and end customer expectations are fueling unprecedented changes in the energy metering market. Design-ers face the challenge of meeting the current market requirements while also keeping their options open to address future changes. By separating the front-end signal acquisitionthe metrologyfrom the processing of the information and applications housekeeping, designers can deliver a flexible and future-proof metering solution.

Microchips solutions are used in millions of meters worldwide. Its latest generation of Energy Measurement Analog Front Ends (AFEs) includes the MCP3913 and MCP3914. These devices offer the highest-accuracy signal acquisition for 3-phase power metering, multi-load monitoring, and data acquisition applications. Containing six and eight 24-bit Sigma-Delta Analog-to-Digital Converters respectively, the MCP3913 and MCP3914 devices also offer programmable gain am-plifiers on each channel, a low drift internal voltage reference, and phase delay compensation, which enables the designer to achieve 0.1% active power measurement error over a 10000:1 dynamic range. This industry-leading accuracy, in addition to a robust feature set, enables the creation of superior end products with lower development costs.

The MCP3913 and MCP3914 AFEs include several other features that set them apart from the competition. Their programmable data rate, up to 125 ksps allows the option for low-power opera-tion or higher speed signal acquisition for harmonic analysis. They also incorporate extra security enhancements such as 16-bit CRC checksum and register map lock.

The MCP3913 and MCP3914 devices are ideal for 3-phase power metering including smart metering, power quality metering and industrial metering. Additional applications include power monitoring for switch-mode power supplies for servers and networking, power distribution systems and uninterruptible power supplies.

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Product Family Highlights:

High Accuracy Measurement Enables 0.1% active power

measurement error (typ.) over a 10000:1 dynamic range

Six (MCP3913) or eight (MCP3914) 24-bit Sigma-Delta ADCs

94.5 dB SINAD, 107 db THD, 112 dB SFDR

Programmable data rates up to 125 ksps High-speed modes for faster signals

such as harmonic content

Low-power modes for power budget constrained systems

Security Enhancements 16-bit CRC checksum Register map lock

High-Speed 20 MHz SPI 28-lead SSOP (MCP3913) and

40-lead 5 x 5 QFN (MCP3913/14)

Visit our Utility Metering Solutions page for additional information on our solutions for the metering market.

Part Number Number of ADCs Power MeasurementMCP3911 2 1-PhaseMCP3913 6 3-PhaseMCP3914 8 3-Phase w/Neutral

Part Number Number of ADCs Power MeasurementMCP3901 2 1-PhaseMCP3903 6 3-Phase

2ND GENERATION:

1ST GENERATION:

Improved performance Added features 2.5V3.6V Analog Vdd 2.5V3.6V Digital Vdd

5V Analog Vdd 2.7V5.5V Digital Vdd

Figure 1 - Feature Comparison of Microchips First and Second Generation Energy Measurement Analog Front Ends

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Watch and LearnNew Series of Tutorial Videos Highlight microchipDIRECT Features and Services

Maybe you already know that microchipDIRECT is the largest direct outlet for ordering Microchips products. But did you know that it offers some special services, such as support for both standard and business accounts, volume pricing and quick, secure and inexpensive production programming of PIC microcontrollers and memory devices? You can learn more about these features by watching these three new videos available on the Microchip Technology YouTube channel:

microchipDIRECT Account Tutorial Describes the features and benefits of both standard and business accounts, as illustrated in this diagram:

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How to Program Your Device on microchipDIRECT.com Shows how to quickly and easily create a device programmed with your own code

You can also visit microchipDIRECT.com where youll find additional resources to help you take advantage of the many value-added benefits we offer to our customers.

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Another MASTERs Success

Our 17th Annual Microchip MASTERs conference held this past August was a huge success. This year we offered a re-cord-breaking number of classes throughout the week which offered our attendees a broad spectrum of topics for beginners all the way through to those with advanced knowledge of PIC microcontrollers. Other sessions focused on our analog, memory, automotive, mTouch and wireless products. Many of these classes were hands-on, allowing the attendees to get a better understanding of the class material. Of course the program also included one of the all-time MASTERs favorites, the Tempe Plant Toursbunny suits and all!

More than 600 participants attended this year. They enjoyed networking with exhibitors as well as with Microchips employees in the Ask the Experts area. We also offered a Development Tools store where attendees could purchase tools at a discounted price to take home and begin working on their new designs. On Wednesday night, our Keynote session was presented by Microchips CEO, Steve Sanghi. The following two evenings were full of family-friendly activities such as a FIRST Robotics/VEX demo, a micro-cricket hunt, a capacitive touch guitar design, and Core Wars robot races, to name a few.

Each year we continue to expand and offer more benefits to those attending the MASTERs Conference. Through the years weve added two extra pre-conference days of classes, more hands-on sessions, extra evening classes, a larger exhibitor lobby, a number of sponsorships and more seats for our fab tour. Weve also introduced complimentary daytime events for the attendees guests and their families. More attendees have been bringing their families to enjoy the daytime activities offered by Microchip and the resort, as well as the evening MASTERs events.

Many thanks to everyone that participated in MASTERs 2013 and helped continue to make it one of the most successful technical training events offered to embedded control engineers. MASTERs 2014 will be located at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Arizona from August 1823. We look forward to another successful event and hope to see you next year. For more information, visit our MASTERs Conference page.

eXtreme Low Power MCUs Maximize Battery Life

The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, dsPIC, MPLAB and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their registered owners. 2013 Microchip Technology Inc. All rights reserved. 03/13

XLP 16-bitDevelopment Board

(DM240311)

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR BATTERY IN YOUR NEXT DESIGN!1. Visit www.microchip.com/XLP2. Download the Low Power

Tips n Tricks3. Use the Battery Life Estimator Tool

XLP 8-bit Development Board

(DM240313)

Extend the battery life in your application using PIC MCUs with nanoWatt XLP Technology and get the industrys lowest currents for Active and Sleep modes.Low Sleep Currents with Flexible Wake-up Sources

Sleep current down to 9 nA Brown-out Reset down to 45 nA Real Time Clock down to 400 nA

Low Dynamic Currents As low as 30 A/MHz Power e cient execution

Battery Friendly Features Enable battery lifetime > 20 years Operates down to 1.8V with self write and analog functions Low-power supervisors for safe operation (BOR, WDT)

Flexible Peripheral Set Integrated USB, LCD, RTC & touch sensing Eliminates costly external components

Large Portfolio of Over 160 XLP MCUs 8 pin to 100 pin options 4 KB to 128 KB Flash