IN THIS ISSUE
PAGE 1
Highest Resolution, Low-power,
18-bit ADCs in a SOT-23 Package
PAGE 2
Check out the New PIC18F4523!
PAGE 3
Managing Power Supply System
Noise for EMC Compliance
PAGE 4
Analog Design in a Digital World
Using Mixed Signal Controllers
PAGE 5
New Webcasts from Design News
PAGE 6
A Simple Synchronous Buck
Converter Design
PAGE 7
Desired Characteristics of
Managers and Supervisors
PAGE 8
Production Programming through
microchipDIRECT
LeCroy’s WaveJet®300 Series
Oscilloscopes Now Available in
Our RTCs
PAGE 9
Get to Know Our 16-bit PIC24 MCUs
PAGE 10
Microchip Around Town
PAGE 11
What’s New in Microchip
Literature?
PAGE 12
Web Site Highlights
Looking for a Low-power ADC
with the Highest Resolution Available
in a SOT-23 Package?
Microchip’s low-power, 18-bit, Delta-Sigma MCP3421
Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) features an
integrated voltage reference and Programmable Gain
Amplifier (PGA) on-chip, which reduces the need for
external components and enables a smaller overall
design footprint. With its 6-pin package, low power
consumption and high resolution, the new ADC is
ideal for portable measurement applications in
the industrial, medical, consumer and automotive
markets.
The MCP3421 ADC uses an I²C™-compatible serial
interface and operates from a single power supply (2.7V
to 5.5V). Microchip’s low-power technology enables the
device’s extremely low power consumption of just 155 μA at 5V continuous conversion, which helps to extend battery life in portable
measurement devices. Additionally, with the device’s on-board PGA, users can select the gains of x1, x2, x4 or x8 before the analog-to-
digital conversion takes place, enabling very high-resolution conversion of even small input signals. The integrated voltage reference
and oscillator lessen the need for external components, resulting in simpler designs and a smaller overall design footprint.
Example applications for the MCP3421 ADC include portable devices in the following markets:
industrial (portable instrumentation, pressure sensors, weigh scales, handheld meters and
multimeters); medical (heart rate monitors and blood glucose meters); consumer (weigh scales
and handheld meters); and automotive (sensor interfaces and fuel gauges).
If you would like to evaluate the MCP3421 ADC in your applications, Microchip offers
the MCP3421 Evaluation Board (Part # MCP3421EV). The board is available now at
www.microchipdirect.com for $15.
Samples of the MCP3421 ADC are available now at http://sample.microchip.com. The
device is available in a 6-pin, SOT-23 package. Volume production orders can be placed at
www.microchipdirect.com, today.
For more information visit www.microchip.com/MCP3421
www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs
 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007

Need More from Your Microcontroller’s Analog-to-Digital Converter?

Many applications such as advanced medical
instrumentation, industrial sensors and handheld
Microchip’s PIC18F4523 metering require precision analog measurement. The
family of microcontrollers PIC18F4523 microcontroller family was created to meet
this need. The 12-bit ADC aboard the PIC18F4523 has
with 12-bit Analog-to- 13 analog channels which can be sampled at a rate of
Digital Converters (ADCs) up to 80 thousand times per second. With 12-bits of
provides the external resolution, there are 4,096 distinct voltage levels that can
high resolution of an ADC be detected. Over a 3V range, this is resolution of less
without the additional size than 750 µV! In many cases, this is enough resolution
to eliminate complex external components, such as
and complexity. programmable gain amplifiers and stand-alone ADCs,
saving board space and system cost. The increased
resolution also simplifies implementation by eliminating
the need for precision enhancing algorithms such as
oversampling.
There is generous memory space on the PIC18F4523 with up to 32 KB
program Flash, 1.5 KB of RAM, and 256 bytes of non-volatile data memory.
There’s also an internal oscillator that can drive the system clock from
31 kHz up to 32 MHz, providing up to 10 MIPS of performance. The PIC18F4523
offers speed and precision, but does not consume high power. With seven
power managed modes, and operation from 2.0V to 5.5V, the PIC18F4523
can meet the most demanding power budgets.
The PIC18F4523 is fully supported by Microchip’s MPLAB® Integrated
Development Environment, the MPLAB ICD 2 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer,
the MPLAB C18 C Compiler and Application Maestro™ Software.
Hardware development is aided via the
PICDEM™ 2 Plus (DM163022) offered at
$99. The development board features analog
signal sources such as a temperature sensor
and potentiometer, as well as a generous
prototyping area to build custom analog
circuits.

Visit www.microchip.com/PIC18F4523 for more information.

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007

Managing Power Supply System Noise for EMC Compliance

Written by: Keith Curtis, Principle Applications Engineer and Justin Milks, Applications Engineer; Security, Rather than using a voltage controlled oscillator and noise diode, a pseudo-
Microcontroller & Technology Development Division: Microchip Technology Inc. random clock generator is easily created with the tunable oscillator of a small,
low-cost microcontroller, such as the PIC10F206. This microcontroller has
The switching frequencies, power density, and demand for devices the ability to provide the instruction clock as an output.
employing switching power-supply designs have consistently increased. Furthermore, the frequency of the microcontroller’s internal oscillator is tunable
However, limitations imposed by regulatory agencies, such as the Federal via the oscillator calibration (OSCCAL) register. Loading the OSCCAL register
Communications Commission (FCC), regarding how much noise these with a new value causes the frequency of the PIC®microcontroller to shift until
devices can radiate or conduct have not. it reaches the desired value. By continuously updating the calibration register
Radiated noise is transmitted by the device through the air, whereas conducted with a new, pseudo-random value, the oscillator frequency continuously shifts
noise is measured out of the device’s wiring. The amount of noise that a between frequencies. This effect is shown in Figure 1, which displays spectral
device generates is proportional to its output power. Because of the high plots of the clock output for both the dithered and non-dithered clocks.
level of output power that switching power-supply designs have, systems Using the full 7-bit calibration range of the OSCCAL register allows for frequency
designers are challenged to develop designs that meet consumer demands values as low as 600 kHz and as high as 1.2 MHz. Although these minimum
for greater functionality, while at the same time meeting regulatory agency and maximum frequencies are not guaranteed, a significant frequency shift is
requirements. obtained using this technique. Additionally, by modifying the pseudo-random
Fixed switching frequency is a main number-generation routine, it is possible to determine the mean center
component of conducted and radiated frequency and frequency deviation.
noise. A spectrum analyzer reveals a Microcontrollers bring more to
high amplitude peak at the switching switching power supply designs
frequency of the supply. Designers than a dithered switching clock.
are often forced to add additional Microcontrollers easily implement
shielding, snubbing and filtering to other useful functions, such as
designs in order to control the noise. under-voltage protection (using
While these protections may help an on-board comparator and
systems to meet Electromagnetic reference), shutdown (using a
Compatibility (EMC) requirements, digital input with internal pull-
they require larger circuits and the ups), soft-start (using a software
addition of components, which pulse width modulation routine)
increases overall design costs. and over-temperature protection
The good news is that, based upon the spread-spectrum communications (using an analog temperature
concept, it is possible to vary a power supply’s switching frequency over sensor and comparator). An
time. This technique, known as “dithering,” reduces the noise at any single example schematic is shown in
frequency by spreading it out over a range of frequencies. As long as the Figure 2.
switching frequency changes rapidly, the amplitude of the spectral peaks will For more information on clock dithering and example software for pseudo-
decrease. random number generation, please see Microchip Technology Application
Note AN544, available at www.microchip.com/AN544.

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007
Application Note AN823: Analog Design in a Digital World Using Mixed Signal Controllers
Author: Keith Curtis, Microchip Technology Inc.
This text is pulled from Microchip’s Application Note AN823. Click here to view the entire
application note
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this application note is to familiarize you with PIC16C78X
design considerations, specifically:
• Potential noise problems in mixed-signal design
• Features and performance of the new analog/digital peripherals
• Some common applications for the PIC16C78X
The PIC16C781 and PIC16C782 are the first devices in a new line of mixed
analog/digital microcontrollers from Microchip. These microcontrollers are
a marriage of our traditional microcontroller architecture with new mixed-
signal peripherals that change many of the old conventions of embedded
microcontroller design. Not only do the new peripherals open up new
applications for the microcontroller, they bring new design concerns that might
be unfamiliar to traditional microcontroller designers. This application note will
highlight some of the common problems associated with mixed-signal design
and offer techniques for overcoming these problems.
It will also cover the features and performance of the new peripherals. Finally,
this application note covers some of the common applications that take
advantage of the PIC16C78X’s unique peripherals.
NOISE AND MIXED-SIGNAL DESIGN
The first area to cover concerning mixed-signal design is identifying and
controlling potential noise sources. Traditionally, microcontroller designs have
enjoyed relative immunity to noise concerns, due to their high noise margins
(typically measured in tenths of volts). However, the addition of analog blocks
designed to handle low level signals change some of the design priorities.
Noise levels in the millivolt and microvolt range can now have a significant
impact on the performance of the system. Therefore, it is important that the
designer acquires new tools and techniques for controlling, and where possible,
eliminating noise.
IDENTIFYING NOISE SOURCES
Identifying potential noise sources in a design is the first step in controlling
or eliminating noise in a mixed-signal design. Almost any active circuit in a
design can generate noise; however, some circuits are more likely to become
noise generators than others. The following is a short list of common sources
of noise:
www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 
1. Oscillators: This one is an obvious source of periodic AC noise. However,
designers should remember that oscillators also have output drivers which
can generate fast rise time transients and ringing that is unrelated to the
oscillator frequency.
2. High current/power drive circuits: Another source of fast rise time transients
and ringing.
3. Amplifiers/Comparators: The amplifier can become unstable driving
capacitive loads. Amplifiers and comparators can oscillate if their bypass
capacitors are missing or inadequate.
4. Switching power supply circuits: These circuits can be significant sources
of noise because they incorporate both oscillators and high drive currents.
5. Circuits with external connections: These circuits are subject to not only the
noise sources inside the cabinet, but also all the external sources including
ESD and RFI.
6. Fast rise time logic: Any logic device with a rise time of less than 5-10
nanoseconds is capable of generating noise in the 1 to 100 MHz range.
This list is by no means complete. There are other circuits and systems in
any design which may be a potential source of noise. However, a good general
rule of thumb is: If it is high speed, high power, or is not bypassed correctly,
it can generate noise.
Once the noise sources have been identified, the next step is to determine
if the noise source can be eliminated or minimized. Obviously, some noise
sources (such as oscillators) cannot be removed and must be minimized.
However, other unintentional or undesirable oscillators can often be removed.
Sometimes small changes made at the beginning of a design can significantly
reduce the probability of noise-related problems.
For noise sources that cannot be eliminated, the only option is to isolate
sensitive circuitry from the source of the noise. In extreme cases, isolation
may require shielding and/or opto-isolation of common signals. However, in
most cases, careful design and attention to how noise travels in a design are
sufficient to limit noise to a manageable level. This application note examines
the more common pathways used by noise to travel around a circuit.
To view AN823 in its entirety, please visit:
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/00823a.pdf
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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007
On-demand Webcasts from Design News
Mechatronics – The Facts You Need to Know
Join an expert in the field of mechatronics, Dr. Kevin Craig, Professor of Mechanical
Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York for a special webcast
presentation “Mechatronics: 21st Century Design Engineering”. This webcast is available
for viewing now, 24/7 for a limited time.
View Now | Available on demand for viewing now!
Get answers to the questions you undoubtedly have and discover knowledge of
mechatronics that include:
• Why should a company consider embracing a mechatronic approach to design?
• How does a company change their culture to embrace a mechatronic system
approach to design?
• What’s the design challenge for a company?
• Why design and control integration are very important in mechatronic system
design
View Now
Interested in Mechatronics?
Click here to pre-register for the Design News Mechatronics e-newsletter!
Intelligent Fan Control Made Easy
This webcast discusses the microcontroller’s role in intelligent fan design. Microcontroller
peripherals combined with the appropriate software techniques can create a fan controller
solution that complies with the latest industry specifications. In addition to obtaining a
better understanding of these specifications, webcast attendees will gain the necessary
technical knowledge to design a low-cost and flexible microcontroller based fan control
solution, as well as easy techniques to customize and tune the response characteristics of
the fan controller.
Moderated by: Randy Frank, contributing editor, Design News
Presented by: Justin Milks, Applications Engineer, Security, Microcontroller and Technology
Development Division, Microchip Technology
Register Now | Now On Demand
www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 
Designing Intelligent Power Supplies
About this webcast
With the increasing use of digital control, there are more ways than ever to design power
supplies. The potentially confusing choices confront the engineer designing or using a power
supply with this added functionality. Understanding the four levels of microcontroller integration
possible in a design, and the features and functions possible with each level can simplify
the decision process. In this webcast, we will explore the impact of each level on the analog
design, and how each level shifts issues associated with control and reliability, from the
traditional hardware design, to the microcontroller and software side of the design.
Click here to access the webcast
About the moderator
Randy Frank,
Contributing Editor
Randy Frank been involved with the product engineering, marketing and
applications aspects of electronics technology for over 25 years. With a
focus on power electronics, sensors and automotive electronics, he has
also covered a broad range of other technical topics. He has made over 50
presentations at technical conferences and moderated several webcasts. Randy is a Society of
Automotive Engineers as well as an IEEE Fellow.
About the presenter
Keith Curtis,
Principal Applications Engineer, Microchip Technology Incorporated
Prior to, and during college, Keith worked as a technician/programmer for
Summit Engineering and Morgan Aviation. After graduating with a BSEE
from Montana State University in 1986, he was employed by
Tele-Tech Corporation as a design and project engineer until 1992. It was
during this time that he also began consulting as a design engineer. Leaving Montana in 1992, he
was then employed by Bally Gaming in Las Vegas as an Electrical Engineer and later the EE
manager. During the next 8 years, he worked for various Nevada gaming companies in both design
and management until 2000. He then moved to Arizona and began work as a Principal Application
Engineer for Microchip, specializing in mixed-signal and power microcontroller applications. Keith is
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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007

Looking for a Simple Synchronous Buck Converter Design?

The density of portable electronic equipment requires the design engineer to pay Therefore, it follows that ΔT is:
particular attention to a number of important design parameters. For the power
conversion circuitry, two of these parameters are the efficiency and the total circuitry
footprint. Keeping the efficiency high extends battery life and controls the temperature
rise of the equipment. Limiting the circuitry footprint helps minimize the size of the
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and, ultimately, the total cost of the device.
The MCP1612 is an ideal choice for such a design. Since both the switching and
synchronous MOSFETs are internal and switching is 1.4 MHz, the inductor, input and Most inductor manufacturers specify the peak current that an inductor can support
output capacitor size is minimized. The output voltage is set by using a simple resistor before the inductance drops by a given percentage. ΔIL should be reevaluated if the
divider, with a high-bandwidth loop being accomplished by a series resistor capacitor to inductance drops by a large percentage because of its peak current. The peak inductor
ground. Efficiencies of 90% and a typical shutdown current of 0.01 μA help to extend current is calculated by:
battery life.
Application Note AN968 contains all of the information needed to design a synchronous
buck converter using the MCP1612. It also contains a real-world design example with
measured laboratory data.
POWER COMPONENT DESIGN Output Capacitor
The design of the power components for the MCP1612 is made easier because The MCP1612 is designed to allow the use of ceramic, tantalum or aluminum electrolytic
the switching and synchronous MOSFETs are internal. The output filter inductor and capacitors as output filter capacitors. The output capacitor is chosen to meet the
capacitor are the only two power components that need to be selected. output ripple specification and to provide storage for load transients. The value of
Buck Inductor the capacitance is not the only parameter of the capacitor that determines ripple
The inductance and current-carrying capability of the buck inductor or output filter voltage. All capacitors have an Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) that contributes to
inductor is very easy and straightforward to calculate. The size of the inductor is the ripple voltage. Ceramic capacitors have the lowest ESR, but increase in cost with
selected such that a certain ripple current is achieved. higher capacitance values. Aluminum electrolytic and tantalum capacitors are relatively
inexpensive in higher capacitance values, but they also have a much higher ESR. Solving
As will be shown later, the amount of allowable ripple current determines the amount the standard capacitor equation for the output ripple voltage (ΔVC) yields:
of output ripple voltage present at the converter load.
Solving the standard inductor equation for inductor ripple current (ΔIL) yields:

When operating in Continuous Conduction mode (meaning the inductor current never
goes to zero), the on-time (ΔT) of the P-channel MOSFET is determined by multiplying
the duty cycle by the switching period. Using the output voltage (VOUT) to input voltage
(VIN) relationship, the duty cycle yields: To view AN968 in its entirety, please visit:
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/00968a.pdf

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007
Desired Characteristics of Managers and Supervisors
In the Wiley book “Driving Excellence”, Chapter
16, we describe “25 Desired Characteristics
of Managers and Super visors.” Managers
are vital to maintaining a company’s culture
and must role model the company’s values
and policies. Management practices must
align with the company’s values. The entire
“Aggregate System” breaks down if too many
managers serve as anti-role models of the
company’s culture. Therefore, it is imperative
that management practices what it preaches
and leads by example. Second, managers
must assist employees in their practice of the
company’s values while conducting company
business. Strong management skills are
essential in a values-based, highly empowered
environment.
This role of managers and supervisors in instituting and preserving the desired
company culture is commonly underestimated. Many firms place insufficient weight
on the true impact of managers. This is reflected in their hiring, training, promotion,
assessment and employee recognition practices. In reality, the managers’ styles
and abilities have tremendous impact on the company’s culture and performance.
Underrating their influence will significantly decrease the effectiveness of your
Aggregate System.
I have compiled a ver y comprehensive list of
“25 Desired Characteristics of Managers and
Supervisors.” The list clearly shows how difficult
it is to be an outstanding manager. It requires
considerable commitment and training to
become an excellent manager. Seldom will any
given manager possess all 25 characteristics.
Whether your company wants to use this list
as a hiring tool, training tool, performance
appraisal tool or a promotion assessment tool,
this list of desired characteristics will be very
handy to have. For more information, please visit
www.DrivingExcellence.biz.
www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 
The 25 Desired Characteristics of Managers and Supervisors
1. Achieves the desired operational performance goals; consistently meets
commitments and demands quality.
2. Displays professionalism and role models the culture.
3. Has technical competence in his/her field.
4. Drives continuous improvement.
5. Is bright and has good common sense.
6. Seeks to satisfy customers (internal or external).
7. Demonstrates excellent people skills and interpersonal interactions.
8. Practices a dynamic leadership style (i.e., situational leadership); serves as a
coach, facilitator and barrier remover.
9. Empowers employees to foster their involvement, getting the most from them.
10. Has solid performance management skills (e.g., establishes expectations,
demonstrates conflict resolution skills and deals with non-performers).
11. Has good judgment and decision-making abilities, and takes appropriate risks.
12. Demonstrates initiative, is a creative problem solver and utilizes analytical
methods.
13. Is a strong communicator with good selling, persuasiveness and negotiating
skills.
14. Is a dedicated, hard worker who demonstrates initiative, perseverance and
follow-through.
15. Is flexible and adaptable, and works well under stress.
16. Fosters continuous learning by developing employees.
17. Is a good organizer and planner, with a systems orientation.
18. Listens actively, and considers others’ input and feedback.
19. Gives recognition for good work, takes interest in the individual and remains
focused on the work rather than playing politics.
20. Is a team player who builds good team chemistry; is a consensus builder, but
knows when to lead.
21. Respects, praises and supports other groups, rather than seeking control over
them.
22. Operates with limited ego; acts ethically and honestly.
23. Is a good motivator who effectively deals with poor performers.
24. Is frugal (i.e., profit and loss/cost sensitivity).
25. Is concerned with maintaining a safe workplace.
— Steve Sanghi, President and CEO of Microchip Technology Inc.
If you think that I have missed any key characteristic of a manager, please
send me an email at Steve.Sanghi@Microchip.com.
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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007

Check out the new LeCroy WaveJet™

Oscilloscopes at Our Worldwide
Regional Training Centers
LeCroy Corporation, a worldwide leader in serial data test solutions, will provide
WaveJet™ 300 Series oscilloscopes for use by attendees during instructional
workshops at Microchip’s worldwide Regional Training Centers (RTCs). Engineers
seeking design instruction with Microchip’s silicon products will now use a
LeCroy oscilloscope for hands-on experience validating designs and debugging/
troubleshooting circuits. Microchip’s workshops take place at 34 RTC engineering
labs in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.
LeCroy’s WaveJet 300 Series
features unmatched performance
Come to and debugging tools not usually
found in lower bandwidth portable
microchipDIRECT oscilloscopes. With the longest
capture time in its class, features
and see what we such as a large screen display and
can do for you USB connectivity, and bandwidths
ranging from 100 MHz to 500
today! MHz, the WaveJet 300 Series
allows you to simplify and shorten
your microcontroller design
validation and debugging process.
The WaveJet series of oscilloscopes is designed to provide you with high-
performance testing capabilities in a portable scope at an exceptional value.
Microchip launched its global network of Regional Training Centers in 2006 to
meet customers’ demands for more frequent training. Many engineers are looking
to improve their knowledge base and skill sets on a regular basis. Microchip’s
How much are you paying to program your PIC® microcontroller? RTCs offer a multitude of courses covering a wide range of applications. These
courses provide expert instruction in a small classroom setting on new design
microchipDIRECT
Example Device Package Type Quantity Programmed Programming Charge methodologies, board-level “tips and tricks” and hands-on development tool projects
PIC10F202-I/OT 6-Lead SOT-23 5001+ $0.04 each
that can make you more productive while increasing your professional value.
Sample Pricing

Additionally, Microchip’s courses help make your organization more successful by

PIC16F630-E/SL 14-Lead SOIC 5001+ $0.08 each
speeding time to market and lowering total system costs.
PIC16F627A-I/SS 20-Lead SSOP 5001+ $0.10 each
PIC16F57-I/SP 28-Lead PDIP 5001+ $0.12 each Each RTC offers a wide range of course topics for skill levels from beginner to
PIC18F4520-I/ML 44-Lead QFN 5001+ $0.20 each
advanced.
PIC18F8722-I/PT 80-Lead TQFP 5001+ $0.23 each
For additional information on RTC locations or to register for courses visit
www.microchip.com/RTC.
Your most comprehensive resource for
Microchip products.
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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007

Getting to Know the PIC24F 16-bit Regional Training Center Classes

Microcontroller Family Among the additional resources
sited for design engineers interested
There are several ways to learn how to use these new in more hands-on experience with
the PIC24F family are the classes
products to their full advantage. available from Microchip’s Regional
Training Centers (RTCs). There are
several classes to choose from. The
16-bit Microcontroller Seminar, (101
SMR) is a full day lecture-based class
that showcases the architectural and
On-Demand WebSeminars
peripheral features of Microchip’s new
On of the easiest ways of introducing yourself to a new microcontroller family 16-bit PIC24 microcontroller family
is by viewing an on-line presentation on the device. Several months ago and expanded dsPIC® Digital Signal
Microchip offered a web seminar entitled “Introduction to the PIC24F MCU” Controller (DSC) family. Getting Started
which presented an overview and comparison of all four 16-bit controller with 16-bit Microcontroller Architecture, Instruction Set and Assembly
families. This on-demand seminar continues to be downloaded by engineers Programming (103 ASP) covers program and data memory organization,
worldwide.
addressing modes, instruction set, clocking sequences and more. Attendees
Now two new PIC24F topics have been added to the growing list of On-Demand learn these concepts by writing simple programs using an Explorer 16
Seminars. Both are presented by Donald Schneider, Product Marketing Development Board. The Standard 16-bit Peripheral Configuration and
Manager for Microchip’s PIC24F product line. In these presentations he MPLAB®C30 C Compiler Programming Techniques (203 PRC) class gives
takes you through a more in-depth look at the PIC24F family’s peripherals. attendees hands-on experience with the PIC24 standard peripheral sets while
In the first web seminar of this series, PIC24F Family Peripherals the PIC24 Extended Peripheral Configuration, Libraries and Programming
Part 1, Don covers 3 peripherals that are new with the launch of the PIC24F using MPLAB® C30 C Compiler (204 ADV) class covers the extended
devices. The focus of the presentation is on the capabilities and uses of peripheral sets.
the Real Time Clock Calendar (RTCC), Parallel Master Port (PMP) and Cyclic
Redundancy Check (CRC). All three peripherals are covered in detail. A
summary of web resources and additional PIC24F training classes available
through Microchip’s Regional Training Centers (RTCs) is also included. This
seminar is complemented by PIC24F Peripherals Part 2.
PIC24F Family Peripherals Part 2 is the second web seminar in this series. In
this presentation Don covers the Standard Peripherals found on Microchip’s
PIC24F 16-bit microcontrollers including the 10-bit A/D converter, analog
comparators, 16-bit timers, input capture, output compare/PWM and serial
ports. The web seminar covers the basic capabilities of each module and
concludes with a brief summary of additional resources.
For more information about Microchip Technology’s Regional Training
Centers, visit www.microchip.com/RTC
New web seminars are being added regularly! See what’s new at:
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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007
Microchip Around Town
Are you interested in advanced motor-control techniques
for your designs? Mark your calendar for February 6, 2007 from 1:00
to 5:00 PM and attend the Motor & Drive Systems pre-conference workshop
presented by Microchip’s Technical Training Manager, John Magrane. This workshop
features example motor control applications for variable-speed, brushless
DC, AC-induction and switched-reluctance motors using Microchip’s 8- and
16-bit PIC® microcontroller, dsPIC® digital signal controller and analog products. The
workshop provides a review of many PIC microcontroller architectures, with emphasis
on peripherals that are specifically integrated for motor control. Learn techniques
and algorithms for forced commutation, variable-speed control, noise reduction,
extending speed range with phase-advance phase control, sensorless control and
much more. Attendees receive several Microchip motor control development tools,
including a demonstration board, a copy of the MPLAB® IDE Integrated Development
Environment, Microchip’s Motor Control Graphical User Interface, a demonstration
version of the MPLAB C30 C compiler and additional firmware.
Are you interested in dramatic energy savings for your
motor-driven equipment? Learn how sensorless Field Oriented Control
(FOC) can be implemented to improve motor performance and efficiency at a very
low cost, as Jorge Zambada, Microchip’s Applications Engineer, presents “Low-Cost,
High Efficiency Sensorless FOC for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors.” This
presentation shows how sensorless FOC can be implemented at a very low cost,
using devices like Microchip’s dsPIC® digital signal controllers, resulting in highly
efficient motor-control applications with improved energy efficiency.
To register visit
http://www.e-driveonline.com/motors_conf_index.htm
www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 10
Microchip is also participating in the
following events:
Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC)
February 25 – March 1, 2007 • Disneyland® Hotel, Anaheim, CA
http://www.apec-conf.org
Keith Curtis is scheduled to present a hands-on seminar entitled “Designing Intelligent Power
Supplies” on Feb. 26 from 8:30 AM to noon. Attend this session to find out what a microcontroller
can do for you and your power-supply design. To cover important information concerning the
design process, software design methods will also be presented. These methods include code
reuse to shorten development times, hardware abstraction for more readable and maintainable
code, a systematic methodology for easier design and testing, and a simple technique for
building software that multitasks without the expense of an operating system.
Join panelist Sean Strickler in a discussion about “Doing Business On-line” on February 28,
2007 from 8:30 to 10:15 AM.
Battery Power 2007
June 6 – 7, 2007 • Denver, CO
http://www.batterypoweronline.com/bp07_program.htm
Keith Curtis presents “Super Capacitors – The Next Rechargeable Battery?” This presentation
explains the use of super capacitors as an energy-storage medium, using a solar-based
emergency power reference design as an example. The goal of the system is to provide
continuous power to the emergency system during both day and night hours. The design will
show how super-capacitor-based storage will be tasked with automatically charging when energy
is available, providing power when energy is not available from the solar panels and providing
short-term, panel support in times of high current draw.
Microchip will host a ½-day pre-conference workshop on June 5, 2007. Terry Cleveland, Staff
Engineer for Microchip’s Analog & Interface Products Division is scheduled to present a four-
hour seminar that explains the development of linear- and switching-charger designs.
2007 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
Annual Conference & Exposition
June 24 – 26, 2007 • Honolulu, HI
http://www.asee.org/conferences/annual/2007/index.cfm
John Magrane and Professor Lakshmi Munukutla from ASU are scheduled to present a paper
that demonstrates how industry and academia can develop programs to assist universities in
attracting students and ensure a pipeline of highly skilled business-ready graduates. Not only
will these programs help academia and industry, but also provide students with a superior
education and improved employment prospects.
Principal Application Engineer Keith Curtis is scheduled to present “Embedded Software Design
Methodology to Help Students Succeed in the Real World,” and Microchip’s Carol Popovich
will co-present a paper with Professor Lakshmi Munukutla of ASU entitled “Universities and
Industry Can Partner to Create Engineering Entrepreneurs.
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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007
Visit our Technical Documentation page on
What’s New in Microchip Literature? www.microchip.com to view the documents.
Doc. Type Doc. Title DS No. Printed/Web
800 mA Fixed Output CMOS LDO Data Sheet 21375C web
800 mA Fixed Output LDO w/Shutdown Data Sheet 21376D web
800 mA Fixed Low Dropout Positive Regulator Data Sheet 21665C web
93AA56A/B/C, 93LC56A/B/C, 93C56A/B/C Microwire Compatible Serial EEPROM Data Sheet 21794D web
8K SPI Bus Serial EEPROM Data Sheet 21808C web
Low-Cost 64-Step Volatile Digital POT Data Sheet 21978B web Request
LIN Transceiver with Voltage Regulator Data Sheet 22018A web Additional Literature
PIC18F97J60 Family Device Data Sheet 39762B web
PIC16F630/676 14-pin Flash-based 8-Bit CMOS Data Sheet 40039D web
PIC16F684 Data Sheet 41202E web
PIC18F2XK20/4XK20 Data Sheet 41303A web
dsPICDEM™ 1.1 Plus Development Board Kit Software 51330G web
Data Sheet
Explorer 16 Development Board Software and Documentation CD 51588D web
Explorer 16 Poster 51631A web Product Selector Guide
PICDEM™ System Management CD 51632A web
PICkit™ Serial Analyzer CD 51633A web
dsPIC30F2023 44 to 80-Pin Plug-in Module (PIM) Pin Map 51635A web
16-Bit Language Tools Getting Started 70094D web
dsPICDEM 1.1 Plus Development Board User’s Guide 70099D web
dsPIC30F6011/6012/6013/6014 Data Sheet 70117F web
dsPIC30F6010 Data Sheet 70119E web
dsPIC30F6011A/6012A/6013A/6014A Data Sheet 70143C web Data Sheet Finder
dsPIC30F5015/5016 Data Sheet 70149B web
dsPIC30F1010/202x SMPS Data Sheet 70178C web
The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, Accuron,
PIC18F2455/2550/4455/4550 Rev. A3 Silicon Errata 80220F web dsPIC, KEELOQ, microID, MPLAB, PIC, PICmicro, PICSTART, PRO
MATE, PowerSmart, rfPIC and SmartShunt are registered
PIC16F631/677/685/687/689/690 Rev A Silicon/Data Sheet Errata 80243F web trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
U.S.A. and other countries. AmpLab, FilterLab, Migratable
PIC18F24J10/25J10/44J10/45J10 Rev A2 Silicon Errata 80269C web Memory, MXDEV, MXLAB, SEEVAL, SmartSensor and The
Embedded Control Solutions Company are registered
Errata PIC18F2420/2520/4420/4520 Rev. B2 Silicon Errata 80288C web trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
U.S.A. Analog-for-the-Digital Age, Application Maestro,
PIC18F2423/2523/4423/4523 Rev. B2 Silicon Errata 80289C web CodeGuard, dsPICDEM, dsPICDEM.net, dsPICworks,
ECAN, ECONOMONITOR, FanSense, FlexROM, fuzzyLAB,
PIC12F609/615/12HV609/615 Silicon Errata 80294A web In-Circuit Serial Programming, ICSP, ICEPIC, Linear Active
Thermistor, Mindi, MiWi, MPASM, MPLIB, MPLINK, PICkit,
PIC16F616/16HV616 Data Sheet Errata 80296A web PICDEM, PICDEM.net, PICLAB, PICtail, PowerCal, PowerInfo,
PowerMate, PowerTool, REAL ICE, rfLAB, rfPICDEM, Select
MCP2551A High-Speed CAN Transceiver Product Brief 22016A web Mode, Smart Serial, SmartTel, Total Endurance, UNI/O,
Product Brief WiperLock and ZENA are trademarks of Microchip Technology
PIC24FJ64GA004 Family Product Brief 39685C web Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. SQTP is a
service mark of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the
Tips ‘n Tricks Tips ‘n Tricks - 8-pin Flash PIC® Microcontroller Booklet 40040C web U.S.A. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of
their respective companies.

GPIO Expander Keypad and LCD Demo Board User’s Guide 51636A web
User’s Guide
28-Pin Demo Board User’s Guide 41301A web
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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 11

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS eNEWSLETTER - January 2007

web site Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a

HIGHLIGHTS standard content format that allows

Eliminate shipping costs by
downloading software from
microchipDIRECT!
microchipDIRECT now provides a
“software for sale” download capability.
You can purchase Microchip’s embedded-
development software quickly and easily
from www.microchipdirect.com. The
first products being offered through this service are the popular MPLAB®
C18 and MPLAB C30 C Compilers. These compilers are full-featured, ANSI -
compliant, and download with extensive libraries for embedded-development
applications using Microchip’s PIC18 high-end 8-bit and PIC24 16-bit families
of microcontrollers, as well as the dsPIC® digital signal controllers. More
software products are expected to be added in the future. Microchip also
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and libraries for download on microchipDIRECT.
MPLAB C18 and MPLAB C30 C compilers are fully integrated with Microchip’s
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generate relocatable object modules, which can be linked with assembly
modules or in-line assembly code to generate reusable code modules for any
embedded application. The MPLAB IDE provides a comprehensive graphical
front end to leverage code development with the MPLAB C18 and MPLAB
C30 compilers via a project manager, a programmer’s text editor and a rich
suite of robust debugging tools. Extensive multi-pass optimizations generate
compact, robust code that can be directly downloaded to Microchip’s
microcontrollers using Microchip’s programmers, in-circuit debuggers and
in-circuit emulators. Both compilers generate re-entrant code and support
third-party tools, such as Real Time Operating Systems (RTOSs) and
application-specific libraries.
A free Student Edition of each compiler is also available for evaluation
download from the Microchip web site at www.microchip.com/c30 and
www.microchip.com/c18, respectively. For additional information, contact
any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or
visit Microchip’s web site at www.microchipdirect.com.
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HERE TO HELP!
Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design
engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers
can access four main service areas at www.microchip.com.
The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered;
the Sample area offers free evaluation samples of any Microchip
device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory
and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and
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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 12