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Microchip integrates programmable logic into low-power microcontrollers
CLB-based PIC MCUs combine hardware logic and embedded control to reduce latency, improve determinism and simplify timing-critical system design.
www.microchip.com
Motor control, industrial automation, and automotive safety systems require deterministic timing and low-latency operation, where software-based execution can introduce delays and unpredictability. In this context, Microchip Technology has expanded its Configurable Logic Block (CLB)-based microcontroller portfolio with the PIC16F13276 and PIC18-Q35 families, integrating programmable logic and embedded control within a single device.
Hardware-based logic for deterministic performance
The CLB architecture enables engineers to implement logic functions directly in hardware instead of software. This reduces latency and ensures predictable execution, as hardware-based timing paths are not affected by processor load or interrupt handling.
A key capability is independent initialization of the logic at power-up or reset. This allows the system to reach a defined operational state without relying on firmware execution, which is particularly relevant in functional safety and automotive applications requiring deterministic startup behavior.
Integrated alternative to CPLD-plus-MCU designs
The new MCU families combine CPLD-like logic with embedded control, enabling consolidation of previously discrete components. This integration reduces bill of materials (BOM), board space and overall system complexity.
The two device families offer different logic capacities:
- PIC16F13276: 32 logic elements
- PIC18-Q35: 128 logic elements
This scalability allows designers to implement parallel logic functions alongside control tasks within a single chip, supporting applications such as motor control loops, real-time signal processing and safety interlocks.
Timing analysis and reduced development effort
To address timing challenges early in the design cycle, Microchip provides a CLB timing analysis tool that helps identify signal delays, critical paths and potential risks. Verifying these parameters upfront reduces debugging time and improves overall system reliability.
Development ecosystem and design integration
An enhanced CLB configuration tool is available within Visual Studio Code, offering a graphical, drag-and-drop interface for logic design. The tool integrates synthesis, simulation, timing analysis and hardware debugging, allowing developers to validate functionality and timing without using hardware description languages.
The devices are compatible with existing PIC16 and PIC18 platforms, enabling integration into current designs without full redesign. Additional features such as Programming and Debugging Interface Disable (PDID) provide protection against unauthorized access or modification, addressing security requirements in industrial and automotive environments.
Supported by Microchip’s broader development ecosystem, including MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment and MPLAB Code Configurator, as well as Curiosity Nano evaluation kits, the new MCU families provide a complete platform for rapid prototyping and deployment.
By integrating programmable logic directly into low-power microcontrollers, Microchip provides a solution to the limitations of software-based timing, enabling more deterministic, efficient and compact designs for embedded systems.
Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.
www.microchip.com
Timing analysis and reduced development effort
To address timing challenges early in the design cycle, Microchip provides a CLB timing analysis tool that helps identify signal delays, critical paths and potential risks. Verifying these parameters upfront reduces debugging time and improves overall system reliability.
Development ecosystem and design integration
An enhanced CLB configuration tool is available within Visual Studio Code, offering a graphical, drag-and-drop interface for logic design. The tool integrates synthesis, simulation, timing analysis and hardware debugging, allowing developers to validate functionality and timing without using hardware description languages.
The devices are compatible with existing PIC16 and PIC18 platforms, enabling integration into current designs without full redesign. Additional features such as Programming and Debugging Interface Disable (PDID) provide protection against unauthorized access or modification, addressing security requirements in industrial and automotive environments.
Supported by Microchip’s broader development ecosystem, including MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment and MPLAB Code Configurator, as well as Curiosity Nano evaluation kits, the new MCU families provide a complete platform for rapid prototyping and deployment.
By integrating programmable logic directly into low-power microcontrollers, Microchip provides a solution to the limitations of software-based timing, enabling more deterministic, efficient and compact designs for embedded systems.
Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.
www.microchip.com
