Microchip introduced a family of 8-bit, 28- and 40-pin flash PIC microcontrollers suited for automotive applications such as car audio, remote controls, power seats, and lighting control.

The firm also said it has integrated USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) functionality into its 32-bit PIC32 microcontroller family and increased the maximum operating frequency of those devices to 80 MHz. Automotive applications for PIC32 devices include vehicle data logging and tracking, radios, and tachometers.

The new 8-bit PIC16F722/3/4/6/7 (PIC16F72X) MCUs are capable of operation down to 1.8 V and feature a 16 MHz internal oscillator; up to 14 analog-to-digital converter channels; communication (SPI, I²C, AUSART), two Capture, Compare and PWM (CCP) modules, and the mTouch Sensing Solution peripheral, which makes it easier to add proximity sensing or capacitive touch-sensing user interfaces in place of mechanical buttons or switches. A new demo board, the PICDEM Touch Sense 1 (Part # DM164125), includes a PICkit serial analyzer and the mTouch software development kit.

The new MCUs have integrated in-circuit debug and are supported by the MPLABIDE Integrated Development Environment, available as a free download from Microchip’s web site. MPLAB REAL ICE in-circuit emulator support is expected to be available in the fourth calendar quarter of 2008.

The PIC16F722/3/6 and PIC16LF722/3/6 MCUs are available in 28-pin SPDIP, SOIC, SSOP and QFN packages; with prices starting at $0.91 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The PIC16F724/7 and PIC16LF724/7 MCUs are available in 40-pin PDIP, TQFP and QFN packages; with prices starting at $1.34 each in 10,000-unit quantities.