Microchip Introduces First Family of 8-Bit Microcontrollers for CAN FD Networks

     To address the need for increased bandwidth and flexible data rates in evolving automotive applications such as safety and communications, while further supporting the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), Microchip Technology Inc. announced the PIC18 Q84 family of microcontroller (MCU) products, This is the first PIC18 family of microcontrollers to transmit and receive data over the Controller Area Network (CAN FD) bus with flexible data rates. Microchip's PIC18 Q84 family has a large number of Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that handle a variety of tasks without CPU intervention, reducing time and cost when connecting systems to CAN FD networks.

     This family of products offers a simple solution for transferring sensor data to the CAN FD bus without the need for gateways or complex network switching techniques. Additionally, the configurable CIP makes it easy to create custom hardware-based functions for automotive and industrial designs with virtually zero latency and no additional code required. Available peripherals include 32-bit Cyclic Redundancy Check Scan (CRC/SCAN) and Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT) for functional safety, and Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) interface for industry standard testing and debugging.

     "CAN FD will continue to play a key role in delivering faster data rates for applications from the connected car to industrial automation and the smart home," said Greg Robinson, vice president of marketing for Microchip's 8-bit microcontroller business unit. "With the introduction of the latest 8-bit PIC family of microcontrollers , Microchip will further advance the application of this protocol to help designers create cost-effective network nodes at scale.”

     The PIC18 Q84 family provides hardware and software support. Hardware includes the Curiosity Nano development board and the Curiosity High Pin Count (HPC) development board. In addition, a plug-in module (PIM) is provided for the Automotive Network Development Board and Microchip Development Board.