Microchip PIC24F32KA304-I/PT: Ultra-Low-Power 16-bit Microcontroller for Battery-Powered Applications
In the rapidly expanding world of the Internet of Things (IoT) and portable medical devices, the demand for microcontrollers (MCUs) that combine computational performance with exceptional energy efficiency has never been greater. The Microchip PIC24F32KA304-I/PT stands out as a premier solution engineered specifically for these demanding, battery-powered applications. This 16-bit MCU is architected from the ground up to minimize power consumption without compromising on processing capability, enabling designs that can operate for years on a single battery.
At the heart of this microcontroller's power-saving prowess is its advanced eXtreme Low Power (XLP) technology. This technology enables stunningly low power figures, with sleep currents dipping as low as 20 nA and run currents as low as 25 µA/MHz. This allows developers to implement sophisticated power management schemes, where the MCU spends the vast majority of its time in a deep sleep state, only waking up briefly to process data or respond to an event before returning to its ultra-low-power slumber. This capability is critical for applications like environmental sensors, asset trackers, and wearable health monitors that require long-term, unattended operation.
Beyond its impressive power profile, the PIC24F32KA304 is built on a high-performance 16-bit architecture. It features a 16 MIPS CPU core, 32 KB of Flash memory, and 2 KB of RAM, providing ample resources for handling complex control algorithms and data processing tasks. The integrated Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) are a key advantage, offloading tasks from the CPU to further reduce overall system power consumption. Peripherals like the Configurable Logic Cell (CLC), Windowed Watchdog Timer (WWDT), and multiple communication modules (UART, SPI, I2C) can operate autonomously, allowing the core to remain in a sleep state until a specific, pre-programmed condition is met.
The feature set is tailored for real-world interfacing. It includes a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with hardware oversampling for improved accuracy, multiple 16-bit timers, and two enhanced PWM modules for precise motor control. Housed in a compact 44-pin TQFP package, it offers a high number of I/O pins relative to its size, making it suitable for space-constrained designs.
ICGOODFIND: The Microchip PIC24F32KA304-I/PT is an exceptional ultra-low-power 16-bit microcontroller that successfully balances energy efficiency with robust performance. Its industry-leading XLP technology, combined with Core Independent Peripherals and a capable 16-bit core, makes it an ideal choice for developers designing the next generation of long-life, battery-powered devices across medical, industrial, and consumer markets.
Keywords: Ultra-Low-Power, XLP Technology, Battery-Powered Applications, 16-bit Microcontroller, Core Independent Peripherals.
