The MCUs are an expansion to the popular PIC32MX1/2 series of low-cost small footprint 32-bit microcontrollers. They now offer larger Flash and RAM options with a feature-rich peripheral set at a lower cost. The PIC32MX1/2 boasts a wide variety of features including I2S for digital audio, large memory configuration and 83 DMIPS performance for executing Bluetooth Audio and advanced control applications, CTMU for capacitive touch sensing, 8-bit PMP for graphics or external memory, a 10-bit 1- Msps 13-channel ADC and serial communications peripherals with the PIC32MX2 series supporting USB-device/host/OTG functionality.

Apart from hardware peripheral features, Microchip’s new MPLAB® Harmony software development framework that supports these devices simplifies the development cycle by integrating the license, resale and support of Microchip and third party middleware, drivers, libraries and RTOSs.

Specifically, Microchip’s readily available software packages such as Bluetooth audio development suites, audio equalizer filter libraries, various Decoders including AAC, MP3, SBC, sample rate conversion libraries, USB stacks, graphics and touch libraries will rapidly reduce the development time of applications including Bluetooth digital audio, consumer, industrial and general- purpose embedded control.

The PIC32MX1/2 MCUs are targeted for low-cost applications in the consumer markets, such as Bluetooth speakers, consumer music-player docks, noise-cancelling headsets, infotainment systems, clock radios, and entertainment-system sound bars, as well as touch screens with buttons and sliders, and USB device/host/OTG applications. In the medical and industrial markets, applications include industrial-grade noise-cancelling headsets and medical/industrial displays with touch-sensing capabilities.

“The expansion of PIC32MX1/2 with larger Flash and RAM will enable designers to integrate more functionality into applications that need large complex code,” said Rod Drake, director of Microchip’s MCU32 Division. “Additionally, they further offer flexibility to design into consumer, industrial, medical and other markets that require a combination of Bluetooth audio, digital audio, touch-sensing, general-purpose embedded control and as well as USB communication.”