Oct
2 0 1 0
In This Issue...
1. Grid -Connected Solar Micro
Inverter Reference Design
2. New Digital LED Lighting
Development Kit
3. Microchip and Future Engineers
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro With
Tracking Device Designed for
E xtreme Low Power and E xtreme
Conditions
4. Microchip’s Academic Program on
the Road
Motor Control Tuning Guide
Sweepstakes
5. Offset Voltage and O pen -
Loop Gain – Critical Amplifier
Parameters for Strain Gauge
Applications
6. MASTERs 2010 Phoenix
Conference Wrap - up
7. Embedded Designers Forum
8. Microchip Around Town: Energy
Harvesting and Storage USA
9. Join Microchip at These
Worldwide Events
10. New Microchip Training Initiatives
11. What's New In Microchip
Literature
12. What's New at microchipDIRECT?
Microchip’s Grid-Connected Solar Micro Inverter Reference Design
Lowers the Cost and Improves the Efficiency of Solar Power Systems
Free Reference Design and dsPIC33 ‘GS’ Family of Digital Signal Controllers Speed Development
of Smart Energy Products for Worldwide Solar Power Market
The solar power industry is evolving to meet the requirements of a changing landscape,
as it moves from a cottage industry to mass production. Solar design engineers are being
challenged to optimize energy harvesting, reduce installation costs, and improve system
reliability and efficiency while standardizing their designs. The Grid-Connected Solar Micro
Inverter Reference Design with an advanced, high-efficiency topology design enables
them to achieve these goals through digital power conversion techniques, supported by
the unique features of Microchip’s dsPIC33F ‘GS’ series of digital-power Digital Signal
Controllers (DSCs). The reference design connects to any standard solar panel and
converts the panel’s DC output into AC power, which can then be fed into the public power
grid. In a real-world application, multiple units can be connected together to achieve the
desired power output.
This reference design can help the solar power industry to quickly improve its inverter
technology, through the use of more flexible and efficient digital power conversion techniques. The transition to digital power enables
solar energy conversion to be maximized, while reducing the installation and overall costs of solar systems.
Additional features of Microchip’s Grid-Connected Solar Micro Inverter Reference Design include:
yyPeak efficiency of 95%
yyPower factor of >0.95
yyOutput Current THD <3%
yyMaximum power point tracking of 99.5%
yyNighttime power consumption of <1W
yySystem Islanding to detect grid failure
yyFull Digital Control
This reference design works with any photovoltaic (PV) panel that supplies a maximum 220 watts output.
It comes in two versions supporting either 110V or 220V power grids. Both versions of this reference design
are implemented using a single dsPIC33F ‘GS’ digital-power DSC, which provides full digital control of
the power-conversion and system-management functions.
For more information, visit:
http://www.microchip.com/SMPS
www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory
 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

SP AV
O AI
N L
SO A
R BLE
SH
IP
S
THE VIRTUAL EDF DATES & LOCATIONS
Whether you’re looking to monitor, measure, control, display, For a complete list of worldwide
NOVEMBER 2, 2010
convert or use energy more efficiently, Microchip has 7 AM – 3 PM PST locations, visit:
the latest technologies and products to help you design www.microchip.com/VirtualEDF www.microchip.com/EDF
products for the emerging Smart Energy market. City Date Location
Microchip’s Worldwide Embedded Designers Forum (EDF) Microchip & Digi-Key are pleased to Atlanta, GA 10/21 Hilton Garden Inn Sugarloaf
is one-day seminar designed to give you the tools and bring an online component to support
Boston, MA 10/27 Microchip Training Center
knowledge needed to take your design to the next level and designers who are unable to attend one
Chicago, IL 10/20 Microchip Training Center
help you stay ahead in today’s competitive environment. of our in-person seminars.
Dallas, TX 10/27 Microchip Training Center
Six of nine focused modules featuring the latest Attendees of the FREE Virtual
Denver, CO 10/26 Courtyard Boulder Louisville
technologies in low power, human interface and connectivity Embedded Designers Forum learn
Detroit, MI 10/27 Courtyard Detroit Farmington Hills
will be presented in each seminar. Learn how to apply these from and interact directly with industry
technologies into Smart Energy through discussions and experts and technology providers via Indianapolis, IN 10/26 Hilton Garden Inn Fishers
demonstrations led by Microchip’s expert staff. Modules 12 presentations including keynote Montreal, QC 10/21 Holiday Inn Montreal Airport
are packed with practical information and advice on how presentations featuring Energizer® and Orange County, CA 10/26 Microchip Training Center
to achieve the lowest power consumption, add a more Google PowerMeter™, interactive chats, a Orlando, FL 10/28 Embassy Suites Airport
stylish user interface, run more complex software, add USB virtual exhibit hall, and gain access to a Philadelphia, PA 10/29 Marriott Philadelphia West
connectivity and save money on development and system comprehensive collection of educational
Raleigh, NY 10/26 Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport
BOM cost. material and resources supporting
Rochester, NY 10/28 Holiday Inn Rochester Airport
Please visit our web site at www.microchip.com/EDF to Microchip and the Smart Energy market.
San Diego, CA 10/28 Country Inn & Suites Mira Mesa
see which six modules will be presented live in your area. All content from the live event is then
San Jose, CA 10/21 Microchip Training Center
All nine modules (and more!) are available in the Virtual EDF archived and available on-demand for 12
(See side bar). months. Tempe, AZ 10/19 Microchip Training Center
Toronto, ON 10/19 Microchip Training Center

MODULES

■ Adding USB to your Embedded Designs

FREE All attendees of the one-day, live seminar will
receive a Single Cell (AAAA Battery) Demo Board!
■ Connectivity Solutions for Embedded Designs Low Power Real Time Clock with
■ Touch Screen Sensing and Graphical Displays mTouch™ Sensing Technology
■ Touch Sensing Solutions for Keys and Sliders • MCP1624 Low Voltage Boost
■ Smart Energy Monitoring • AAAA Energizer Battery
■ Smart Power Conversion • PIC16LF1933
■ Designing for Optimum Energy Usage • MCP9701A Temperature Sensor
■ Signal Conditioning for Embedded Applications • Two mTouch Sensing Buttons
■ Exploring MPLAB® Development Tools
Brought to you by:

www.microchip.com/EDF RETURN TO FRONT PAGE

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory 2

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

Microchip’s New Digital LED Lighting Development Kit Makes it Easy

to Add Intelligence and Improve Efficiency in LED Lighting Applications
Free Reference Design and dsPIC33 ‘GS’ Family of Digital Signal Controllers Helps
Lower Product Costs, Reduce Size and Improve Efficiency
Microchip new Digital LED Lighting Development Kit helps LED lighting designers who are challenged to meet the rapidly
expanding demand for green, smart energy technologies while differentiating their products. This development kit enables
designers to quickly leverage the capabilities and performance of the dsPIC33 ‘GS’ series of Digital Signal Controllers
(DSCs), to develop LED lighting products. The dsPIC33 ‘GS’ DSC and this reference design allow developers to create a 100%
digitally controlled ballast function, while including advanced features such as dimming and color hue control. The dsPIC33 ‘GS’
DSCs can support an entire system implementation for LED lighting products, including power-conversion circuits, such as AC-to-
DC and DC-to-DC conversion, along with functions such as Power Factor Correction (PFC), which are necessary for a complete
product and lower the overall system cost.
This reference design enables our customers to develop LED lighting products that are 100% digitally controlled and are very
cost effective. By using the flexible dsPIC33F “GS” series of DSCs, customers can easily customize and differentiate by making
simple modifications to the control software.
Benefits offered by the digital-power techniques in this reference design and the dsPIC33 ‘GS’ series of DSCs include:
yy Reduced System Cost via higher integration
yy Higher Efficiency using digital-control techniques
yy Flexible and reusable designs
yy Advanced features implemented in software
Additional key features of Microchip’s Digital LED Lighting Development Kit include:
yy Color control for RGB LEDs
yy Flexible input voltage support, including both Buck and Boost topologies
yy Fully dimmable
yy Full digital control
yy Fault protection
yy Fully controlled with a single dsPIC33FJ16GS504 DSC
LED lighting applications supported by Microchip’s LED Lighting Development Kit
include dimmable LCD backlighting, signage, LED replacement of fluorescent tubes
and incandescent bulbs, architectural lighting, and automotive lighting applications.
Automotive lighting products include exterior applications, such as headlights,
daytime running lights and signal lights.

For more information about the Digital LED Lighting Development Kit, visit:
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en549342 RETURN TO FRONT PAGE

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory 3

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

Microchip and Future Engineers Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro With

Tracking Device Designed for Extreme Low Power and Extreme
Conditions
Engineers Launch Blog About Experiences Designing Custom Tracking Device and Climbing World’s Highest
Free-Standing Mountain
Microchip's own Darren Wenn and Future Electronics’ Chris McAneny are engaged in a practical design exercise to take extremely low power
tracking devices to the top of Africa’s famous Mt. Kilimanjaro, during two separate climbs. Microchip engineering intern Tim Moffat built the
devices, which tracked the climbers’ locations via GPS while continuously taking various measurements, such as temperature and barometric
pressure, and operated for the duration of the climb on two Energizer® Ultimate Lithium AA batteries. The devices are based on Microchip’s
8-bit PIC18LF14K50 microcontroller, featuring the Company’s eXtreme Low Power technology.
During their preparation for the climbs, Wenn, McAneny and Moffat launched a joint, limited-series blog on the new EE Life Community
site from EE Times, called “Extreme Low Power in an Extreme Location”. The goal of the blog is to provide engineers with an
entertaining way to learn about designing a device that has to operate in extreme conditions with a limited battery-power budget.
Additionally, McAneny is climbing to raise money and awareness for the Everyman Male Cancer Charity, in fulfillment of a promise
he made to his then 23-year-old son, who won his battle with testicular cancer.
The tracking devices are designed to run for more than two months on a single charge from two Energizer
Ultimate Lithium AA batteries. System components include a GPS receiver, a barometer and a temperature
sensor, which are used to log altitude, latitude, longitude, UTC time, barometric pressure and temperature. Now
that both Wenn and McAneny have just completed their climbs, visit their blog to find out how everything went.

The Intrepid Team

Darren Wenn Chris McAneny Tim Moffat

To see the teams blog, visit:

http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-blogs/4206378/Extreme-low-power-in-an-extreme-location RETURN TO FRONT PAGE

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory 4

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

Microchip’s Academic Program on the Road:

Next stop: Frontiers in Education Conference, Arlington, VA,
October 27 through 29.
Microchip’s Academic Program will be attending this year’s
annual Frontier’s in Education (FIE) conference in Arlington,
Virginia. Our booth will have hardware demonstrations of
general purpose, academic-friendly tools along with literature,
textbooks and the opportunity to ask questions on all things
Microchip. Join the Community!
For more information on Frontiers in Education, please visit
http://www.fie-conference.org/fie2010/ or contact the
Academic Program at Academic@microchip.com.
Visit us online at www.microchip.com/academic Facebook Fan Pages
(click on the name to view)
Microchip Technology Inc. Fan Site
Microchip En Espanol
PIC32
Regional Training Centers
Enter the Academic Support Fan Site

2010 MCU Challenge!

LinkedIn Groups
MASTERs
Project Analog

Win 1 of 3 Apple iPads®

or many other great
prizes!
By designing an MCU circuit based on
the 8 Bit Microchip PIC MCU utilizing a microSOLUTIONS
SchmartBoard|ez development board. is distributed monthly.
HAVE YOU
Information available at: www.schmartboard.com SUBSCRIBED?
Contest ends December 31st, 2010. If you would like to be
added to the mailing
list, CLICK HERE!
For datasheets and other information, check out:
www.microchip.com RETURN TO FRONT PAGE

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory 5

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

Offset Voltage and Open-Loop Gain – Critical Amplifier

Parameters for Strain Gauge Applications
The world of data acquisition is extremely diverse, encompassing linearity, as shown in Figure 1.
measurements of temperature, pressure, humidity, strain and a variety of other
This implies that the amplifier is linear to approximately one part in 2000, or
physical phenomenon. System designers must be diligent in not only selecting
about 11 bits. To get around this limitation, a system designer can select an
the correct sensor for their application, but also in designing appropriate signal
amplifier with more open-loop gain. Although such amplifiers exist, they are
conditioning to deal with these issues.
not widely available and may not be cost effective. Another solution is to use
Introduction to Strain Gauges multiple-gain stages to achieve the overall desired gain, such as a traditional
Before jumping into a discussion of amplifiers and signal conditioning circuitry, two or three amplifier instrumentation topology. Perhaps a better solution
it is worthwhile to quickly review strain gauges. By definition, “strain” is an would be to use an instrumentation amplifier, which is specifically designed
alteration due to an external force. A strain gauge uses electrical resistance in to provide high gain and good performance, and generally has better voltage
order to quantify the amount of strain caused by an external force. This change offset and drift performance relative to a discrete instrumentation amplifier
in resistance can then be measured and the magnitude of the applied force circuit.
quantified.
Conclusion
Offset Voltage and Open-Loop Gain Strain gauges are found in a wide variety of applications, from electronic scales
Depending upon the output swing of the bridged gauges and the full-scale input to measuring the torque on a steel beam. Each application presents its own
of the ADC, the analog signal may need amplification by 500 times or more. In design requirements and challenges. When selecting an amplifier to provide
addition, the circuitry must provide adequate headroom so that the signal does signal conditioning, it is imperative to ensure that the amplifier can provide the
not saturate the amplifier or the ADC. Several considerations must be made required gain and still maintain acceptable linearity.
when selecting an amplifier or amplifiers to use in a gain stage.
First, due to the high amount of gain that may be required, the offset voltage
of the amplifier becomes critical. Any voltage offset due to the amplifier will be
multiplied by the gain. For example, an amplifier that has an offset of 1 mV and
125 dB
configuration for a gain of 500 times would produce an error voltage of 0.5V at 120 dB
the output of the amplifier. For a strain gauge bridge that produces 10 mV at
full scale, the amplifier-offset error could result in a measurement error of 10 100 dB
percent. Open Loop Gain
Secondly, the amplifier must have enough open-loop gain to provide the required Available to
amplification, while still maintaining performance. For a typical amplifier, the 75 dB Ensure Linearity
open-loop gain remains constant over a certain frequency range and then 54 dB
begins to roll off at 20 dB per decade. Most general-purpose amplifiers have an 50 dB
open- loop gain of 100 dB to 120 dB. Such an amplifier can handle a gain of
Open Loop Gain
500, as mentioned above, but would probably limit the overall performance of
the system. 25 dB Used For
Amplification
For example, assume an amplifier has an open-loop gain of 120 dB. We will
also assume that the bandwidth of the amplifier is sufficient to not be a factor
for the frequency of interest, at a gain of 500. A gain of 500 is approximately 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M
54 dB, so 54 dB of the amplifier’s open-loop gain is dedicated to providing gain.
Figure 1: Open Loop Gain vs. Frequency
The remaining 66 dB is the open-loop-gain margin that is available to ensure
For detailed App notes on Strain Gauges, visit:
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/01030a.pdf RETURN TO FRONT PAGE

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory 6

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

Microchip MASTERs 2010 Phoenix Conference Wrap-up

Almost 600 engineers increased their knowledge for current and future designs at the Microchip MASTERs Conference in Phoenix, AZ, August 23rd - 28th. These
engineers improved their knowledge and experience during the classes they selected on topics such as Getting to Know our Dev Tools, New Products introduction,
Introduction to Linux, Full Speed USB, Bootloaders and the ever popular Plant Tour. On returning back to the office and lab, they utilize all these acquired skills
to reduce their design cycle times and eliminate the fear of not being finished on schedule. The energy and
technical ability at this Conference allows solutions for any problem to be developed and the tremendous
breadth and depth of experience from attendees and staff is great to be a part of. There were many great
opportunities to network with these experienced, knowledgeable individuals that contacts in various different
technologies could be made and, if required, accessed during a critical project development. The Exhibitor area
allowed related vendors to show and demonstrate tools and products to reduce overall system development
time as well as complementary products that could be used in designs.
This year everyone took home not only an increased wealth of knowledge on many different topics, but also lots
of goodies including a USB Flash Drive with all the class materials, a journal with their notes, a MASTERs shirt
and a Certificate of Completion.
During the Conference the attendees were able to visit the Microchip Store and purchase development tools
at special low cost Conference prices so they could take them home and begin working on their project
immediately using the tools they learned about in class.
There were many drawings and prizes available including an iPAD® and other electronic gadgets especially at Casino Night, the Friday evening event where prizes
were won!
Congratulations to our #1 Supporter of the MASTERs 2010 Conference.
Trace Systems Inc. at www.tracesystemsinc.com, had the most website visitors click on the Microchip banner link. A Microchip Premiere Third Party Partner
which is dedicated to making software development tools (such as TCPmaker) to help developers communicate data between their devices and a PC, using USB
or Ethernet. Trace Systems has a complete development and testing lab for product prototypes, with digital and analog /RF test capabilities up to 1.3 GHz, and a
large number of tools for development of PIC micro devices, USB testing, and Windows PC software development to control hardware.

Don’t miss the 15 Year Celebration

Technical Training for Embedded Control Engineers
MASTERs 2011
MASTERs Pre-Conference – August 22-23
MASTERs Conference – August 24-27
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, Phoenix, AZ
Online Registration opens early April
Discounts for Early Bird Registration and more!

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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory 7

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

Mi c r o c h ip A r ound Tow n – G e t t he la t e st up dates b y cl icking HERE!

Join Microchip at the Annual 2010 Energy Harvesting Conference – Booth #9

Microchip will be participating in this International conference and
exhibition assessing the applications, technologies and opportunities for
energy harvesting and storage. This IDTechEx event, collocated with the
wireless sensor network show, focusing on the uses, potential users and
market forecasts as well as giving the latest technology developments
and trends, is the meeting place for users, investors, suppliers,
developers, system integrators and government representatives. It is the
World's largest event on the topic, with 400 attendees and 30 exhibitors
anticipated.
Topics covered at the event include:
• End user needs and experiences, from users in oil and gas,
healthcare, automotive, building automation, government,
manufacturing/industrial, retail and other industries
• Case studies: assessment of paybacks from energy harvesters
• Energy harvesting technologies: electrodynamic, thermovoltaic,
photovoltaic, piezoelectric, bioelectric
• Energy storage technologies: batteries and capacitors
• Ultra low power electronics
• Market and technology analysis and forecasts
Join Jason Tollefson, Product Marketing Manager at Microchip
Technology as he describes how to
"Take Low Power Design to the eXtreme"
Presentation Summary
• Introduction to Microchip's eXtreme Low Power (XLP)
Microcontrollers
• Complementary Analog
• Applications of XLP in Energy Harvesting
Speaker Biography
Jason Tollefson is Product Marketing Manager for Microchip
Technology's Advanced Microcontroller Architecture Division, specializing
in low-power products. His responsibilities include new product definition
and low-power marketing for Microchip's PIC18 and PIC24 product lines.
Jason holds a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from the
University of Minnesota's Institute of Technology, and a M.B.A from the
University of Phoenix. Jason worked in new product development for
eight years before moving to marketing.

Register online, today at: http://www.idtechex.com/energyharvestingandstorageusa10/index-eh.asp RETURN TO FRONT PAGE

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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory 8

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

JoiWhat’s
n M ic rNew
o c hinipMicrochip
At The Fol l ow i ng Wo rldwid e E ve n ts
Literature? Visit our Technical Documentation page at
www.microchip.com to view the documents.

Join Keith Curtis, Technical Staff Engineer as he presents “A Simple Topology for Solar-Charged Battery Systems.”
Solar power chargers are convenient, in that they provide a completely wireless power system. Unfortunately, the stacked efficiency of the
various switching converters typically results in a loss of 20 to 30 percent. Learn how when using a converter topology efficiency can be
increased, while decreasing both cost and board space. The secret is a unified system that handles maximum power conversion for the
Battery Power 2010 solar cells, battery charging and load regulation. This presentation will discuss the topology in depth, including tradeoffs and the role of load
Dallas, TX regulation.
Oct 19-20, 2010 Register online at: http://www.batterypoweronline.com/bppt-conf10/bp10_reg.php

Wireless Congress
Munich, Germany
Nov 10-Nov 11, 2010
Join Vivien Delport and Christian Toma, Director of Applications Engineering and Applications Engineer respectivly as they presents “Latest
Advancements in Wireless Systems”
As demands for security in wireless deployments increase, wireless systems requiring secure
authentication also need higher levels of security. Whether the application is a security system (e.g.
a keypad, wireless sensor or access control), a remote keyless entry system for the automotive
industry, or an authentication system, today’s wireless systems are becoming more
and more complex. For consumer goods, cost must be kept as low as possible,
while still providing an adequate security level. This involves a tradeoff between cost
and performance. Still, good designs can obtain good result with relatively limited
resources.
Register online, today at: http://www.electronic-displays.de/registration.html

Join Patrick Heath, Strategic Marketing Manager, as he discusses “Techniques for

Improved Stepper Motor Control."
Typical stepper motor control uses an open-loop, voltage-control method, where the
faster the voltage ramps in the motor phase, the quicker the step is taken. While
Motor, Drive and Automation this method works well, it is not optimized for energy efficiency nor speed.
Systems 2011 Using a low-cost, motor-control digital signal controller with comparators, a
San Antonio, TX closed-loop, current-control mode of operation can be implemented. This
March 1-2, 2011 control method provides a significant step speed increase of up to 25
times faster, At the same time, by controlling the currents, stepper-
motor energy consumption is optimized. Another significant
advantage of this control technique is a marked reduction in
the motor noise level.
Register online at:
http://www.batterytechexpo.com/register.php

Register for one or more of these great events at the links above!
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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Memory 9

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

New Microchip Training Initiatives

For any training program to be effective it needs to provide the right instructions will be sent in the confirmation email.
information at the right time in the right place to the right people. The more Sometimes, however, all you really need is some specific information or
these conditions aren’t met, the less effective the training becomes to the instruction on how to perform a simple task like how the UART operates or
point that you’d be as well off never having taken the training. To help our how to set a break point in MPLAB. We are currently in the process of creating
customers get the most from the technical training we offer, Microchip is self-paced instructional modules that can be taken on demand whenever you
rolling out two new training initiatives to supplement the courses given in our want. The first of these will begin appearing near the end of the year and will
network of Regional Training Centers (RTC) and third party trainers. be focused on our new development platform MPLAB X.
While classroom based training is a great opportunity to interact with a These new programs continue Microchip’s objective of serving our customer
knowledgeable instructor, its effectiveness can be hampered by the need to give you the freedom to innovate.
to travel to the classroom. If the knowledge you need is not available in a
convenient location when you want it, the costs and time associated with
travel may make attendance impractical. To help overcome this obstacle,
Microchip is now offering several RTC courses via the internet using Microsoft
Live Meeting. These are the same instructor led classes optimized for online
delivery. You don’t need to wait for the class you need to come to your town or
travel to attend: take the class when you need it from the convenience of your
office or home. To see the schedule of live online classes, visit
www.microchip.com/rtc and select Find classes > Search. In the By Location
section of the search page, select the Show Live Online Classes Only radio
button and click Search. After you register for a class, your access code and

For a complete list of classes and locations, visit www.microchip.com/RTC

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

What’s New in Microchip Literature? Visit our Technical Documentation page at

www.microchip.com to view the documents.

Doc. Type Doc. Title DS No. Doc. Type Doc. Title DS No.

Application Maximum Power Solar Converter 01211B Errata PIC18F6623/6723/8623/8723 Rev. B1 Silicon 80342B
Note Errata
Implementing an LCD Using the PIC16F1947 01354A PIC24FJ256GA110 Family Silicon/Data Sheet 80368J
Microcontroller Errata
Data Sheet MCP9800/1/2/3 Data Sheet 21909C PIC24FJ256GB110 Family Silicon/Data Sheet 80369K
Errata
MCP1790/MCP1791 Data Sheet 22075B PIC18F87J90 Family Silicon Errata and Data Sheet 80432E
Clarification
MCP6441 Data Sheet 22257A PIC32MX3XX/4XX Silicon Errata 80440B
MTS2916A Data Sheet 22259A PIC24FJ64GA004 Family Silicon/Data Sheet Errata 80470E

MTS62C19A Data Sheet 22260A PIC16F193X Silicon Errata 80479F

PIC32MX575/675/695/775/795 Silicon Errata 80480C
MTD6501C/MTD6501D Data Sheet 22263A
PIC24HJ256GPX06A/X08A/X10A Family Silicon 80482D
MCP444X/446X Data Sheet 22265A Errata and Data Sheet Clarification
dsPIC33FJ256GPX06A/X08A/X10A Family 80483D
PIC18F6393/6493/8393/8493 Data Sheet 39896C Silicon Errata and Data Sheet Clarification
dsPIC33FJ256MCX06A/X08A/X10A Family 80484D
PIC24FJ64GB004 Family Data Sheet 39940D Silicon Errata and Data Sheet Clarification
PIC24FJ64GA104 Family Data Sheet 39951C PIC16F1826/27 Silicon Errata 80485F
PIC24FJ64GA104 Family Silicon/Data Sheet 80486C
PIC16F/LF1946/47 Data Sheet 41414B Errata
PIC24FJ64GB004 Family Silicon/Data Sheet 80487E
PIC16F/LF720/721 Data Sheet 41430A Errata
User's Guide F1 Evaluation Platform User's Guide 41401B PIC18F87J11 Family Silicon/Data Sheet Errata 80495C

Family PIC24F Family Reference Manual, Section 9. PIC16F/LF1946/47 Silicon Errata 80497B
Watchdog Timer (WDT) 39697B
Reference PIC24FJ256GB210 Family Silicon Errata and
Manual PIC24F Family Reference Manual, Section. 49. Data Sheet Clarification 80504B
10-Bit ADC with 4 Simultaneous Conversions 39737A
PIC18F86J72/87J72 Silicon Errata and Data 80508B
dsPIC33F/PIC24H Family Reference Manual, 70299C Sheet Clarification
Section 35. Parallel Master Port (PMP) PIC24FJXXXDA1/DA2/GB2/GA3 Families Flash
Programming 39970B
Specification Programming Specification

The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, dsPIC, KEELOQ, KEELOQ logo, MPLAB, PIC, PICmicro, PICSTART, rfPIC and UNI/O are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. FilterLab, Hampshire, HI-TECH C, Linear Active Thermistor,
MXDEV, MXLAB, SEEVAL and The Embedded Control Solutions Company are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. Analog-for-the-Digital Age, Application Maestro, CodeGuard, dsPICDEM, dsPICDEM.net, dsPICworks, dsSPEAK, ECAN, ECONOMONITOR,
FanSense, HI-TIDE, In-Circuit Serial Programming, ICSP, Mindi, MiWi, MPASM, MPLAB Certified logo, MPLIB, MPLINK, mTouch, Octopus, Omniscient Code Generation, PICC, PICC-18, PICDEM, PICDEM.net, PICkit, PICtail, PIC32 logo, REAL ICE, rfLAB, Select Mode, Total Endurance, TSHARC,
UniWinDriver, WiperLock and ZENA are trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. SQTP is a service mark of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.
© 2010, Microchip Technology Incorporated, Printed in the U.S.A., All Rights Reserved.

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS Monthly E-newsletter - October 2010

What’s New @ microchip microchipDIRECT Now Makes It Easier

DIRECT To Find 3rd Party and Academic-
Friendly Development Tools!
Are you having problems getting inventory? Two new categories have been added to
www.microchipDIRECT.com making it easier to find 3rd Party
Buy Direct From Microchip Technology using Development tools that compliment Microchip’s solutions and
low-cost, academic-friendly tools for educators and students.
microchipDIRECT How to access the new categories:

Microchip offers the most comprehensive on-line resource for pricing, ordering, Select the products pull-down menu:
inventory and support directly from Microchip Technology. microchipDIRECT offers...

••The largest inventory of Microchip products

••Secure ordering using SSL (Secure Socket Layer)
••Competitive pricing on all Microchip and third party products
••Apply for a Microchip business account and credit line
••High volume price quotes
••Assign PO and internal part numbers to your orders
••Schedule and change order delivery dates up to 12 months out
••Change/add multiple ship to locations to your account 3rd Party Tools Academic Tools
••Check order history and delivery status on-line and much more... Select 3rd Party Tools from the Select Academic Tools from the
www.microchipDIRECT.com Development Tools Menu: Development Tools Menu:

Would you also like secure programming

directly from Microchip?
microchipDIRECT allows you, regardless of order size, to have your application code
programmed into a PIC® microcontroller prior to delivery.
••Receive low-cost and secure microcontroller programming directly from the
Microchip factory with ink dotting, labeling and tape and reel options
••Seamlessly integrated into your microchipDIRECT account
••Code verification service prior to production
••Cost-effective
••No unit minimum order requirements
••Quick-turn fulfillment (programmed orders typically ship within 48 hours)
www.microchipdirect.com/programming
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