Winter2013

March/April 2012

SECURITY AUDIO ONLINE DESIGN EVENTS

 March/April 2013

Contents
SHOWCASE PRODUCT DESIGN ARTICLES
16 Looking for Ways to Reduce
4 Analog Speed, Digital Flexibility BOM Cost for Your Motor
New MCP19111 is the industry’s first hybrid, mixed-signal power- Control System?
management controller 18 Stream Raw Videos Using
PIC32 and Multimedia
NEW PRODUCTS Expansion Board

6 No Antenna Needed 20 Gain Setting Methods of

Instrumentation Amplifiers
BodyCom™ technology provides solution for securely connecting to a
22 What is the chipKIT Platform?
wide range of wireless applications
24 Graphical Tool Makes PIC®
8 One Solution for a World of Music MCU Programming Fun and
JukeBlox® 3.2 wireless audio platform enables the future of home Easy
electronics 25 Equalis Coder and Embedded
9 Need Super-Fast Program and Erase Times? Coder Optimized for Microchip
27 Add Fingerprint Biometrics to
Three new low-power SPI Flash memory devices excel in variety of
Your Personal Authentication
applications
Application
10 Pump Up the Volume
Certified Bluetooth® audio module supports streaming audio for music FEATURES
and voice 14 microchipDIRECT Expands
12 Engineering Degree Optional Comprehensive Portfolio of
Products
Digilent®, Inc. and Microchip join forces to create the chipKIT™
29 Microchip Recognized as a
uC32™ open-source development platform
Leader in Product Innovation
13 Cleaning Up Power Supply Noise and Technology
New LDO voltage-regulator family filters input noise 31 Microchip Event Calendar

The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, dsPIC, FlashFlex, KEELOQ, KEELOQ logo, MPLAB, PIC, PICmicro, PICSTART, PIC32 logo, rfPIC, SST, SST Logo, SuperFlash 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, MTP, SEEVAL and The Embedded Control Solutions Company
are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. Silicon Storage Technology is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in other countries.
Analog-for-the-Digital Age, Application Maestro, BodyCom, chipKIT, chipKIT logo, CodeGuard, dsPICDEM, dsPICDEM.net, dsPICworks, dsSPEAK, ECAN, ECONOMONITOR, FanSense, HI-TIDE, In Circuit
Serial Programming, ICSP, Mindi, MiWi, MPASM, MPF, MPLAB Certified logo, MPLIB, MPLINK, mTouch, Omniscient Code Generation, PICC, PICC-18, PICDEM, PICDEM.net, PICkit, PICtail, REAL ICE,
rfLAB, Select Mode, SQI, Serial Quad I/O, Total Endurance, TSHARC, UniWinDriver, WiperLock, ZENA and Z-Scale 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. GestIC and ULPP are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Germany II GmbH & Co. & KG, a subsidiary of Microchip
Technology Inc., in other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies. © 2013, Microchip Technology Incorporated, All Rights Reserved.

2
 DRIVE
YOUR
DESIGN
Microchip is with you every bit of the way!
One platform and seamless migration across
product families brings unprecedented freedom
to your application in the form of lower system
costs and a faster time to market. Where your
design goes and how it gets there is accelerated
when you apply Microchip’s solution-based
products and services.
Visit microchip.com today and rev up your
design!
8, 16, and 32-bit PIC®
microcontrollers
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
By Robert Brennan - Marketing Communications Manager for the Americas
Welcome to the second issue of the redesigned MicroSolutions!
Over the past months, Microchip has been busy incorporating the products from its
acquisitions of SMSC and Roving Networks into its extensive portfolio of embedded
design solutions. This issue of MicroSolutions features wireless audio products from
SMSC and Roving Networks, plus an article on how you can now find and purchase
devices from both of these new Microchip product lines on microchipDIRECT.
Leading the way this issue is the industry’s first hybrid, mixed-signal power-manage-
ment controller, the MCP19111. Combined with our recently expanded MOSFET port-
folio the MCP19111 enables fast, efficient power-conversion solutions that support
configurable designs for a broad array of consumer and industrial applications.
Also this issue, fresh out of the Microchip Lab is our latest BodyCom™ technology,
allowing secure connections through the human body and a nearly unlimited number
of real world applications that we are incredibly excited about.
We hope you also enjoy the variety of other articles in this issue focusing on new
products like the MCP19111, as well as on a number of design-related topics that
may provide you with helpful information and ideas for your latest projects. Be sure to
also check out the event schedule to find out where you might be able to meet up with
representatives from Microchip and learn more about our products.
As always, we would be happy to get your feedback on MicroSolutions. Feel free to
email us at MSFeedback@microchip.com.
Find us on these social channels:
Microchip Technology Inc.
2355 W. Chandler Blvd. | Chandler, AZ 85224 | www.microchip.com
3
Analog Speed, SHOWCASE

Digital Flexibility
New MCP19111 Power Management Controller with
Integrated MCU Delivers Fast Analog-Based Control with
Fully-Functional Digital Flexibility

Combines with Newly Expanded High-Speed MOSFET Portfolio to Offer

Customizable and High-Efficiency Solutions

Delivering High-Efficiency DC/DC Power-
Conversion Solutions
E
xpanding Microchip’s diverse range
of intelligent DC/DC power-conver-
sion solutions, the MCP19111 is the
world’s first Digitally Enhanced Power Analog
controller. The MCP19111 family of devices
operates across a wide voltage range of 4.5 to
32V and offers a significant increase in flexibil-
ity over conventional analog-based solutions.
As the industry’s first hybrid, mixed-signal
power-management controller, the MCP19111
• I2C™ communication interface
• Integrated synchronous high- and low-side
MOSFET drivers
• Integrated current sense
• Minimal external components needed
• Custom algorithm support
MCP19111 Benefits
• Analog fast: no digital controller or A/D in the

integrates an analog-based PWM controller feedback loop

Target Markets/Applications
with a fully functional Flash-based microcon- • Digitally flexible: digital controller combines
• Computing
troller in a very small footprint. This integration seamlessly with the analog controller, allow-
• Servers
offers the flexibility of a digital solution, with the ing on-the-fly adjustments to the operating
• Desktops
• Embedded Controllers speed, performance points, loop compen-
The MCP19111 integrates an
• Consumer and resolution of an sation, protection
analog-based PWM controller
• Set-Top Boxes analog-based controller. with a fully functional Flash- limits, MOSFET dead
• Gaming The MCP19111 devices based microcontroller. time settings and
• Communication also have integrated many other features
• Networking MOSFET drivers configured for synchronous, through its I²C/PMBus™ interface
• Telecom step-down applications. • Integrated: in addition to the analog and
digital controllers, a mid-voltage LDO
Key Features and synchronous high-side and low-side
• Wide operating voltage range: 4.5-32V MOSFET drivers are all integrated into a
• Analog peak-current mode pulse-width single package
modulation control • Simple: development tools simplify the
• Integrated 8-bit PIC® microcontroller configuration and help you get your
application up and running quickly
• Significant configurability: adjustable
analog compensation, switching frequency,
MOSFET deadtime, etc.
(continued on page 5)

4
Companion High-Speed Power
MOSFET Devices
Announced at the same time as the
MCP19111, the new MCP87018, MCP87030,
MCP87090 and MCP87130 are the latest
devices in Microchip’s family of high-speed
MOSFETs. The MCP87XXX family are 25V
rated, 1.8 mΩ, 3 mΩ, 9 mΩ and 13 mΩ
logic-level MOSFETs specifically optimized
for Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS)
applications. When combined with the
MCP19111, the expanded MCP87XXX family
Want to Learn More? SHOWCASE
Stephen Stella, Product Line Marketing
Manager, Analog & Integrated Products
at Microchip, discusses the bene-
fits of hybrid analog and digital solutions
like the MCP19111 in this online article on
PowerPulse.net:
Power Conversion: The Old Analog Versus
Digital... or is It Analog AND Digital?
When you are looking for a unique balance of

of low-Figure-of-Merit (FOM) MOSFETs performance, functionality and cost for your

enables fast, efficient power-conversion next power conversion design, the MCP19111

solutions that support configurable designs and the MCP87XXX families of devices offer

for a broad array of consumer and industrial you a truly fast and flexible solution.

applications.

Development Tool Support

The MCP19111 Evaluation Board
(part # ADM00397), which also includes
Microchip’s High-Speed MOSFETs, is avail-
able now. This evaluation board is offered
with standard firmware, which is user-config-
urable through an MPLAB® X IDE graphical
user interface (GUI) plug-in. The combined
evaluation board, GUI and firmware allow
power-supply designers to configure and
evaluate the performance of the MCP19111
for their target applications.
MCP19111 and MCP87XXX Block Diagram

MCP19111 Video

MCP19111 Evaluation Board

5
No Antenna
Needed
BodyCom™ Technology is World’s First to Use Human Body
as a Secure, Low-Power Communication Channel
Framework Provides Short-Range, Low-Data-Rate Communication
Solution for Securely Connecting to Wide Range of Wireless
Applications
Using the Human Body as a Secure
Communication Channel
Target Applications
• Access Control
• Passive Keyless Entry (PKE)
• Security Systems
• Home/Industrial Door Locks
• Pet Doors
• Personal Safety & Security
• Equipment Access/Disable
• Power Tools
• Firearms
• Computer Systems
• Medical
• Patient Monitoring
• Hospital Room Access
• Equipment Tracking
• Consumer
• Profile Management for Gaming
Consoles and Exercise Equipment
I
mplementing an intuitive, simple, and safe
wireless communication solution between
two electronically compatible devices can be
easy using Microchip’s BodyCom technology.
It provides designers with the world’s first
framework for using the human body as a
secure communication channel.
BodyCom technology is activated by capacitively
coupling to the human body. The system then
begins communicating bi-directionally be-
tween a centralized controller and one or more
wireless units.
There are a broad BodyCom technology allows
range of applica- for simpler circuit-level designs
and a lower bill of materials
tions where secure
wireless communi-
cation is essential, and there is no more secure
channel than the human body. This is especially
true when you add bidirectional authentication
that supports advanced encryption, such as
KeeLoq technology and AES. For example,
®
BodyCom technology helps prevent the “Relay
Attack” problem that is typical in automotive
passive keyless entry security systems.
Compared to existing wireless methods,
BodyCom technology provides lower energy
consumption, while further increasing security
NEW PRODUCT
via bidirectional authentication. Because no RF
antennas are required, BodyCom technology
allows for simpler circuit-level designs and a
lower bill of materials (BOM). All of this is en-
abled by the BodyCom Development V1.0
Framework, which is supplied through free soft-
ware libraries that work on all of Microchip’s 8,
16 and 32-bit PIC® microcontrollers.
Most secure, short-range communication
designs are battery powered and highly cost
constrained. BodyCom technology significantly
increases battery
life by eliminating
the need for a wire-
less transceiver
or high-power in-
ductive fields. It also simplifies development
and lowers BOM costs not only by making an-
tenna design unnecessary, but also by using
a low-frequency framework with a common
microcontroller and standard AFE frequencies
(125 kHz and 8 MHz) – no external crystals
are needed. Because it complies with FCC
Part 15-B for radiated emissions, BodyCom
technology eliminates the cost and complexity
of certification.
(continued on page 7)
6
BodyCom Technology Benefits
• Simpler Implementation
• No RF antenna design necessary
• Low-frequency design using common
microcontroller and AFE frequencies
(125 kHz/8 MHz), no external crystals
needed
• Complies with FCC Part 15-B,
Radiated Emissions
• Lower overall BOM, compared to
existing technologies
• Lower Power Consumption
• No wireless transceiver required for
two-way communication
• Not using high-power inductive fields
• More Secure Communication Channel
• Provides bidirectional authentication
using the human body
• Prevents the “Relay Attack” problem
typical in PKE solutions
• Supports Advanced Encryption Solutions
• Such as KeeLoq Technology with
AES-128
Development Support
To further enable development and speed NEW PRODUCT
time to market, the BodyCom Development
Kit (part # DM160213) comes with a cen-
tral controller unit and two wireless mobile
units. The free BodyCom Development
V1.0 Framework comes with a communi-
cation library, application code examples
and a development GUI for use on personal
computers.
The BodyCom Development Kit includes two
wireless mobile units.
BodyCom technology provides a more secure,
low-cost and easy method for implementing
short-range, low-data-rate wireless commu-
nication with the lowest power consumption
and no antenna needed.

BodyCom technology is activated by capacitively coupling to the human body

Additional Resources
• AN1391 - Introduction to the BodyCom Technology
• BodyCom Technology Video

7
One Solution for
a World of Music
JukeBlox® 3.2 is First Wireless Audio Platform Supporting
iOS, Android™, Windows® 8 and Mac® Consumer Devices
Latest Software Development Kit Also Adds Seamless Integration of
Cloud-Based Music Services and Simultaneous Wi-Fi® Audio Streaming
to Multiple Home Audio Products
N
etworked audio is the future of home
electronics. Microchip’s new JukeBlox
3.2 platform and software develop-
ment kit (SDK) is enabling that future today
with its seamless support for all the major
Applications: mobile and PC operating systems along with
the DLNA standard. JukeBlox 3.2 operates on
®
• Home theater systems
all of Microchip’s existing JukeBlox network
• A/V receivers media processors and modules to deliver
• Radios the best and only complete wireless audio solu-
• Wireless speakers tion for developers of consumer products. It is
also cost effective enough to enable consumer
• Portable music player docking
products that retail for as low as $129.
stations
JB Cloud for Direct Streaming of
Cloud-Based Music Services
A new feature in the latest JukeBlox platform
is the JB Cloud software, which allows mobile
devices to serve as remote controls to directly
stream cloud-based music services. User con-
trol is managed from the Internet music service
provider’s native app. This eliminates the need
for mobile devices to act as servers – con-
suming power and stopping the music to take
phone calls or support other personal audio
functions – and frees them up to be personal
communication and Internet devices as they
were originally intended to be used.
NEW PRODUCT
Whole-Home Audio with JB
MultiZone
Additionally, the JukeBlox SDK has expanded
whole-home audio functionality via JB MultiZone
2.0, which provides more robust and extensive
simultaneous synchronized audio streaming
and control to multiple JB-enabled devices in
the home. JB MultiZone 2.0 supports all the
core technologies needed for the discovery,
pairing, group management, control, streaming
For the first time ever, one
wireless audio platform
is compatible with iOS,
Android and Windows.
and synchronization of any audio input source
to multiple JB-enabled devices throughout the
home. This high-value feature enables the next
generation of interoperability between devices,
and potentially across brands, helping consum-
ers realize the full potential of their networked
audio products.
For the first time ever, one wireless audio
platform is compatible with iOS, Android and
Windows, while enabling a whole-home audio
experience with seamless integration of cloud-
based music services. If you design audio prod-
ucts, the new JukeBlox 3.2 can help you bring a
world of music to your customers.
8
Need Super-Fast
Program and
Erase Times?
Three New Low-Power SPI Flash Memory Devices Excel in
Variety of Applications
Include Extended Operating Voltage Range from 2.3 to 3.6V
N
ewer embedded designs that require
greater mobility, along with more
compact form factors, are driving
lower-power and extended-voltage require-
ments for memory devices. Developed spe-
cifically to meet these challenges, the newest
members of Microchip’s SPI Flash memory
portfolio – the SST25PF020B, SST25PF040B
Microchip’s New Low-Power SPI Flash
Memory Portfolio and SST25PF080B devices – offer 2, 4 and
8 Mbit of memory. They are manufactured with
Microchip’s high-performance SuperFlash
technology, a split-gate, NOR Flash design with
thick-oxide tunneling
These memory devices
injector for superior
are especially effective for
quality and reliability.
battery-operated accessories,
sensors and equipment.
These SPI Flash
memory devices offer an extended operating
voltage range from 2.3 to 3.6V, extremely low
power consumption, small-footprint packaging,
and fixed super-fast program and erase times.
The memory is partitioned into uniform 4 Kbyte
sectors, and 32 and 64 Kbyte blocks, offering
flexible erase capabilities and seamless parti-
tioning for program and data code in the same
memory block. All three devices are capable of
erasing sectors and blocks as fast as 18 ms,
erasing the entire Flash memory chip in 35 ms,
and a word-programming time of 7 µs using
Auto Address Increment (AAI). The devices also
offer superior reliability of 100,000 endurance
NEW PRODUCT
cycles, typical, and greater than 100 years of
data retention. The active read current of these
devices is only 10 mA, typical, at 80 MHz, and
standby current is only 10 µA, typical.
The SST25PF020B, SST25PF040B and
SST25PF080B enable designers of consumer
electronics and industrial products to reduce
their overall product design cycles and total
system costs while improving product perfor-
® mance. The extended voltage range provides
designers with a wider set of options on the
power-supply voltage
for their chipsets and
board designs, and
reduces overall power
consumption, making
these memory devices especially effective for
battery-operated accessories, sensors and
equipment. Examples of end applications in-
clude smart meters, wireless products for
sports/fitness/health monitoring, digital radios,
glucose meters, hearing aids, low-power Wi-Fi®
products, GPS and wireless sensors.
Offering extended voltage, smaller footprint and
low power consumption, the SST25PFXXXB
family provides designers with simpler, more
economical and more innovative memory
solutions for their embedded designs.
9
Pump Up the NEW PRODUCT

Volume
Microchip expands Wireless product portfolio with certified
Bluetooth® Audio Module that supports streaming audio for
music and voice

Complete, fully certified, simple to use audio/data surface mount

Bluetooth module used with or without a microcontroller

RN-52-EK Bluetooth Audio Evaluation Kit
Target Applications:
• Wireless stereo speakers and
headsets
• Wireless audio docking station for
smartphones
• Smartphone app streaming
• Automotive hands free audio
• Remote control for media player
• Medical devices
• Intercom push-to-talk audio
connection
Q
uickly adding Bluetooth audio to
products has never been easier with
Microchip’s new RN52 Bluetooth
module. Fully certified with stacks on-board the
module, the RN52 greatly expands Microchip’s
Bluetooth portfolio with support for both
streaming audio and data communication.
The RN52 is a Bluetooth 3.0 audio module which
provides an integrated solution for delivering
high-quality stereo audio in a small form factor.
It combines a
The RN52 is
Class 2 Bluetooth a complete
radio with an Bluetooth audio
embedded wireless link.
DSP processor,
controlled and configured by simple ASCII
commands and GPIO. With its integrated RF,
a baseband controller and DSP, the RN52 is a
complete Bluetooth audio wireless link.
Similar to Microchip’s Bluetooth data modules,
the RN52 has the Bluetooth stack on-board the
module which provides a simple-to-use and
robust design model that works with any micro-
processor or microcontroller. The embedded
Bluetooth stack includes profiles A2DP, AVRCP,
SPP, HFP/HSP, along with iAP for use with iOS
devices such as the iPhone® and iPod®. The
RN52 also supports a variety of audio codecs
such as aptX®, AAC, MP3, SBC, and others.
Key Features:
• Fully certified Bluetooth version 3.0 audio
module, fully compatible with Bluetooth
version 2.1+EDR, 1.2, and 1.1
• Software configurable through commands
over UART console interface
• Embedded Bluetooth stack profiles: SPP,
A2DP, HFP/HSP, and AVRCP
• Supports iAP profile discovery for iPhone
and iPod Bluetooth accessories
• Available as an A2DP audio source or sink
• Postage-stamp-sized form factor,
13.5 x 26 x 2.7 mm
• Dual-channel, differential audio input and
output for highest quality audio
• External audio codecs supported via I2S™
and S/PDIF interface
• Castellated SMT pads for easy and reliable
PCB mounting
• Additional support for codecs such as aptX,
AAC, MP3, and others
• Environmentally friendly, RoHS compliant
• Certifications: FCC, IC, CE
• Bluetooth SIG certified
(continued on page 11)

10
The on-board stack, rich feature set, and
compatibility with all smartphones make the
RN52 a perfect fit for smartphone-centric
applications, wireless stereo speakers,
headsets, automotive hands-free audio,
medical devices, computer accessories, and
much more.
Development Support
The RN-52-EK evaluation kit has everything
the developer needs to prototype and evalu-
ate the new RN52 Bluetooth audio module.
The board has stereo inputs and outputs,
access to all GPIOs, and a built-in amplifier
for stereo audio output. It has six function
buttons to control volume, on/off, and to
switch between tracks. The RN-52-EK can
pair with any smartphone, stream music, and
take hands-free calls. It supports multiple
Bluetooth profiles including A2DP, AVRCP,
HFP/HSP, SPP (for data connections), and
iAP Profile discovery. Also includes support
for codecs such as aptX, AAC, and MP3
(these need to be ordered separately). The
kit comes with the RN52 evaluation board,
USB cable, two stereo mini-speakers, and a
microphone. RN52 Block Diagram

Also Available from Microchip’s RN Wi-Fi® Series of Products

Quickly add Wi-Fi connectivity to embedded applications with the RN-171-EK, an 802.11 b/g
evaluation kit for the ultra-low power RN171 Wi-Fi module. This compact kit has the flexibility to con-
nect directly to a PC via a standard USB interface or to embedded processors through the TTL/UART
interface. The board includes two convenient pushbuttons for controlling both SoftAP and WPS (Wi-Fi
Protected Setup) mode without software configuration. The status LEDs and jumpers enable rapid
prototyping and integration into existing systems. The RN-171-EK can be powered by either a USB
cable (included in the kit) or batteries. The RN-171-EK is perfect for a variety of battery-powered
applications such as sensors, data acquisition systems, and controllers.

W RELESS MADE EASY

Embedded Wireless Solutions

„„Low-Power Wi-Fi®
„„Mesh Network Solutions
„„ZigBee® Compliant Platforms
„„Apple® - Compatible Bluetooth® modules

Choose the product that fits your needs from Microchip’s various transmitters, receivers,
transceivers and agency certified modules for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee,
and ISM Band Sub-GHz.

11
Engineering
Degree Optional
New Arduino™ Compatible chipKIT™ uC32™ Development
Platform and Wi-Fi® Shield for 32-bit PIC® Microcontrollers
Makes Developing Wireless Applications Easy
Newark Offers Special Discount for National Engineer’s Week
S
ince their introduction in May 2011,
PIC32 microcontroller-based chipKIT
platforms have enabled hobbyists and
academics to easily and inexpensively add
electronics to their projects, even if they don’t
have an engineering background. Recently,
chipKIT Wi-Fi Shield for Wireless Projects Digilent , Inc. and Microchip have joined forces
®
to create the chipKIT uC32 open-source devel-
Other chipKIT Resources opment platform and the chipKIT Wi-Fi Shield
which allow users to build a wide range of em-
• chipKIT Website
bedded-system projects with Wi-Fi functionality.
• chipKIT Forums
Digilent’s chipKIT uC32 development board
includes Microchip’s PIC32MX340F512H
microcontroller, featuring 105 DMIPS perfor-
mance, 512 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, and 42
I/O pins that support a number of peripheral
functions, such as UART, SPI and I2C™ ports
and pulse-width-modulated outputs. Twelve of
the PIC32’s I/O pins can be used as analog
inputs or as digital inputs and outputs. The
chipKIT uC32 board has the same form factor
as Diligent’s chipKIT Uno32™ board, with
the addition of larger memory (512 KB Flash
and up to 32 KB RAM). The uC32 board pro-
vides a single, general-purpose development
platform for users to create a wide range of
32-bit MCU-based applications using the free,
Arduino™ compatible chipKIT IDE – called the
Multi-Platform IDE, or “MPIDE.”
NEW PRODUCT
In addition, Digilent’s chipKIT Wi-Fi Shield
enables users to implement wireless projects
with the chipKIT line of microcontroller boards,
such as the new uC32, or existing Uno32 and
Max32™ boards. The chipKIT Wi-Fi Shield
makes use of Microchip’s agency-certified
MRF24WB0MA Wi-Fi module, and provides
chipKIT microcontroller boards with the abili-
ty to communicate via IEEE 802.11 compati-
ble wireless networks. The Wi-Fi Shield also
provides a microSD™ card connector for
use with microSD Flash memory cards. The
chipKIT MPIDE SD library can be used to
read/write files stored on the microSD card.
The chipKIT uC32 board includes a
PIC32MX340F512H microcontroller.
The MPIDE also makes it easy for new de-
velopers to introduce their own compatible
chipKIT boards. The MPIDE includes librar-
ies, such as Brian Schmalz’s SoftPWMServo
library, which enables users to generate an
analogWrite-style output, as well as an RC
Servo output, on all pins simultaneously.
The chipKIT uC32 board (part # TDGL017) is
priced at $34.99 each, and the chipKIT Wi-Fi
Shield (part # TDGL016) at $49.99 each. Both
boards can be purchased at microchipDIRECT
or Digilent’s e-Commerce site.
12
Cleaning Up
Power Supply
Noise
New LDO Voltage-Regulator Family Filters Input Noise and
Provides Cleaner Output Voltages
Industry’s Best Combination of Performance, Size and Price for High-
Current, High-Voltage and High-Performance Applications
MCP1755 and MCP1755S Low-Dropout
(LDO) Voltage Regulators
Target Applications
• Battery-powered Devices
• Battery-powered Alarm Circuits
• Smoke Detectors
• CO Detectors
2
• Pagers and Cellular Phones
• Smart Battery Packs
• Portable Digital Assistant (PDA)
• Digital Cameras
• Microcontroller Power
• Consumer Products
• Battery-powered Data Loggers
M
any of today’s electronic designs
need to operate in environments
that contain high levels of electrical
and magnetic noise. Noise is generated when
switching transients and RF signals get coupled
onto power-supply lines. Applications such as
GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers, wireless de-
vices, automotive-aftermarket electronics, and
medical devices are sensitive to power supply
noise.
Microchip’s new MCP1755 and MCP1755S
high-performance, high-input voltage and high-
output current family of CMOS Low-Dropout
(LDO) voltage regulators have a high Power
Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) of 70 dB @
1 kHz, which filters input noise and provides
significantly cleaner output voltages, making
them well suited for noise-sensitive applica-
tions. These LDOs can accept a wide input volt-
age range of 3.6-16V and deliver an output cur-
rent of 300 mA at output voltages of 1.8-5.5V,
while consuming only 68 µA of quiescent cur-
rent (typical). Additionally, the MCP1755/1755S
LDOs have a shutdown pin, enabling them to
consume less than 0.1 µA (typical) during Shut-
down mode, which extends battery lifetimes.
To conserve space, the LDOs are offered in
SOT and 2x3 mm DFN packages.
NEW PRODUCT
Key Features
• High PSRR: >70 dB @ 1 kHz typical
• 68.0 µA typical quiescent current
• Input Operating Voltage Range: 3.6V
to16.0V
• 300 mA output current for all output voltages
• Low dropout voltage, 300 mV typical @
300 mA
• 0.85% typical output voltage tolerance
• Standard Output Voltage Options (1.8V,
2.5V, 2.8V, 3.0V, 3.3V, 4.0V, 5.0V)
• Output voltage range 1.8V to 5.5V in 0.1V
increments
• Output voltage tolerances of ±2.0% over
entire temperature range
• Stable with minimum 1.0 µF output
capacitance
• Power Good output
• Shutdown input
• True current foldback protection
• Short-circuit protection
• Over temperature protection
The MCP1755/S LDOs are ideal for designs
with 9V and 12V power supply rails and their
high PSRR provides an excellent solution for
applications that require very clean supply volt-
ages. These devices work well in an extremely
broad range of applications, such as medical,
mobile devices and LED lighting controllers.
13
 microchip DIRECT
microchipDIRECT Expands
Comprehensive Portfolio of
Products

F
ollowing our acquisitions of both SMSC and Roving Networks, a number of updates have
been made to microchipDIRECT in the past months to make it easier for you to find and
purchase our expanded array of products. To find the more than 500 SMSC and 100
Roving Networks devices now available, simply go to the microchipDIRECT home page and
follow these directions.
Finding SMSC Devices
1. Expand the “Products” menu as shown in the image below:
a. Click on “Interface” if you are looking for USB and Ethernet devices
b. Click on “PC Systems & I/O Controllers” if you are looking for these products

Finding Roving Networks Devices

1. Expand the “Applications” menu
2. Select the entry for “Roving Networks Wireless” shown outlined in red in the image below

(continued on page 15

14
Do You Need Automotive Grade Parts?
Automotive grade standard parts are also now available for a number of Microchip devices,
designated by the letters “VAO” at the end of their part numbers. Using the “Search” function in the
upper right corner of the microchipDIRECT home page, enter the product family number and click
on the “Go” button. When the results page loads, scroll down through the list of devices and look
for the one with “VAO” at the end of the part number.

Get Weekly Updates

Are you looking for additional ways to help you stay ahead of the competition? You can sign up to
receive weekly updates on Microchip’s lead times and inventory by following these simple steps:

1. Login to microchipDIRECT
2. Select the “Lead Time Report E-Mail” link under the “Support”menu
3. Choose the Product Line and then the Device Family
4. Click on “Add” next to each device you would like to track

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about using the microchipDIRECT site.

15
 DESIGN ARTICLE
Looking for Ways to Reduce
BOM Cost for Your Motor Control
System?
Then Look no Further than Microchip’s dsPIC33EP Family with
Internal Op Amps

A
cross the electronics industry, designers are struggling to lower their system costs by
eliminating components and simplifying PCB designs. Many high-performance systems,
such as motor controllers and sensors, require high-speed op amps that can quickly
increase system costs.

Microchip’s new dsPIC33EP products come to the rescue, offering up to three high-speed, on-chip
op amps crafted with high performance systems in mind. These op amps feature 10 MHz of gain
bandwidth product and 55 degrees of phase margin. These op amps not only reduce the number
of system components, but the new dsPIC33EP products are some of the lowest-cost dsPIC®
DSCs available, starting at just $1.86 in 5,000 piece quantities.

dsPICDEM MCLV-2 Development dsPICDEM MCHV-2 Development

Board (Part # DM330021-2) Board (Part # DM330023-2)

No new product family is complete without the right tools to help accelerate development. For
motor control designs, Microchip has released new versions of the MCLV and MCHV boards, the
MCLV-2 and MCHV-2, to take advantage of the new internal op amps.
(continued on page 17)

16
 DESIGN ARTICLE
70MIPS of Real-Time
Control Performance
The simplicity of an MCU with the
computing power of a DSP
dsPIC33E family enables
advanced control
Advanced Motor Control
Digital Power Conversion
Renewable Energy Systems
Advanced Sensing
For those who are new to Microchip’s
motor control development tools, the
MCLV is a low voltage (max 48V) motor
control development platform that enables
sensored or sensorless BLDC and PMSM
motor control. The MCHV is a high voltage
platform that operates off of a universal AC
input and can output up to 400V at up to
1kW of power for high voltage AC Induc-
tion, BLDC, or PMSM motor control devel-
opment. The new MCLV-2 and MCHV-2
boards are fully backwards compatible
with existing motor control PIMs from
Microchip and feature the same voltage
and current specs as the previous MCLV
and MCHV. However, these new boards
have matrix boards that enable them to
be configured to use the
on board op amps or the
internal, on-chip op amps.
Simply plug in the external
op amp matrix board and
all of the previous motor
Related Links:
• Learn more about Microchip’s motor control software and hardware
• Learn more about Microchip’s PIMs
control PIMs will work the same as they
did on an MCLV or MCHV board.
Plug in the internal op amp matrix board
and an internal op amp PIM to enable the
board to utilize the internal op amps found
on the dsPIC DSC on the PIM. Microchip
offers two PIMs for the new dsPIC33EP
family, one that enables the use of the inter-
nal op amps (MA330031) and one that en-
ables the external op amps (MA330031-2).
Both of these PIMs are available for $25.
The MCLV-2 (DM330021-2) and MCHV-2
(DM330023-2) are also available for $199
and $699 respectively.
Finally for developers looking to evaluate
the new dsPIC33EP products who are
not doing motor control development,
Microchip offers as a PIM for the Explorer
16 platform. The PIM enables the gen-
eral purpose dsPIC33EP products to be
evaluated and offers support for many
of the Explorer 16 features. The PIM
(MA330030) is available for $25.
17
 DESIGN ARTICLE
Stream Raw Videos Using
PIC32 and Multimedia
Expansion Board

B
andwidth requirements for data access from off-chip components can cause a bottleneck,
which significantly affects system performance in microcontroller (MCU) video applica-
tions. This restriction limits the number of read and write accesses to the external memory
device during a given time period. However, a solution is available which will allow you to stream
the raw video in RGB565 format using the following hardware:

• Microchip’s Multimedia Expansion Board (DM320005)

• A PIC32 starter kit (GP – DM320001, Ethernet – DM320004, or USB II – DM320003-2)
• microSD™ Card
• Standard-A to mini-B USB cable
A Solomon Systech SSD1926 graphics controller on the Multimedia Expansion Board (MEB) is
used to stream raw video data directly from a file on the microSD card to the video frame buffer in
the SSD1926’s on-chip memory. The video is then displayed on a QVGA screen. Streaming data
directly from the card to the display buffer eliminates the additional overhead required to move
data through the microcontroller. As shown in Figure 1 below, the PIC32 MCU interfaces the
SSD1926 via the MEB.

Figure 1 - Multimedia Expansion Board Diagram

(continued on page 19)

18
DESIGN ARTICLE The GUI on the touch screen QVGA of the
MEB, as shown in Figure 2, is created using
the Microchip Graphics Library and is imple-
mented with the Microchip Graphics Display
Designer. The Microchip MDD file system li-
brary is used to access the file system on the
microSD card, locate the file and provide file
size and location information. The SSD1926
SD driver from the Microchip Applications
Library is used to access the microSD card.
During video playback, data is transferred
directly one frame a time from the microSD
card to the frame buffer in the SSD1926 using
Direct Memory Access (DMA). When a frame
transfer is complete, the file pointer is set to the
next frame. This process is repeated until the
file has finished playing.
To maximize data throughput, the SD bit clock
runs at 25 MHz, the maximum speed sup-
ported by the standard. Four-bit data transfer,
multi-block transfer and auto-command 12 are
enabled.

This solution enables video streaming be used

Figure 2 - Multimedia Expansion Board GUI
in a variety of applications, such as distance
education, surveillance cameras, and the dis-
play of news and entertainment videos on the
Internet. In addition, the use of a Secure Digital
card allows for the storage and future playback
of video content on demand.

Low-Cost
32-bit MCUs
HIGH Performance in a SMALL Package

„„Up to 128KB of Flash

„„I2S™ for Audio Playback
„„USB Host and Device
„„Small Package Options

F1 28D
X 250
32M
PIC

19
 DESIGN ARTICLE
Gain Setting Methods of
Instrumentation Amplifiers

W
hen it comes to monolithic instrumentation amplifiers (INAs), there are a variety of
methods that manufacturers use in order to implement the gain setting. These methods
include fixed gain, programmable gain and using one or two external resistors to set
the gain. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages.

Fixed gain INAs are very useful in that these devices can be optimized for a specific gain, improving
linearity, offset and gain accuracy for the specific gain that is implemented. These devices can
also be placed in smaller packaging such as a 5-pin SOT-23, since additional pins for setting gain
are not needed. The obvious downside is that the gain is fixed, meaning it cannot be adjusted by
the end user, which limits the device’s flexibility.

As the name implies, programmable gain amplifiers implement a register set that allows the user
to set the gain and possibly adjust other settings as well. These amplifiers typically use a standard
I2C™ or SPI interface that can easily be controlled by a microcontroller. This programmability
allows for a much more flexible device, but requires a microcontroller or other serial interface
device and can be a relatively large silicon solution, which adds to the cost.

Using external resistors is a very popular method for setting the gain of a monolithic INA. Some
devices allow the gain to be set via one external resistor, while on other devices gain is set via the
ratio of two external resistors. At a glance, it may seem that using one external resistor is better –
eliminating an external resistor saves a little cost, board space and reduces design complexity.

However, there are disadvantages to this single resistor approach. Whether using one or two
external resistors, the gain is set via the ratio of two resistors. In the case of a single external
resistor, it is the ratio of an internal resistor constructed within the IC and the external resistor
provided by the user. This technique requires the internal resistor value to be accurately known so
that the user can set the gain properly. Most manufactures must trim this internal resistor in order
to get this level of accuracy. Another disadvantage is that the internal resistor and external resistor
will have different drift characteristics, which will lead to gain errors across time and temperature.
(continued on page 21)

20

Digitally-Enhanced
Power Analog Control
Flexibility of a digital
interface with the power and
performance of an analog-
based controller
High-Speed
Power MOSFETs
High efficiency, highly-flexible
power conversion solutions
Implementing a monolithic INA with two
external gain setting resistors, such as
Microchip’s MCP6N11, eliminates these
concerns. With proper layout, the two ex-
ternal resistors will track very closely over
time and temperature, and the accuracy of
the ratio of the two external resistors is left
entirely up to the user.
Figure 1 - MCP6N11 Application Example
So the next time your design requires a
monolithic INA, be sure to consider the
gain setting methodology and the associ-
ated trade-offs. Finally, when it comes to
using external resistors to set the gain,
remember that less isn’t always better.
21
 DESIGN ARTICLE
Other chipKIT Resources:
What is the chipKIT™
• chipKIT Website
• chipKIT Forums
Platform?

A
lmost two years ago, Microchip’s Academic Team approached third parties to begin
research and development on a new Arduino™-inspired platform that would eventually
be known as the chipKIT platform. The chipKIT platform is a very easy-to-use develop-
ment tool intended for beginners with little to no experience using microcontrollers. This platform
features both hardware and software compatibility with many existing Arduino solutions.

Here is a brief refresher on the features of the chipKIT embedded development platform as well
as a preview of what lies ahead.

Software Compatibility
The chipKIT platform uses a very straightforward instruction set inside of the Multi-Platform
Integrated Development Environment (MPIDE) software tool for developing embedded ap-
plications. MPIDE is a fork of the original Arduino 0022 IDE that has been modified to include
functionality for Microchip’s PIC32 microcontrollers. This means that you can actually take ex-
isting code originally written for an Arduino platform, add it to the MPIDE, compile it and it should
function on a chipKIT board with little to no modification.

Hardware Compatibility
Some variants of the chipKIT hardware are available in a form factor that is pin compatible with
many existing Arduino expansion boards called shields that can operate at 3.3V. The chipKIT
boards additionally feature more input/output pins than their Arduino counterparts, allowing users
to build more elaborate designs. In fact, Digilent and a number of other third parties have devel-
oped chipKIT specific shields that take advantage of the advanced on-chip capabilities of the
PIC32 including Ethernet and USB.

Open Source Philosophy

The chipKIT platform team has endeavored to honor the open source tradition for similar platforms
by mandating that all hardware files including schematics and board files are made available to
anyone who would like to download and reproduce these designs.

(continued on page 23)

22
DESIGN ARTICLE The MPIDE is an extended version of the
original Arduino IDE and is therefore gov-
erned by the GNU General Public License
(GPL). The peripheral libraries associated
with the PIC32 devices populating chipKIT
boards are covered by a proprietary license.
However, the chipKIT platform team has
worked to remove dependency on these files
for an upcoming distribution of MPIDE. This
will provide users who wish to develop appli-
cations with 100% open source software with
that option. The peripheral libraries will remain
as part of the distribution download for users
who would like to use them and also to ensure
that existing applications dependant on these
libraries will still compile without issue.
What’s Next for the chipKIT
Platform?
The chipKIT platform has really come into its
own over the past two years and the future
looks even brighter. In addition to the current
North American design contest and a new
website, some great new platforms are in
development that will provide users with more
hobbyist/academic/prototyping friendly pack-
aging. Additionally, a plan to enable advanced
connectivity to other popular hardware solu-
tions is underway to bring this powerful
platform to an even wider audience.
23
 DESIGN ARTICLE
Graphical Tool Makes PIC®
MCU Programming Fun and Easy

E
ducators around the world are looking for AUTHORIZED
engaging and fun ways to stimulate their
students’ interest in integrated Science, Tech-
nology, Engineering, Mathematics, Social and Enter-
prise Learning (STEMSEL). An Australian company,
eLabtronics, specializes in designing user-friendly Inventors Tool Kits for educators as well as
for the broader engineering community. These kits provide a microcontroller-based learning plat-
form which can be used by novices as well as seasoned engineers and programmers to quickly
design, build and program a wide variety of embedded and robotic applications.

The ezSystem STEMSEL Inventors Tool Kit from eLabtronics

consists of the ezSystem software, a reusable programming
board for a Microchip PIC microcontroller as well as a col-
lection of components including LEDs, temperature sensors,
light sensors, a small motor, and a buzzer. Project tutorials
for eight different applications can be downloaded from the
ezSystem Input/Output Diagram
eLabtronics website.

The free ezSystem software consists of two sections: the ezCircuit Designer design layer, and
the CoreChart programming layer. Using a graphical approach with the novice in mind, the soft-
ware is designed to be easy to use. It also comes in Standard and Professional versions, available
at extra cost, to provide extra functionality and support for additional microcontrollers.

In his recent Dev-Monkey blog article, “A Cool Graphical Tool for PIC Programmers”, Jon Titus
explains how engineers and programmers can use the ezSystem STEMSEL Inventors Tool Kit to
develop a quick software prototype or “proof of concept”:

For more information, contact eLabtronics, 51 Byron Place, Adelaide, South Australia 5000,
Phone: +61 8 8231 5966, Email: miro@elabtronics.com, www.elabtronics.com.

24

Free Webinar
Rapid Prototyping with Equalis
Coder and Embedded Coder for
Microchip
• Learn simulation techniques using
advanced signal processing,
communication systems, and
control and power systems modules
• Generate portable code using
Equalis Coder
• Automatically generate code
targeting Microchip devices with
Equalis Embedded Coder
• Live application demos
Sign up today by clicking on your
preferred date below:
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
DESIGN ARTICLE
Equalis Coder and Embedded
Coder Optimized for Microchip
Microchip Partners with Equalis to Automate Embedded Code
Generation from Block Diagrams
I
n the traditional approach to embedded PREMIER
programming, a programmer implements a control
algorithm manually in a low-level language like C
or assembly language. Despite being widely used,
T HI R D - PA R T Y PA R TNER
this approach has a number of drawbacks, such as
time-consuming and error-prone low-level programming, difficulties with software simulation and
debugging of the control algorithm, and lack of flexibility, especially if the requirements for the
final embedded system or the target hardware platform change during the development process.
A more sophisticated, time-saving, and cost effective approach is to use a high level system
design language to specify the control algorithm and to use specialized software tools to simulate
the algorithm and generate a low-level implementation (C source or a compiled program) for the
target embedded platform.
Equalis provides a powerful numeric computation platform well-suited for development and
simulation of control algorithms of various complexities. It includes a graphical designer and simu-
lator of general dynamical models which is based on the block diagram notation familiar to control
engineers (Xcos). Equalis is built on the open source platform of Scilab, with whom they have an
exclusive global partnership. Equalis provides premier modules and industrial grade support at a
fraction of the cost of any comparable applications.
Equalis Coder and Embedded Coder module extends Xcos with the ability to generate C code
for Microchip hardware targets from a block diagram representation of a control algorithm and com-
pile it automatically using Microchip compilers. The module is based on GeneAuto generic code
generator which ensures high efficiency and compactness of the produced C code. The Equalis
Coder and Embedded Coder module currently support a wide range of PIC® Microcontrollers
and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers and seamlessly integrates with Microchip’s MPLAB® X
Integrated Development Environment.
(continued on page 26)
25
DESIGN ARTICLE The Equalis application provides powerful
blocks to extend Xcos for Microchip. One
category of blocks is used to represent a con-
trol algorithm using common mathematical
operations (e.g. summations, gains, delays,
etc.). The inputs and outputs of a control al-
gorithm are associated with hardware inputs
and output ports. Another category of blocks is
used to provide configuration to the hardware
devices (MCU, peripherals).
When the control algorithm is ready, inputs
and outputs are associated with ports, and
hardware configuration is specified, the user
is able to generate and compile C code for a
hardware target automatically. The resulting
program (in .HEX format) can be uploaded into
a microcontroller. The described approach has
the following key advantages:
• Simplified development of a control algorithm
using a library of mathematical blocks,
including vector and matrix operations
• Besides access to high-level features, the
user has full access to low-level I/O provided
by the target platform. The user can specify
the operation of individual interrupts using
the block diagram notation
• Simplified simulation and debugging a
control algorithm. The user can connect the
inputs and outputs of the control algorithm
(which are associated with pins registers,
etc.) to simulated sources and targets con-
structed using a rich library of Xcos blocks.
These sources/targets can model various
discrete or analog devices or physical pro-
cesses. Xcos can simulate the resulting
system and optionally produce a graphical
output (plot)
• Automatic generation of C code for Microchip
targets and automatic compilation using
Microchip compilers
Using this comprehensive solution, engineers
experience huge productivity gains in devel-
oping both real-time and non-real time sys-
tems for simulation, rapid prototyping, and
hardware-in-the-loop testing.
For more information, please contact Equalis
at info@equalis.com.

Figure 1 - Equalis Coder and Embedded Coder Module

Figure 2 - Code Generation Process

26
 DESIGN ARTICLE
Add Fingerprint Biometrics
to Your Personal Authentication
Application

A
s each day brings increasing opportunities for PREMIER
fraud and greater needs for security, biometric
fingerprint sensors represent an attractive
and convenient authentication method. In today’s
THI RD - PAR T Y PA R TN ER
networked world, there is no doubt that fingerprint bio-
metrics will become an increasing part of everyday life, including personal authentication solutions.

Remarkable innovations in recent years have reduced the size, lowered the price, and
improved sensor performance. These developments are making it possible to deploy fingerprint
authentication beyond law enforcement to more widespread personal authentication applications.

The TSTEP001 Biometric Interface PICtail™ Board, developed by Electronicsteps – a trusted

third party tool provider – is available today to assist you with your fingerprint authentication design.
It can be attached to the Explorer 16 Development Board and it incorporates a fingerprint reader
that uses a recognition algorithm that won an award in the worldwide Fingerprint Verification
Competition (FVC).

Hardware Overview
The Biometric Interface PICtail Board is a complete fingerprint interface solution combining a
fingerprint reader module and a capacitive touch sensor in the same board, making it easy to add
fingerprint authentication to new designs. The reader hardware contains a high powered DSP pro-
cessor that does all the image processing tasks and searching of fingerprint templates algorithms,
leaving the Explorer 16 board’s microcontroller free for user application code.

Electronicsteps provides the source code of the demo firmware in an MPLAB® X IDE-compatible
project. It connects to the microcontroller by a simple serial interface, and sends packets of data
to the module, allowing the user to easily enroll, delete and verify templates from fingerprints.

(continued on page 28)

27

Easy and Inexpensive
RAM Expansion
Looking for more RAM?
Easy and inexpensive RAM
expansion with SPI Serial
SRAM – Now up to 1Mb
Industry’s largest SPI
Serial SRAM at 1 Mb
8-pin low pwer, high performance
SRAM devices with unlimited
endurance and zero write times
The demo application is currently available
for a PIC24FJ256GB110 PIM, but it’s very
easy to migrate it to other families of devices.
The board was carefully designed to retain
most of the Explorer 16 board’s expansibil-
ity to other Microchip PICtail boards, giving
you the flexibility to expand your design to
incorporate a more complex solution. For ex-
ample, the Biometric Interface PICtail Board
can be used in conjunction with a Graphics
PICtail Board to quickly develop a time at-
tendance solution that uses the display as a
touch keyboard. Or, an application can go
mobile by connecting the Biometric Interface
PICtail Board with the GSM Interface board
from Electronicsteps.
After prototyping a design with the Explorer
16 board plus the Biometric Interface PICtail
Board, it’s very easy to move it to production.
Electronicsteps can supply fingerprint mod-
ules in production volumes with 1-2 weeks
lead time.
How It Works
First, a fingerprint image is enrolled on the
device used to perform the authentication
and a template of the fingerprint is stored
in the onboard Flash memory. When users
want to verify their identity, they must have
their enrolled finger scanned again, and a
second template is generated.
Next, a pattern analysis is performed to
determine if there is a match. The match is
determined using points of interest (minutia)
on the fingerprint, such as ridge bifurcations
and ridge endings. If enough of the minutia
points and vectors match, the fingerprint is
considered a match and the identity is con-
firmed. Fingerprint minutia points are ex-
tracted from an 8-bit high contrast grayscale
image obtained by the capacitive sensor.
Capacitive sensors use a difference be-
tween skin-sensor and air-sensor contact in
terms of capacitive values. When a finger is
placed on the sensor, an array of pixels act
as one plate of a parallel-plate capacitor, the
dermal layer acts as the other plate, and the
non-conductive epidermal layer acts as a
dielectric. The capacitance varies between
the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint due
to the fact that the volume between the
dermal layer and sensing element in valleys
contains an air gap. The dielectric constant
of the epidermis and the area of the sensing
element are known values. The measured
capacitance values are then used to distin-
guish between fingerprint ridges and valleys
resulting is an 8-bit high-contrast grayscale
image.
Capacitive vs. Optical Sensors
Capacitive sensors can provide significant
advantages over optical sensors, such
as reduced cost and power consumption.
Also, the small form factor allows capaci-
tive sensors to be integrated into portable
devices, where an optical solution would be
too large and less durable. Optical sensor
technology creates patterns and images
using light rather than current. Therefore,
if the touch surface is scratched or stained,
the captured image will be affected, poten-
tially resulting in false mismatches. Also,
the finger itself must be free of dirt, debris,
and scratches. Capacitive sensors are not
subject to these limitations, making them a
much more practical option for fingerprint
authentication applications.
Electronicsteps is a provider of Suprema
and NITGEN fingerprint modules and Quec-
tel GSM/GPRS modules. For more informa-
tion, contact sales@electronicsteps.com
or support@electronicsteps.com.
28
 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Microchip Recognized as a
Leader in Product Innovation
and Technology

A
number of global electronics industry publications and organizations have
recently recognized Microchip for product innovation and technology leadership.

After launching in November, Microchip’s MGC3130 – featuring Microchip’s

patented GestIC® technology that offers low-power, precise, fast and robust hand
position tracking with free-space gesture recognition – won three prestigious awards.
It was handpicked by the editors of Electronic Design Magazine for their “2012 Best
of Electronic Design Awards,” in the Digital category, for enabling the next dimension
in intuitive, gesture-based, non-contact user interfaces for a broad range of end prod-
ucts. EE Times China Magazine’s “2013 Annual Creativity in Electronics (ACE) Awards”
selected the MGC3130 as a Product of the Year in the Microcontroller/Memory/Interface
category. EDN Magazine named the MGC3130 to their “2012 Hot 100” list, in the
Microcontrollers & Processors category.

EE Times China also chose Microchip for two additional “ACE Products of the Year.” The
70 MIPS dsPIC33E and PIC24E family of digital signal controllers and microcontrollers
won in the Digital Processor/DSP/FPGA category, and the MPLAB® XC Compiler line
won in the EDA/Tools category.

The venerable 8-bit PIC® microcontroller was named a finalist in Design News
Magazine’s “2012 Golden Mousetrap Awards.” Specifically, the PIC10F(LF)32X and
PIC1XF(LF)150X MCUs with integrated configurable logic in 6- to 20-pin packages got
the nod in their Electronics & Test: Embedded Computing/Processing category.

Microchip’s JukeBlox® 3.1 Wireless Audio Platform, based on technology from

its recent SMSC acquisition, won a 2012 “Readers’ Choice Tech Award” from ECN
Magazine in the Boards and Modules category. Winners were named by the editors
of ECN, based on their assessment of readers’ newsletter clicks, web traffic and social
media engagement for each of the many products they covered during the year.

(continued on page 30)

29
In addition to the three EE Times China ACE Awards, China’s trade press bestowed three
other annual product awards on Microchip. The MCP6N11 Instrumentation Amplifier won two IN THE SPOTLIGHT
honors, one from EDN China’s “Innovation Awards” in the Leading Product category, and the
other from EEPW Magazine’s “Power Supply Products Awards” in the Best Application: Power
Devices category. From their separate “Editors’ Choice Awards,” EEPW named Microchip’s
AR1100 mTouch™ Analog Resistive Touch Screen Controller their Best Touch Panel Solution.

In the area of technology leadership, The Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium

(EEMBC) honored Microchip for significantly contributing to the development of its next-generation
industry benchmarks. Specifically, Microchip was recognized for determining fair and reliable
cross-platform accuracy requirements for EEMBC’s FPBench™ benchmark, which is critical to
the evaluation of floating-point performance. Additionally, Microchip evaluated and recommended
math function libraries for software-only reference implementations, and tested and ported multiple
libraries to make FPBench safe for 16-bit microcontrollers.

“It is a testament to Microchip’s continuous-improvement culture that we have received this

recognition from an esteemed organization such as EEMBC, as well as product awards from some
of the most influential global publications in our industry,” said Steve Sanghi, Microchip’s president
and CEO. “The breadth of these product awards across the diverse categories of human inter-
face, microcontrollers, DSP, wireless networking, audio, analog, memory and development tools
illustrates the continued investments we are making – both in R&D and strategic acquisitions – to
enable our customers’ innovation.”

30
Microchip Event Calendar UPCOMING EVENTS

APEC 2013
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California
DESIGN West/
March 18-20, 2013
Join Cliff Ellison and Tom Spohrer from Microchip Technology as they present “Innovation in ESC
Fully-Digital and Digitally-Enhanced Analog Power Conversion Semiconductor Technologies” at
10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20. This session discusses the latest analog power conver-
April 23 - 25
sion technologies and introduces new techniques for efficiency optimization across load condi-
tions. Drop by Booth 706 to view Microchip’s latest power conversion solutions, including our new Visit our booth for free
Digitally-Enhanced Power Analog and Fully-Digital Power Conversion solutions. technical training courses
covering the latest and
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association
(ECEDHA) Conference and ECExpo greatest technologies from
Buena Vista Palace, Orlando, Florida Microchip
March 22-26, 2013
Microchip’s Academic Team is heading to Orlando, Florida, for the ECEDHA Conference and
ECExpo. This year’s event will be hosted by the University of Central Florida. This is a great oppor-
tunity for our Academic team to showcase Microchip’s products and technologies to key universities
and colleges from across the United States and Canada. The unique resources that Microchip offers
to educators include:

• Silicon donations to help seed labs

• 25% discount for both educators and students when ordering development tools through
www.microchipdirect.com
• Class materials in the form of presentations, labs, manuals and solutions
• Development tool samples for professors to determine if these are compatible with their class
• Microchip’s Academic Partner Program, including additional benefits such as:
• Free training at our worldwide Regional Training Centers
• Discounts to attend annual Masters Conference
To learn more about this and other Academic-related events, please contact us at
academic@microchip.com.
Booth #1116 & #1138
McEnery Convention Center
DESIGN West/ESC 2013 San Jose, California
The San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, California
April 23-25, 2013
DESIGN West is the ideal venue for the electronics engineering community to learn, collaborate and
recognize excellence. DESIGN West caters to the extremely technical, higher-learning needs of the Exciting new demos,
world’s top engineers while providing an unprecedented forum for the examination of the industry’s technologies, and application
pressing business challenges. In addition, DESIGN West celebrates decades of unique local elec- tables. Check out the
tronics industry culture, innovation and Silicon Valley’s significant contributions to the global technol- interactive demonstration of
ogy industry. Join us at Booth 1116 to learn about our latest products, migration tools and support Microchip’s patented GestIC®
resources. We are the event’s Platinum Sponsor, sponsoring Tech Tote Bags loaded with hardware, 3D sensor technology
software and free gear for 1200 lucky attendees. Highlights at the Microchip booth include:

(continued on page 32)

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UPCOMING EVENTS (continued)

• Free sponsored in-booth training sessions

• In-booth giveaways and prizes
• Hands-on training labs
• Interactive MPLAB® X IDE exhibit
• Exciting new demos and technologies featuring the latest in 8, 16 and 32-bit microcontrollers and connectivity and security solutions
• Interactive demonstration of Microchip’s patented GestIC® 3D sensor technology
• Authorized Design Partner demo showcase
Paid conference attendees can hear Microchip’s Kevin Tretter, Principal Product Marketing Engineer, Analog and Interface Products Division,
speaking on “Low-Power Analog Techniques for Maximizing Battery Life in Embedded-Control Systems” from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday,
April 23. Also, these free sessions, presented by Microchip staff, will be offered right on the show floor:

• MCU Hacks: Russian Nixie Tube Clock Design

• Learn MPLAB X IDE, Microchip’s Next-Generation IDE
• Connected Hacks: Internet-Connected Ping Pong Ball
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Microchip’s embedded design technologies.

Display Week 2013

Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
May 21-13, 2013
Join Microchip Technology in Booth 1028 at Display Week, taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada, this year.
Display Week is the premier annual showcase of the display industry, valued at over US $100B annually, with North America representing the
largest market in the world. Microchip will be showcasing the latest additions to their human interface product portfolio with new mTouch™
Sensing Solutions. In addition to the established mTouch sensing solution product family, the latest products include turnkey controllers for multi-
touch projected-capacitive touchscreens and touchpads, proximity detection, and haptic touch feedback. Microchip will demonstrate its new
MGC3130, the world’s first electrical-field (E-field)-based 3D gesture controller with patented GestIC® technology. Microchip will also showcase
its new PIC32 GUI Development Board that enables designers to easily add the combination of multi-touch projected-capacitive interfaces and
high-quality 16-bit color graphics to WQVGA displays in any application.

Sensors Expo & Conference

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
June 5-6, 2013
For over 25 years, Sensors Expo has been drawing an audience of top engineers and engineering professionals. With the largest showcase of
sensing technologies, Sensors has helped thousands of engineers find the solutions they need now, and learn what’s to come in the sensors
industry down the road. Come visit Microchip at Booth 1114. Also, join Dr. Youbok Lee, Senior Technical Staff Engineer and Chris Tucker, Appli-
cations Engineer, as they present ‘The Body is the Medium’ on June 5, 2013 from 2:40-3:20 p.m. Microchip’s BodyCom™ technology is a new
short-range wireless connectivity system that uses the human body as its signal propagation medium. This session discusses how BodyCom
technology works for short-range communication applications, theoretical details and advantages over other technology, and how to adapt this
new technology for new design projects. (Note: For additional information on BodyCom technology, read the article on page 6.)

32
DRIVE YOUR DESIGN

Microchip is with you every bit of the way! One plat-

form with seemless migration across all 900+ MCUs brings
unprecedented freedom to your application - lowering system
costs and speeding your time to market. Accelerate your
design with Microchip’s unified PIC® microcontroller platform.

8, 16, and 32-bit PIC microcontrollers

Visit microchip.com/pic today and put your design in the fast lane!