IN THIS ISSUE

PAGE 1
Register for MASTERs 2008
PAGE 2
Join Us at ESC San Jose
PAGE 3
Check Out the PIC32 Design
Challenge

MASTERs 2008 Registration is Now Open!

PAGE 4
Extreme Endeavors: Virtual Cave
Monitoring
PAGE 6
Free Utility Assists in PIC18F4550
USB Development Register By May 16th and Receive An Early Bird Discount!
PAGE 7
The World’s Lowest Power Large-
Memory 16-bit MCUs
PAGE 8
Join engineers from around the globe July 21-26, 2008 in Phoenix, AZ. With over 90 different technical
16-bit Embedded Control Design classes offered for all experience levels, you can be sure to find a curriculum to help you become an expert in
Contest: Third Place Winner
30 New 16-bit Devices Introduced
practically any embedded control application!
PAGE 9
New $5998 MPLAB®16-bit Starter Kit
Come early for the Pre-conference July 21-22. If you’re new to Microchip, check out our workshops to get
PAGE 10
you started with development tools, microcontroller architectures and more. For advanced users, select from
Low-cost PIC®MCUs for Motor Control programming, communications and even a two-day embedded C programming workshop.
PAGE 11
Mindi™ Analog Design & Simulation Did we mention a major development tool discount? Don’t miss this opportunity to stock up on our easy-to-
Tool
PAGE 12
use development tools. What you can save in development tool purchases more than covers your MASTERs
Temp Sensing for Embedded Systems registration fee!
PAGE 13
Check Out the Lowest Operating Enjoy fun activities too! Have a product or application question that you want to discuss with our factory
Voltage SPD EEPROM in Industry
experts? Stop by the “Ask the Experts” tables each evening for one-on-one discussions with our product
PAGE 14
USB from Scratch developers. We will have a variety of fun evening events and networking opportunities available each night.
PAGE 15 Unwind by playing casino games, programming a robot or participating in the world’s smallest tractor-pulling
Book of the Month: Advanced PIC®
Microcontroller Projects in C contest! There are also “family-friendly” evening activities to enjoy with your school-age children and spouse,
PAGE 16 so plan to bring the whole family to MASTERs this year!
Microchip Design Partner Program
PAGE 17 For more information, please visit www.microchip.com/MASTERs
ICwiki: USB Connection
PAGE 18
Microchip Around Town Are you LinkedIn? Join our MASTERs Conference group at
PAGE 20
What’s New in Microchip Literature?
http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/73575/0F2F833BA324
PAGE 21
Web Site Highlights www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs
 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Time is Running Out to Register for Technical Training

from Microchip at Booth 916 at ESC Silicon Valley!
Come see what’s new and have your questions answered by Microchip’s technical experts at this year’s
Embedded Systems Conference. We are also offering FREE, on-site technical training by the University of
Microchip’s experts on the following subjects:
Ethernet Solutions
Embedded designers wishing to add Ethernet capability to their systems are often faced with challenges
not found in the networking world. This class presents Microchip’s cost-effective and easy-to-use Ethernet
products, software and development tools including our 28-pin stand-alone Ethernet controller, our family of
PIC18F microcontrollers with Ethernet peripheral and free TCP/IP stack.
USB Solutions
Serial Communications protocols like RS-232 are quickly becoming obsolete for faster and more efficient protocols like USB. This session helps you
understand the challenges of using USB in these applications. Learn about Microchip’s USB solutions for end point devices as well as Embedded Host
applications.
Introduction to 32-bit Microcontrollers
Microchip’s new PIC32 32-bit microcontroller family provides more performance and memory while maintaining pin, peripheral, and software compatibility
with our 16-bit products. A rich set of integrated peripherals can significantly reduce total design complexity and cost. Come learn about the products and
hardware and software tools that support them in addition to Microchip’s unrivaled 8-/16-/32-bit migration strategy.
Human Interface Solutions (Capacitive Touch Sense and Graphics)
Whether to reduce cost and improve reliability through the elimination of buttons or provide a reconfigurable interface through the use of a graphical display,
touch sensitive user interfaces are showing up everywhere. Learn about the hardware and software solutions from Microchip to easily integrate a touch
solution into your next design.
RF – Zigbee™ and MiWi™ Solutions
Embedded engineers are increasingly being asked to add short-range, low-cost point-to-point or networked wireless communication to their systems. This
session will present two alternatives from Microchip to solve this problem: the interoperable ZigBee protocol and the proprietary MiWi protocol. Learn the
differences between these two protocols and the products and tools used to implement solutions.
Solid State Lighting Solutions
With long lifetime, high durability, and high efficiency, LEDs have superior advantages over other types of lamp technologies. However, LEDs have their own
set of challenges, including the need for efficient electronic drivers, accurate color control, and thermal management. This class covers driver circuits, color
management, thermal regulation, and communication protocols. Demos will be shown.
Analog Signal Conditioning in Embedded Systems
This class provides background information on several types of sensors and sensor conditioning circuits, including active filters. Three common sensors,
thermistor (temperature), photodiode (light) and capacitance (humidity), along with their conditioning circuits, are detailed. A demonstration of filter designs
generated by Microchip’s FilterLab® software is included.
Seating is limited so please register for our free classes by visiting http://techtrain.microchip.com/esc/Main.aspx .

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/84627/4554EB54F77C
Are you LinkedIn? Join our PIC32 Design Challenge group at
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TO FRONT

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Wildlife Conservation with Virtual Cave Monitoring Technology from

Extreme Endeavors
Extreme Endeavors, an Authorized Microchip Design
Partner, has taken Microchip’s products into places that
most would never imagine – down a hole in the ground
that goes miles into the earth, a place where most will
never see. These exciting developments at Hellhole and
Schoolhouse Caves in Pendleton County, West Virginia,
have shown the future of virtual cave monitoring.
Using a PIC18F4520 as the main controller for each module, Extreme
Endeavors developed a precise monitoring system that logs the
temperature, atmospheric pressure, draft and presence of light from
anywhere in a cave. The precision behind the sensors is based on the
readings from the Microchip MCP3553 analog-to-digital converter. This
data can be stored on the board’s modules and remotely downloaded
when the user requires. Figure 1 is a picture of one of the modules used
in the Hellhole and Schoolhouse caves.
The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WV DNR) and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began working with Greer Limestone
Company to improve the data-logging capabilities and perform real-
time data acquisition from deeper inside of a cave than ever attempted.
Greer Limestone contracted with Extreme Endeavors to provide technical
expertise to develop a state-of-the-art monitoring system, which is
providing precision and continuity far beyond what is typically known by the
general public.
Figure 1- Module developed by Extreme Endeavors that is currently in Hellhole
WV DNR is interested in the environment of Hellhole because the and Schoolhouse Cave.
endangered species, the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis), uses the cave for
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discussed the cave monitoring
hibernation during winter months. In addition, monitoring of Schoolhouse
ser vices of Extreme Endeavors and Consulting LLC with Greer
Cave is desired for protection of another endangered species of bat
Limestone Company. Extreme Endeavors is located in the town of
identified as a Virginia Long Eared Bat (Plecotus townsendii virginianus). It
Philipi, Barbour County, West Virginia and has been owned and operated
is felt that this monitoring is needed for several reasons. First, if the walls
by Mike Masterman since 2000. Extreme Endeavors was awarded a
of the cave were accidentally breached by mining operations, the resulting
contract to monitor the Hellhole and Schoolhouse Caves from Greer
change in temperature could adversely affect the bats. Secondly, cavers
Limestone Company in 2004. They instantaneously began constructing
can affect the decline of the Indiana Bat if their presence occurs during
a state-of-the-art system created exclusively for remotely monitoring the
a certain period. Hibernating bats depend on stored body fat for survival,
environment of the Hellhole hibernacula.
and if disturbed, their stored energy for winter survival becomes depleted.
Disturbance during hibernation has been a contributing factor to the Continued on next page...
drastic decline of the bat populations in certain caves.

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Continued from previous page...

The engineers at Extreme Endeavors had to rappel into the 160-foot drop at
Hellhole, with remote-monitoring systems (developed using Microchip devices)
hanging 10 feet below them! When rappelling into a cave you never wear a
pack – it hangs below you, preventing the weight of the pack to flip you over
while hanging on the rope!
To provide a connection between the modules, Extreme Endeavors installed
hardwired lines. Flexible steel conduit surrounded and protected the electrical
cable inside. The exterior grade electrical cable the designers used is
specifically designed for a long distance of data retrieval, since 4,000 feet
of cable was used in Hellhole and hundreds of feet of cable used inside of
Schoolhouse.
Extreme Endeavors’ sensors are capable of detecting temperature variations
of as little as 0.01ºF and changes in pressure of .002 PSI. The annual
cool temperature of Hellhole attracts the Indiana Bats; therefore, carefully
monitoring the temperature is essential to their conservation.
The technolog y used for monitoring caves could be implemented
in limitless conser vation applications in the 21st Centur y. Extreme
Endeavors is assisting resource - development leaders like Greer
Limestone Company and for ward-thinking government agencies like
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the West Virginia Department of
Natural Resources to obtain the information they need to make important
decisions regarding cave conservation. For additional information, visit
Extreme Endeavors web site at www.extreme-endeavors.com or E-mail
e2c@extreme-endeavors.com.

Figure 2 - TOP: Outside entrance to Hellhole

RIGHT: Cave-rappeling down the 180-foot drop.

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Free Utility Assists in PIC18F4550 USB Development

Contributed by: Charles J. Lord, P.E., Microchip Design Partner Figure 2. Clicking on the
“properties” icon in the screen
The Microchip PIC18F4550 family of USB 2.0-enabled microcontrollers can in Figure 1 gives you a complete
be just the ticket for low-cost applications where USB full-speed connectivity display of all parameters for that
device.
is needed. And, the demo board and USB390 class offered by Microchip
Regional Training Centers (RTCs) are the perfect tools to get you started
with using this family of devices.
One tool that I have found to be a powerful ally in USB device development As you can see in Figures 1 and
is a freeware utility offered by the NirSoft company called USBDeview (short 2, the program gives a clear
for USB Device Viewer). This device can be downloaded from the company’s and concise view of all critical
website at http://www.nirsoft.net and can be configured in over a dozen parameters of the devices that
languages including German, Spanish, French, Russian and Korean. each driver has supported in
both a scrollable comprehensive
What does it do?
view and a detail box for any
USBDeview is a small utility that lists all USB devices that are currently
selected device.
connected to your computer, as well as all USB devices that you previously
used. For each USB device, an extended list of information is displayed: Automated Test
device name/description, device type, serial number (for mass storage Another feature that I have found particularly useful is the ability to execute
devices), the date/time that device was added, VendorID, ProductID, a command on cue when a USB device is plugged into the computer. This
and more. USBDeview also allows you to uninstall USB devices that you script can also look at the PID, VID, and serial number of the device and
previously used, and disconnect USB devices that are currently connected to run different scripts depending on the unit detected. This way you can write
your computer. This feature is particularly powerful when previously loaded automated test routines that will execute only when you power up your
drivers are interfering with the operation of a new device or driver; or to device under development but will ignore other USB devices that may be
delete previous versions of drivers from your computer during development plugged/unplugged such as a mouse, printer or MPLAB® ICD 2.
iterations. Nowadays, when third-party development tools seem to be escalating in
price, it is refreshing to find a powerful and easy-to-use tool that is just the
right price – free.
About the Author:
Charles J. Lord, P.E. is a design consultant, trainer, and Microchip Design
Partner. His company, Triangle Advanced Design and Automation, PLLC is
located in Cary, NC. Charles has been working in embedded design the last
30 years and currently holds training workshops around North America as
well as design consulting work. You can find out more about his company at
http://www.tadaconsulting.com and can reach him at c.j.lord@ieee.org.

Figure 1. USBDeview screen showing an assortment of USB devices that have been RETURN TO FRONT PAGE
plugged into my laptop. Note the highlighting of the PICDEM™ USB Demo Board.

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008
Introducing the World’s Lowest Power Large-Memory 16-bit Microcontrollers
The PIC24FJ256GA1 is only The PIC24FJ256G A1 family is designed
16-bit MCU family with integrated
capacitive-touch peripheral to
eliminate external cap-touch
components!
Microchip’s nine new members of the cost-
effective PIC24F 16-bit Microcontroller (MCU)
family are the lowest power (2.6 µA standby
current) large-memory (up to 256 KB Flash
and 16 KB RAM) 16-bit microcontrollers in
the world. Additionally, this is the world’s first
16-bit MCU family with an integrated Charge
Time Measurement Unit (CTMU) peripheral,
which – along with the royalty-free mTouch™ Sensing Solution software
development kit – enables designers to easily add a capacitive-touch
user interface without any external components. When combined with
Microchip’s free Graphics Software Library, engineers have access to a
complete and cost-effective user interface solution. For I/O flexibility in
advanced applications, the entire PIC24FJ256GA1 family allows the use
of all onboard peripherals, by enabling designers to map them to the pin
they desire through the “Peripheral Pin Select” pin-mapping function.
Embedded engineers must constantly add more functions and capabilities
to their designs, without sacrificing cost, space or power consumption.
This is driving the demand for MCUs, such as the 16-bit PIC24FJ256GA1
family, that provide larger memory for advanced applications and higher
integration to save space while maintaining low power consumption.
Key Features
• Low power – standby current of 100 mA
• CTMU peripheral for capacitive touch
• Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) flexible mapping
• Expanded peripherals – 4 UARTs, 3 SPI, 3 I²C™ ports
• 23 independent timers
Rarely are designers working on point applications, but rather complete
portfolios of end products. To provide the flexibility that this design
approach requires, the PIC24FJ256GA1 family maintains pin, peripheral
and software compatibility with all of Microchip’s general-purpose 32-bit
MCU and 16-bit MCU/DSC families.
www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 
to meet a wide range of design-engineering
needs across a broad spectrum of industries,
especially those looking to provide an improved
user-interface experience, including: Battery-
Powered (sensors, por table meters and
measurement equipment, security applications,
remote controls, home automation); Consumer
(home security systems, heating control, audio
equipment, fitness equipment); Automotive
(vehicle tracking, diagnostic equipment,
audio electronics); Appliance (coffee makers,
washing machines, dishwashers, HVAC);
Instrumentation/Measurement (scales, medical
instruments and monitoring); Industrial (building
monitor-and-control systems, security/access systems, sensors); Medical
(patient monitors, dosing pumps, blood gas analyzers).
All PIC24F family members are supported by Microchip’s world-class
development tools, the MPLAB C30 C Compiler, the MPLAB REAL
ICE™ Emulation System, the MPLAB ICD 2 In-circuit Debugger, and the
MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer. Owners of the Explorer 16
Development Board can purchase a $25 PIC24FJ256GA1 Plug-in Module
(part # MA240015), which is available today.
A number of PICtail™ Plus Daughter Cards and software libraries are
available for the Explorer 16 that enable designers to add QVGA graphics
support, Ethernet connectivity, a SD/MMC card, speech playback and
an IrDA® standard connection. Finally, Microchip’s 16-bit devices are
supported by an increasing number of third-party tool and software
vendors.
The nine-member PIC24FJ256GA1 family is offered in 64-, 80- or 100-
pin TQFP package options – in commercial and extended temperature
ranges – and all are available now for general sampling with volume
production expected in April 2008. Pricing starts at $3.39 each in 10,000
unit quantities. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales
representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s web
site at www.microchip.com/16bit.
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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

And Speaking of 16-bit Devices...

We’ve just added 30 new 16-bit MCUs and DSCs,
which provide up to 128 KB Flash in packages as
small as 6x6 mm; six devices have audio DAC!
Third Place Winner! Microchip now offers over 130 distinct 16-bit Microcontrollers (MCUs) and
Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and has the industry’s largest DSC portfolio,
Congratulations to Miguel Rusch for his Full-Feature Portable LCR helping you optimize your system costs for a broad range of embedded applications
Meter design in the 16-bit Embedded Control Design Contest! that require high performance or DSP functionality.
Overview Announced recently are 10 PIC24H microcontrollers, 10 dsPIC33 General Purpose
T he LCR meter is not a DSCs and 10 dsPIC33 Motor Control and Power Conversion DSCs. These 28- and
tool commonly found in 44-pin devices offer 32-, 64- or 128 Kbytes of programmable Flash memory; up
the electronics hobbyist’s to 2 Kbytes of dual-port RAM; 4 to 16 Kbytes of SRAM including DMA; two on-chip
workshop. Traditionally these comparators; a user-selectable 10-bit (4 S&H) or 12-bit (1 S&H) Analog-to-Digital
tools have been limited to Converter (ADC); a real-time clock and calendar. Standard serial peripherals include
p rofessional d esig n labs two SPIs, two UARTs and one I²C™ module.
and production line quality Selected DSCs include a new 16-bit peripheral for Microchip – a dual-channel, 16-
assurance activities. bit audio Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). Some devices also offer an on-chip CAN
Despite this, the increase 2.0B module and a Codec interface supporting the I²S and AC’97 protocols.
in popularity of SMD All three families are offered in packages as small as 6x6 mm, which is an industry
components, including first for high-performance 16-bit products with 128 Kbytes of Flash memory. All
unmarked chip capacitors, devices also operate at up to 40 MIPS, making the PIC24H the industry’s highest
and the prevalence of inductor performing 16-bit MCU. Finally, all family members are offered in the industrial (-40°
based switching power to +85°C) and extended (-40° to +125°C) temperature ranges.
regulator systems, makes the
LCR meter a useful tool. The devices also feature a Parallel Master Port for rapid parallel communication with
off-chip resources, such as displays, communication peripherals or memory. The on-
The design presented utilizes up-to-date digital methods to analyze the analog chip Peripheral Pin Select (PPS) feature permits digital peripherals to be remapped
performance of the device under test (DUT). The design uses direct digital to other pins to achieve layout efficiency or access to pin-multiplexed peripherals.
synthesis (DDS) techniques to generate the test waveform and digital signal
processing (DSP) methods to condition the resulting voltage and current signals. The dsPIC33F Motor Control and Power Conversion DSCs add a powerful 6-channel
PWM, plus a similarly featured 2-channel PWM with a separate timebase, for power
Three test frequencies are implemented (100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz) and both parallel factor correction or induction-cooking applications. This family also includes two
and series circuit models are evaluated; automatic selection of both frequency quadrature encoder interfaces for sensor-based motor control applications.
and circuit model is available. Basic accuracy is better than 1%.
Selected members of the new PIC24 and dsPIC33 families are sampling today.
The prototype system is built around Microchip’s 16-bit 28-pin development Production for all 30 of the new PIC24 and dsPIC33 controllers is expected to occur
board. Programming of Flash memory was achieved using Microchip’s USB by the end of April 2008. Prices range from $2.63 to $4.18 each in 10,000-unit
PICkit™ 2 programmer. Firmware code was written in C and compiled using the quantities.
design competition version of MPLAB® C30 v7.50. Coefficients for DSP filtering
were created using Momentum Data Systems dsPIC® DSC Filter Design Lite.
The analog anti-aliasing filters were designed with Microchip’s FilterLab® v2.0.
For more details, visit www.microchip.com/16bit

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Adding Digital Audio to Embedded Designs is Easy with the

New MPLAB® Starter Kit for dsPIC® DSCs
The MPLAB® Starter Kit for dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs)
comes with complete development software and hardware for only $59.98,
and includes the USB-powered Digital Signal Controller (DSC) board with
integrated debugger and programmer, the MPLAB IDE and MPLAB C30 C
complier software, and sample programs and hardware for demonstrating
speech and audio applications.
The board is populated with a 40 MIPS dsPIC33FJ256GP506 DSC, which
has 256 KB of Flash program memory and 16 KB of RAM, a 12-bit analog-
to-digital converter (ADC) and peripherals that support audio pulse-width
modulation (PWM). Additionally, the board has 4 Megabits of serial Flash
memory to store audio messages and a 16-/24-/32-bit audio Codec with
sampling frequencies up to 48 kHz. The demo board also includes a
100 mW headphone amp, and microphone and line level inputs, along with
a sample program for recording custom audio content. All of these features
demonstrate the power and potential of dsPIC DSCs, while showing how
easy it can be to add high-fidelity audio to embedded designs.

Are you always looking for ways to quickly and

inexpensively evaluate semiconductor architectures and
high-speed applications, such as DSCs and digital audio?
This Starter Kit’s high-performance integrated debugger/programmer
makes entering the world of digital audio singularly simple. Packaged with Microchip’s MPLAB IDE, MPLAB C30 Student Edition C compiler, and hardware
debugging and programming solutions – this new kit contains everything needed for dsPIC DSC code development at the lowest possible cost.
The MPLAB Starter Kit for dsPIC DSCs (part # DM330011) is available today for $59.98 at www.microchipdirect.com. For additional information, contact
any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s web site at www.microchip.com/tools.

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Low-cost PIC® Microcontrollers for Motor Control

Description
Microchip’s PIC18F1230/1330 family of low cost 8-bit
microcontrollers are designed for basic, open-loop and
low-end closed-loop motor control applications where
affordability and space are primary design concerns. The
devices combine a specialized 6-channel, 3-phase PWM,
a 4 channel 10-bit A/D converter, 3 analog comparators,
flexible internal oscillator, and a LIN1.2 compliant EUSART
module in a range of packages including a 6x6 mm QFN.
Supported by Microchip’s existing development tools, the
PIC18F1230/1330 combine a small footprint and easy-to-
use solution with 10 MIPS performance and high peripheral
integration.

Flash SRAM EEPROM Analog PWM Timers EUSART Voltage

Product I/O ADC (10bit)
(bytes) (bytes) (bytes) Comparator (14 bit) (16-bit) (LIN1.2) Range
PIC18F1230 4096 256 128 16 4 ch 3 6 2 1 2.0-5.5V

PIC18F1330 8192 256 128 16 4 ch 3 6 2 1 2.0-5.5V

Features Benefits Results

3 Phase PWM
3 channels of complimentary outputs
Edge or center-aligned
PWM operation
Programmable dead-band delay
Override logic for special commutation Easy to implement electronically commutated motors, such as BLDC
functions
Flexible Oscillator Modes
EUSART
40 year Flash Data retention
3 Analog Comparators
Can control multi-phase Induction motor and BLDC motor
Flexibility, center-aligned operation reduces the EMI
Reduces risk of end product failure, can be matched to variety of
power switches
motors
Many frequencies supported, can run up to 32 MHz with Internal
oscillator, RS-232 supported with internal oscillator
LIN capable
Long life of the end product
Ease of sensor-less control implementation
Less hardware around microcontroller, resulting in a reduced system cost
Better control, easy to qualify the end product and more cost effective
Easy-to-adapt variety of power switches, protects power switches from failure
during development and after sales
System-level cost saving
Saving in system cost, by eliminating expensive on-board oscillator
Ideal for low data rate communication
No need to obsolete or replace boards on the end application
System-level cost saving with on-chip comparators

To know more about Microchip Motor Control solutions visit http://www.microchip.com/motor

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Mindi™ Analog Design &

Simulation Tool
The Mindi™ Active Filter Designer inside Microchip’s Mindi
Analog Design & Simulation Tool provides full schematic
diagrams and signal responses for active filters.
Features Easy-to-Use Design Windows Key Features:

Supports low-pass, band-pass and high-pass filter design


Select among Bessel, Butterworth or Chebyshev filter
responses


Various filter options are available such as minimum ripple
factor, sharp transition and linear phase delay


Simulations based upon actual Microchip op amp models


Changes in resistor and capacitor values can be
implemented

 Generates the schematic diagram of the filter and displays

signal responses in frequency and time domains

Access the FREE Mindi Analog Design &

Simulation Tool Today!
www.microchip.com/Mindi

Quickly build any simulated

circuit using Microchip’s Active
Filter Demo Board Kit. Order
yours today at
www.microchipdirect.com
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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Temperature Sensing for Embedded Systems

Join Microchip Applications Engineer, Ezana Haile during a half-day
pre-conference workshop at the Thermal Management & Technology Symposium 2008
Highly accurate thermal-sensor instrumentation is critical for embedded-system applications where temperature monitoring is
required. Several temperature sensors are available on the market, such as Thermistor, Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD),
Thermocouple and Silicon IC sensors. When designing temperature-sensor systems for embedded applications, sensor characteristics
and circuit topology can make or break measurement accuracy. This workshop will show how to identify the appropriate sensor for
your application and discuss the pros and cons of each type of sensor. Attendees will learn design and development techniques for
achieving ±0.05°C resolution and ±0.1°C accuracy from a -200°C to +1000°C temperature range. Additionally, practical and cost-
effective solutions for each sensor type will be demonstrated using evaluation boards. Attendees will receive USB-powered, stand-
alone evaluation boards for each sensor type, and the supporting user-interface and temperature data log PC software.
Cost: $200 registering before August 25th, $300 registering after August 25th.

For more information visit

http://www.thermalnews.com/TN08_workshops.php

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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Check Out the Lowest

Operating Voltage SPD
EEPROM in Industry!
Microchip’s new series of Serial Presence Detect (SPD) EEPROM
devices support the latest Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) DIMM modules
used in today’s high-speed PCs, as well as future DDR3 DIMM
modules. The 34AA02, 34LC02 and 34VL02 (34XX02) devices
meet the latest JEDEC standard for SPD EEPROM devices, with the
34VL02 supporting the lowest operating voltage range of any SPD
EEPROM in the industry (1.5 to 3.6V). All the EEPROMs are available
in JEDEC-standard packages and are the only SPD EEPROMs available
in the popular 6-pin SOT-23 package. When combined with the already-
announced MCP9805 memory module digital temperature sensor
and MCP98242 temperature sensor with SPD EEPROM, the 34XX02
devices mean Microchip now provides a complete family of devices for
the SPD and temperature needs of DRAM manufacturers.
For years, Microchip has manufactured the 24AA52 and 24LCS52 SPD EEPROM devices to meet DDR1 requirements. The next-generation 34XX02 devices
are designed to meet the JEDEC standard for newer DDR2 and future DDR3 modules, while also supporting the older DDR1 requirements. Because of their
low operating-voltage ranges of 1.7 to 5.5V for the 34AA02; 2.5 to 5.5V for the 34LC02, and 1.5 to 3.6V for the 34VL02, the devices can be designed into
current and future PCs that utilize low-voltage battery designs.
All of the new EEPROM devices are available in 8-pin TSSOP, 2 mm x 3 mm TDFN and MSOP packages, as well as the 6-pin SOT-23 package. The 34AA02
and 34LC02 devices are priced at $0.11 each in 100,000-unit quantities for the TSSOP and SOT-23 packages; $0.12 each in 100,000-unit quantities for
the MSOP package, and $0.13 each in 100,000-unit quantities for the TDFN package.
Prices for the low-voltage 34VL02 devices are $0.10 higher in each of these packages – $0.21 each in 100,000-unit quantities for the TSSOP and SOT-23
packages, $0.22 each in 100,000-unit quantities for the MSOP package, and $0.23 each in 100,000-unit quantities for the TDFN package.
Order samples now at http://sample.microchip.com or purchase volume - produc tion quantities at www.microchipdirect.com.
For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s web site at
www.microchip.com/34XX02.

Packaging Data Sheet Finder

Request Microchip
Specifications Additional Literature Advanced Parts Selector RETURN TO FRONT PAGE

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 13

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Are You New to USB?

Not quite sure what you need to know or what
tools are available to get your project going?
If your answer is yes, then you should sign up for
the 390 USB: USB from Scratch
course at your local Microchip Regional Training
Center. Spend the whole day on USB learning a
wide range of topics including: USB specification
& protocol; USB Module in PIC18 microcontrollers;
specific systems level design tips (no more wasting
time on common mistakes); how to use Microchip’s
MPLAB C18 USB firmware library through hands-on
exercises; how to interface your Windows® program
to a USB device; and understand which Windows
driver to use and how to use it.
Microchip makes it affordable to get started
with three price options... and lunch is
included!
Option 1: $239.00 USD – includes
MPLAB® ICD 2 (DV164005 retail value
of $159.99 USD); PICDEM™ Full
Speed USB demo board (DM163025),
instruction, CD ROM and workshop
materials
Option 2: $139.00 USD – includes
PICDEM Full Speed USB demo board
(DM163025), and instruction, CD ROM
and workshop materials
Option 3: $ 99.00 USD – includes instruction, CD ROM and workshop materials

For more information or to register, contact your local Microchip Regional Training Center or visit us at
www.microchip.com/RTC RETURN TO FRONT PAGE

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 14

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Book of the Month

Advanced PIC®Microcontroller Projects in C:
From USB to RTOS with the PIC18F Series
by Dogan Ibrahim, South Bank University, Near East University, UK

Over 20 projects for the PIC18 included in this book!

Microchip’s PIC18 microcontrollers offer a world of possibilities from LEDs to voltmeters to real-time
operating systems (RTOSs). Filled with projects, this book starts the reader with an overview of the
basic features of microcontrollers followed by a review of the PIC18 series in depth. Also included is a
brief tutorial on the C programming language. The mikroC compiler is used throughout the book with a
chapter devoted to its functions and libraries. Currently available development kits are discussed including
simulators, emulators, and in-circuit debuggers with examples of what these tools can bring to a project.
All of this is in preparation for the challenging projects that you will find between these covers.
Advanced PIC18 projects include:
◊ SD Card projects such as: Read CID Register and Display on a PC Screen
◊ USB-based projects such as: USB-based Microcontroller Input/Output
◊ CAN bus projects such as: Temperature sensor
◊ RTOS projects such as: Random number generator
The accompanying CD-ROM contains source files and HEX files for all of the projects and a limited-version of
the mikroC compiler.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT Order Advanced PIC®Microcontroller Projects in C:

FOR microSOLUTIONS’ READERS From USB to RTOS with the PIC18F Series and use
ONLY!!! Discount Code 92223 to receive your 20%

20% OFF
discount. Hurry!!!! This offer ends 4/30/08.
www.newnespress.com

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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 15

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Design Partner-of-the-Month
Mike Masterman is the founder and president of
Extreme Endeavors and Consulting (E2C). He developed
the company with the objective of “engaging austerity
through innovation” to achieve results; those results
range in scope from successful exploration in scientific
expeditions through Antarctica to the advancement of
technologies in the military arena. In a relatively short
time, he has guided Extreme Endeavors to become a
profitable small business located in rural West Virginia, Are you looking for a technical
achieving many honors and awards. By obtaining a Phase
II SBIR award from the National Institutes of Health, a resource to take your products to
Phase I SBIR award from SOCOM, “HUBZone” certification, and acquiring a General the next level?
Services Administration (GSA) Professional Engineering Schedule – all while assisting
An Authorized Microchip Design Partner has the unique advantage
scientists in Antarctica and taking technology 180 feet down into Hell Hole cave to help
of helping you get to market faster. This program provides you,
protect an endangered species of bats – Mike has elevated Extreme Endeavors to levels
as a customer, a specialized resource that has been technically
never achieved by a West Virginia small business.
and commercially qualified by Microchip Technology. The Design
Additional Team Members at Extreme Endeavors and Consulting Partner Program offers special support and technical training to
Alton Dunn III has provided innovations for companies such as Hughes and Boeing and keep its Partners current with the latest technology and device
spent three seasons in Antarctica as the chief communications engineer at both the offerings from Microchip.
South Pole Station and at Palmer Station on the Antarctic Peninsula. He obtained his BA
in Physics from Colgate University, a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the University For more information visit us at www.microchip.com/Partners
of Washington in Seattle and completed post-graduate work at Georgia Institute of
Technology.
Edward Bosco is a systems engineer with over 20 years of experience across automation, machine vision, real-time process control, neural networks, nuclear
control rooms, robotics, embedded systems, networking and computer/systems security and has received many awards for his work. Edward obtained his BS
in Physics from Carnegie-Mellon University.
Project specialist and manager, Jonathan Kimball studied Computer Science at George Mason University, where his senior seminar was titled “Autonomous
Robotic Cartography and Navigation.” In 2001, he enlisted in the United States Army as an Intelligence Analyst. Studying at the Fort Huachuca Intelligence
school, he graduated third in his class and was on the Commandants List. He was assigned to the the 305th Psychological Operations Company, under Special
Operations Command (USACAPOC). Not long after that, he attended the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School; where he again earned the
Commandants List.
Shana Frey is a graduate of Alderson-Broaddus College with a BA in Business Administration. She serves as Extreme Endeavor’s Chief Financial Officer and the
Facility Security Officer. She manages corporate financials for the fasted growing engineering firm in West Virginia and performs various company forecasts. Frey
has taken E2C from a newly formed engineering firm to a successful participant of the SBIR program.
For additional information, visit Extreme Endeavors at www.extreme-endeavors.com.
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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 16

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008
Add more details to this wiki at www.microchip.com/wiki
This Month’s Wiki:
USB Connection
Microchip’s ICwiki is an online,
open-content collaborative source
for microelectronic knowledge,
from a voluntary association of
individuals and groups working to
develop a common resource.
Wikis allow for linking among any
number of pages. This ease of
interaction and operation makes
a wiki an effective tool for mass
collaborative authoring.
For the complete wiki entry, visit us at http://www.microchip.com/wiki/Wiki.aspx?WikiID=91
www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 17
Author: Francesco Focacci (Evidence)
We would like to signal the following demo that shows how to set up a connection with a FLEX board
using the USB port.
Abstract:
This demo shows how to set up a USB connection between the PC and the FLEX board. The aim is to
control the dsPIC LED and the PIC18 LED system from the host PC. The dsPIC LED is controlled by the
SPI communication with the PIC18. The application is divided into three parts:
* In the first part a brief description of the USB set-up is provided. The aim is to give a brief overview of
the USB protocol.
* The second part concerns the dsPIC side with the use of the SPI connection with the PIC18.
* The third part concerns the PC side application. You can download a simple application under
Windows (XP or Vista) to communicate with FLEX in order to switch on and off both LEDs of dsPIC
and PIC18.
Future application notes will develop the USB connection up to the control of the dsPIC functions
through the host PC with a Linux application.
Software
On the FLEX side:
* The software is based on the PICkit2 firmware provided by Microchip. This allows to use the HID set-up
for the PIC18.
* The dsPIC is programmed using Erika. This example uses functions for the SPI not yet implemented in
Erika 1.4.2.X, future version will support the SPI communication.
On the PC side, you need a specific application that identifies and enumerates the device and that is
able to send and receive data through USB.
Hardware
This is the list of hardware components needed to reproduce the demo:
* FLEX board, full version
* PC
* MPLAB® ICD 2 programmer
Now you have two options:
1. Use the demo board for SPI communication between PIC18 and dsPIC
2. Use wires to connect directly the PIC18 with dsPIC without the demo board
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 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Microchip Around Town

Microchip is presenting several workshops at
the 2008 American Society for Engineering
Education Annual Conference and
Exposition:
Teaching Embedded Systems with PIC18
Microcontroller Hands-on Workshop
Microchip’s John Magrane will be hosting
this workshop, which offers participants a
comprehensive introduction to the family
of PIC18F microcontrollers and their
architecture. The latter part of the discussion
focuses on the MPLAB® IDE Integrated Development Environment and hands-on exercises.
Attendees will receive hands-on experience with Microchip’s MPLAB IDE in developing, designing
and troubleshooting assembly and C language problems. Attendees will walk away with a disk with
the Microchip MPLAB IDE, instructional materials, application notes, a PICkit™ Demo Board and a
textbook based on the PIC18F microcontroller.
Online, Introductory Microcontroller Labs and Exercises for Engineering Students
Join Microchip’s Marc McComb as he reviews several introductory, hands-on labs developed for
web-based teaching and learning. Learn how to utilize the Internet to deliver self-directed, current
instructional material that provides instant availability, low cost, convenience and better accessibility
– online education increases the pool of students that can be reached.
The labs presented are based upon the 8-bit PIC® microcontroller architecture, as well as its
peripherals and possible applications. Only the most fundamental of embedded knowledge is
assumed, such as knowledge of binary numbering systems and basic digital circuitry. The labs
could potentially serve as a resource for University/College professors who would like to use the
labs in the classroom.
Learn how these labs are formatted, how to use them and the learning objectives or benefits to
the student that each provides. One lab will be chosen and dissected, to provide the audience with
an insightful overview of the general format used. Future labs are also discussed, to provide the
audience with a clear understanding of the direction in which this program is moving.
Universities Collaborate with Industry to Fill Need for Hands-On Workshops
Presented by Professor Lakshmi Munukutla of Arizona State University at the Polytechnic Campus
and Microchip’s Carol Popovich and John Magrane, this session outlines the process for a
university to become a Certified Third-Party Regional Training Center (RTC) with Microchip as an
industry partner. The process includes the following identification:
• Classes to be offered for the marketplace where the university is located
• Training schedule for “train-the-trainer”
• Hardware and venue required to facilitate the training center
• Timeline for university to become a RTC
With the development of new electronic products and technologies happening at a faster pace than
ever, a unique opportunity has developed for academia and industry to collaborate on providing
one- or two-day engineering workshops that offer hands-on instruction to industry, students and
other educators. Arizona State University Polytechnic (ASU Poly) and industry partner Microchip
Technology Inc. have developed a model for a workshop program wherein ASU Poly will serve as
an RTC for Microchip, offering specific, industry-developed coursework to meet this demand. The
proposed model provides electronic-engineering students at ASU Poly with the opportunity to
learn about cutting-edge technology during school, alongside industry employees.
The workshops offer hands-on training lessons designed to give attendees experience with
various semiconductor products, development tools and applications on a variety of electronic
design-related topics. The coursework includes instructional material and integrated hardware/
software labs developed by experienced trainers to provide quick training on targeted design
topics. The potential market for this model includes high-school teachers interested in expanding
their technology program; industry engineers with limited time who want to learn about the
latest technologies; colleagues from other universities interested in enhancing their engineering
programs; students seeking to enrich their academic program and researchers who need design
advice.
For more details, visit http://www.asee.org/conferences/annual/2008/

Pre-conference Workshop: Developing Flexible Linear and Switching Charger Designs

When designing battery systems for portable applications, topology selection and feature
set can make or break the success of new products. Brian Chu, Applications Engineer in
Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division, will explain the development of flexible
linear and switching charger designs in this four-hour seminar. Embedded charger design and
the advantages of certain topologies over others will be discussed, in light of how to meet the
many new global standards of today.
Attendees will receive the MCP1631 Multi-Chemistry Battery Charger Reference Design (Part # MCP1631RD-MCC1), a complete stand-alone, constant-current battery charger for NiMH, NiCd
or constant-current/constant-voltage Li-Ion battery packs. With an input voltage range of 5.5 - 16V, the reference design utilizes Microchip’s MCP1631HV high-speed Pulse-Width Modulation
(PWM) device and a PIC16F883 microcontroller
Implementing Charging Algorithms in Firmware
Join Microchip’s Technical Staff Engineer, Keith Curtis, as he presents Implementing Charging Algorithms in Firmware. This presentation will demonstrate a simple loop-based design for
implementing even the most complicated charging algorithms with simple software state machines. Attendees will leave with a template for developing complex charging algorithms, and
experience with tools and processes required for creating reliable firmware systems.
For more details, visit http://www.batterypoweronline.com/bp08_supportingorg.htm
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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 18

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

Microchip Around Town

Join Keith Curtis on Tuesday, June 10 from 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM as he presents “How to Implement Low-Cost Sensor Systems Using Simple, Mixed-
Signal Microcontroller Peripherals.” One of the biggest challenges in embedded-control design often has to do with the system’s sensors, particularly
in cost-sensitive designs where traditional sensor technologies are not viable options, due to cost. Meeting this challenge often requires a measure
of ingenuity on the part of the designer with regard to both physics and microcontroller-based design.
This presentation will demonstrate several sensing solutions that, while not traditional, are low cost, enjoy reasonable accuracy and resolution, and
rely on the flexibility of the microcontroller to implement the sensor and manage its performance.
http://www.sensorsexpo.com/sensors2007/v42/index.cvn?id=10072&p_navID=4

Keith Curtis will also give a presentation entitled “Intelligent Energy- of 90%, stacking a solar cell maximum power-point converter with
Harvesting Systems” at Sensors Expo’s 2008 Energy-Harvesting a charger and a load-supply regulator can take the 90% efficiency
microSOLUTIONS is
Symposium in Chicago June 9, an all-day event (9 AM. to 5 PM) and drop it to 73% pretty quickly. distributed monthly.
that will consist of several 20-minute presentations from different
companies.
However, if the energy system is considered holistically, most of ARE YOU
the energy losses can be avoided through intelligent system-level
The whole point of energy harvesting is to gather free energy from design. Moreover, one of the greatest increases in efficiency can SUBSCRIBED?
the environment and use it to power sensors. So, it doesn’t make be achieved through the simple expediency of turning off loads that If you would like to be
a lot of sense to then turn around and waste a significant portion are not in use. added to the mailing
of that energy just to store and retrieve it. This is why one of the This presentation will briefly describe how to build a simple solar- list, CLICK HERE!
biggest challenges associated with energy harvesting has to do with power system from a maximum efficiency point of view, including
efficiently gathering, storing and retrieving the energy. discussion of avoiding stacked conversion losses and intelligent
Using standard building blocks, upwards of one quarter to a third load management.
of the energy available can be lost in the stacked efficiency of the http://www.sensorsexpo.com/sensors2007/v42/index.
switching converters. Even if all conversions operate with an efficiency cvn?id=10081

On Friday April 18 from 10:30 AM to Noon, Microchip’s Priyabrata Sinha will present, “Intelligent Sensor Signal Processing.” Learn the concept
of intelligent sensor-signal processing with Digital Signal Controllers, which provide enhanced functionality and reliability, while reducing sensor
and system cost. Learn the benefits of using DSP algorithms in sensor-based systems, such as the ability to extract and utilize the frequency-
domain characteristics of sensor signals. Representative application case studies are also presented.
https://www.cmpevents.com/ESCw08/a.asp?option=C&V=1&SB=3

On Monday April 14, from 10:30 AM to Noon, Microchip’s Tom Perme will present “The Capacitive Touch Sensing Black Box.” Capacitive touch sensing requires a measurement of capacitance,
or its relative changes. There are several ways to take a measurement, and once the analog hardware is established, the reading must enter the microcontroller. Post-processing of the data,
provided in the form of a number, is required to make any useful sense of the reading. This post-processing is tailored to each application, and can be deceivingly simple or very complex. The
concepts have potential for translation to other hardware and post-processing requirements.
https://www.cmpevents.com/ESCw08/a.asp?option=C&V=11&SessID=6662
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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 19

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

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

www.microchip.com to view the documents.
Doc. Type Doc. Title DS No.
Application Note Sensorless Brushless DC Motor Control Made Easier 01175A
25AA512 Data Sheet 22021D
24AA014H/24LC014H Data Sheet 22077A
34VL02 Data Sheet 22079A
PIC18F2450/4450 Data Sheet 39760D
Data Sheet
PIC16F631/677/685/687/689/690 Data Sheet 41262E
dsPIC33FJ32MC302/304, dsPIC33FJ64MCX02/X04, and dsPIC33FJ128MCX02/X04 Data Sheet 70291B
dsPIC33FJ32GP302/304, dsPIC33FJ64GPX02/X04, and dsPIC33FJ128GPX02/X04 Data Sheet 70292B
PIC24HJ32GP302/304, PIC24HJ64GPX02/X04, and PIC24HJ128GPX02/X04 Data Sheet 70293B
PIC18F2455/2550/4455/4550 Rev. A3 Silicon Errata 80220H
PIC18F2525/2620/4525/4620 Rev. A4 Silicon Errata 80224E
PIC18F2455/2550/4455/4550 Rev. B4 Silicon Errata 80287D
PIC24FJ64GA004 Family Rev. A3 Silicon Errata 80316F
PIC18F2455/2550/4455/4550 Rev. B5 Silicon Errata 80322B
PIC18F2458/2553/4458/4553 Rev. B5 Silicon Errata 80323B
Errata PIC18F2455/2550/4455/4550 Rev. B6 Silicon Errata 80335B
PIC18F2458/2553/4458/4553 Rev. B6 Silicon Errata 80336B
PIC24FJ256GB110 Family Rev. A3 Silicon Errata 80369A
Explorer 16 Development Board Errata 80370A
dsPIC33FJ32GP302/304, dsPIC33FJ64GPX02/X04, and dsPIC33FJ128GPX02/X04 Rev. A1 Silicon Errata 80371A
dsPIC33FJ32MC302/304, dsPIC33FJ64MCX02/X04, and dsPIC33FJ128MCX02/X04 Rev. A1 Silicon Errata 80372A
PIC24HJ32GP302/304, PIC24HJ64GPX02/X04, and PIC24HJ128GPX02/X04 Rev. A1 Silicon Errata 80373A
PIC18F4XK20 Starter Kit User’s Guide 41344A
User’s Guide
Getting Started with PIC32 User’s Guide 61146B
PIC32MX Flash Programming Specification 61145B
Programming Specification
dsPIC33F/PIC24H Flash Programming Specification 70152F
Programmer’s Reference Manual dsPIC30F/33F Programmer’s Reference Manual 70157C
Product Brief PIC18F1XK22 Flash MCU Product Brief 41343A
PIC24F Family Reference Manual, Sect. 24 Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C™) 39702B
PIC24F Family Reference Manual, Sect. 32 High-Level Device Integration 39719B
PIC24F Family Reference Manual, Sect. 35 Output Compare with Dedicated Timer 39723A
FRM Chapter
PIC24F Family Reference Manual, Sect. 11 CTMU 39724A
PIC24H FRM Section 35. Parallel Master Port 70302B
PIC24H FRM Section 35. Direct Memory Access (Part III) 70309B

The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, Accuron, dsPIC, KEELOQ, microID, MPLAB, PIC, PICmicro, PICSTART, PRO MATE, PowerSmart, rfPIC and SmartShunt are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. AmpLab, FilterLab,
Migratable Memory, MXDEV, MXLAB, SEEVAL, SmartSensor 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,
ECAN, ECONOMONITOR, FanSense, FlexROM, fuzzyLAB, In-Circuit Serial Programming, ICSP, ICEPIC, Linear Active Thermistor, Mindi, MiWi, MPASM, MPLIB, MPLINK, PICkit, PICDEM, PICDEM.net, PICLAB, PICtail, PowerCal, PowerInfo, PowerMate, PowerTool, REAL ICE, rfLAB, rfPICDEM, Select
Mode, Smart Serial, SmartTel, Total Endurance, UNI/O, 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 RETURN TO FRONT PAGE
property of their respective companies. ­©2008, Microchip Technology Inc.

www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 20

 MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY’S microSOLUTIONS monthly eNEWSLETTER - April 2008

web site Experience Enhanced Customer

HIGHLIGHTS
Capabilities With

The most comprehensive on-line resource for pricing, ordering, inventory

and support directly from Microchip Technology.
microchipDIRECT offers you the ability to...
◊ View the largest inventory of Microchip products, directly from Microchip’s factory
◊ Place and maintain your orders securely from any network connection using SSL (Secure Socket Layer)
◊ Receive competitive pricing on all Microchip and third party products
◊ Apply for a Microchip business account and credit line
◊ Request a high volume price quote that is routed directly to your local Microchip sales team
◊ Receive low-cost microcontroller programming directly from the Microchip factory with ink dotting,
labeling and tape and reel options
◊ 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
◊ Check order history and delivery status on-line and much more...

As a valued Microchip customer we Experience why more and more users buy from
invite you to experience our service www.microchipdirect.com
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Visit www.microchipdirect.com You can now buy your
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microchipDIRECT. Ask us how!

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www.microchip.com Microcontrollers • Digital Signal Controllers • Analog • Serial EEPROMs 21