Winter2015

2012
March/April

MOTION

CAN FD

MPLAB Harmony

HD Video

LEARN

March/April 2015

showcase

4 Make a Difference in the World

Join the Hacker/Maker Movement to Create Innovative Solutions that
Better Our Future

new products
6 Video Streaming Hits the Road
Introducing the World's First H.264 Video I/O Companions Optimized
for MOST High-Speed Automotive Infotainment and ADAS Networks

8 Motion Monitoring Made Easy

MM7150 Motion Module Evaluation Board Speeds Design Cycles for
Embedded and Internet of Things Applications

9 Easing the CAN Migration Path

MCP2561/2FD CAN FD Transceiver Family Serves Both CAN and
CAN FD Protocols

Contents
design articles

15 Powerful MPLAB Harmony

Configurator Accelerates Your
32-bit Embedded Software
Development
19 Getting Started with
SuperFlash Technology
21 Going the Distance to Secure
Our Future
23 Avoid Input Damage with
500 Volt Protection
25 App Specialist Coedrus
Introduces the Infinite Possibilities
of the Internet of Things
26 Learn.DigilentInc.com
30 Coding For Young Engineers

features
11 Product Spotlight
13 The Savings Are In Bloom

featureD Video

MPLAB Harmony Configurator

The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, dsPIC, FlashFlex, KEELOQ, KEELOQ logo, MPLAB, mTouch, 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, 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. 2015, Microchip Technology Incorporated, All Rights Reserved.

editors note

Find A New Amp'titude

ew to Microchips YouTube channel, Amptitudes is a series of videos which will

help increase your amplifier aptitude. This repository of brief, straight-forward
tutorials covers a variety of amplifier topics such as how to minimize a variety of

Dont Miss the Next Issue of

MicroSolutions
Published six times a year, MicroSolutions is a
valuable resource for product and technology
news about Microchips innovative solutions.
Subscribe today to receive email notifications
when each new issue of MicroSolutions is
ready. Use the link below:

noise sources, factors that affect amplifier speed, defining input bias and offset currents
plus much more. Seven episodes are currently available in our Amptitudes playlist:
Episode 1 - Amplifier Bandwidth and Slew Rate: If speed is a concern in your design,
this video will explain why it is important to consider the slew rate and not just the bandwidth when choosing an amplifier.
Episode 2 - Input Bias and Offset Current: Kevin Tretter discusses input bias and
input offset current and how they are affected by newer, more complex architectures
found in devices like our MCP6V06 zero-drift op amp.
Episode 3 - Rail-to-Rail Input Stage: There are three basic input structures for single-supply voltage-feedback amplifiers. In this video, youll learn what these structures
are and how they affect an amplifiers ability to support rail-to-rail operation.
Episode 4 - EMI Rejection: Learn how amplifiers are being designed to combat the
adverse effects of electromagnetic interference.
Episode 5 - Power Supply Filtering: Why worry about power supply filtering? Learn
why proper filtering is critical to eliminate any unwanted noises at higher frequencies
that may couple to an amplifiers output.
Episode 6 - Rail to Rail Output Stage: Find out how rail-to-rail applies to the output
stage of CMOS amplifiers.
Episode 7 - Zero-Drift Terminology: Zero-drift refers to any amplifier that uses a
continuously self-correcting architecture, creating a highly precise device. Learn more

Find Us on These Social Channels

about zero-drift terminology in this episode.

Stay tuned for more episodes and let us help you increase your aptitude for amplifiers.
As always, we would be happy to get your feedback on MicroSolutions. Feel free to
email us at MSFeedback@microchip.com.
Microchip Technology Inc.
2355 W. Chandler Blvd. | Chandler, AZ 85224 | www.microchip.com

Make a Difference
in the World

SHOWCASE

Join the Growing Hacker/Maker Movement to Create

Innovative Solutions that Better Our Future

he hacker, engineering and designer

to space! The deadline for submitting your entry

community is a creative and enthusi-

is August 17th, so visit the Hackaday Prize

astic force that is capable of coming up

website now to get all the details.

with solutions to a variety of serious issues that

face us all, either in our local communities or
on a global scale. As leading-edge hardware
and software resources become more available
What kind of innovative solution can
you envision?

and affordable, they enable todays inventors

to develop concepts that were considered
just science fiction in the not-so-distant past
into reality. With this in mind,
Microchip is pleased to support
this movement by sponsoring
or participating in some special
opportunities to help you join in
and make a difference.

What kind of innovative solution can you

envision? Microchip has a wide range of products and development tools to help you get
started with your design. Would you like to
leverage the resources of the well-established
Arduino platform, but add more power, memory

Today's inventors
develop concepts
that were considered
science fiction in
the not-so-distant
past into reality.

The Hackaday Prize

Challenging you to build something that
matters, the 2015 Hackaday Prize is now
underway. Submit your idea for a design
that solves a problem in some way on the
Hackaday.io community site, and then document it and build a prototype of your design. If
your design includes any Microchip products,
you can tag it to appear on the Microchip list
so we can follow your progress too. Throughout this process, you will find opportunities to
engage with others in the community and possibly win prizes, including the grand prize of a trip

and peripheral features to your

project? Then check out the
32-bit chipKIT embedded
platform, which is based on
our PIC32 microcontrollers. Or,
is your project going to need
some sort of wireless capabili-

ties? If so, visit our Wireless Solutions page

to learn how to easily add Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or
another embedded wireless technology to your
design. And, if you want to build a design for
the Internet of Things, our WCM Development
Kit 1 makes it easy to connect your system to a
cloud-based server, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). We also offer a variety of products
that allow you to add user-friendly touch- and
gesture-based interfaces to your project, including 3D gesture recognition. Visit our Touch and
Input Sensing Solutions page to learn more
about our award-winning technologies.
(continued on page 5)

To help control your design, Microchip also

social media to learn about ways you

offers solutions for the entire performance

can use some of our products in your

range of 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit microcon-

project and to take advantage of some

trollers. These PIC MCUs are supported by

special offers well have for you over the

our comprehensive and easy-to-use develop-

upcoming months. Here are some details on

ment tools, including the free MPLAB X In-

some additional upcoming activities and events:

SHOWCASE

tegrated Development Environment (IDE)

and MPLAB XC compilers. Devices in our
Analog and Interface category include power
management, thermal management, linear,
mixed-signal, safety and security solutions,
as well as support for interfaces such as
CAN, LIN, Ethernet, USB and infrared. And
this is just the tip of the iceberg. Visit the
Applications area of the Microchip website
to get an overview of various technologies
and review some reference designs that might
help you zero in on an idea for your project.
You can purchase devices and development
toolsincluding a variety of products from
our Third-Party Partnersfrom our online
store, www.microchipdirect.com. If you are
a student or educator, you can register for a
microchipDIRECT account using your school
email domain (.edu, .k12, .ac, etc.) and you will
receive an automatic 25% discount on Microchip
development tools. Also, follow Microchip on

Hackster Hardware Weekend

If you live in the US and enjoy the hackathon
atmosphere, check out the Hack to the
Future Hackster Hardware Weekend series
of events. They have hit the road on a 10-city
tour in an original and hackable DeLorean
DMC 12sporting a Microchip logo on its
hoodto educate, connect and help the community create designs for a better future. There
will be speakers, food, prizes and hardware
kits, including some of our chipKIT Fubarino
Mini boards. While the tour has already
passed through some cities, there are several
more stops to go. Future international locations
are also being planned. Visit their website for
additional details on upcoming events.

Maker Faire Bay Area

Microchip will also be returning to Maker
Faire Bay Area, being held May 1617 at

the San Mateo County Event Center in San

Mateo, California. This family-friendly festival
also encourages makers of all ages, from students to professionals, to show their creative
side. Registration opens soon. Stop by our
booth to learn how 8-bit PIC MCUs and the
easy-to-use chipKIT embedded platform can
bring your design ideas to life.
While these are challenging times, there are
still exciting opportunities for individuals to
make a positive impact. Small beginnings
can lead to big changes. We look forward to
seeing how you use your ingenuity to help
make a difference where you live or in a
broader area of the world.

Video Streaming
Hits the Road

new product

Introducing the World's First H.264 Video I/O Companions

Optimized for MOST High-Speed Automotive Infotainment
and ADAS Networks
H.264 Video Encoders and Decoders Simplify Applications Requiring
High Quality, Low Latency and Content-Protected Video Transmission

ccording to global information company

Content Protection (DTCP) coprocessor, the

IHS Technology, the automotive display

OS85621 enables you to implement a com-

market will grow exponentially over

prehensive content-protected video trans-

the next six years. Driver Information Dis-

mission solution within days. Video streams

plays (DIDs) are one of the fastest growing

with restricted access from devicessuch as

segments, with an expected

Our family of MOST I/O companions

increase from 30.8 million units

now includes cost-effective video codec

in 2014 to 102.8 million in 2020.

solutions.

Driven by safety requirements,

the camera market in motor
vehicles is also projected to
explode.

The

convergence

The OS85621 enables

you to implement
a comprehensive
content-protected
video transmission
solution within days.

DIDs, digital media drives and

TV tunerscan now be easily
transmitted as encrypted H.264
over a MOST network, satisfying todays market demand for
high-quality audio and video
within the automotive environ-

of consumer electronics, infotainment, driver

ment. The OS85621s on-chip DTCP copro-

information displays and camera-based Ad-

cessor supports hardware acceleration of the

vanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is

computation-intensive operations required for

creating the demand for streaming high-quality

DTCP authentication and content protection.

video in all car classes.

Up to eight independent data streams can

As a result, Microchip recently announced the

worlds first H.264 video I/O companion integrated circuits (ICs) optimized for the proven

be simultaneously routed through the DTCP

coprocessors cipher engine for M6 or AES-128
encryption/decryption.

and robust Media Oriented Systems Transport

The ultra-low-latency mode of the H.264 codec

(MOST) high-speed automotive infotainment

enables single-digit millisecond latency from

and ADAS network technology. The OS85621

video input to video output, including encoding,

and OS85623 expand our existing family

transmission over a MOST network and decod-

of MOST I/O companions to now include

ing. This real-time, high-speed video process-

cost-effective video codec solutions.

ing makes the OS85623which has no DTCP

Featuring a low-latency, high-quality H.264

codec and an on-chip Digital Transmission

coprocessorideal for camera-based ADAS

applications that are designed to enhance
vehicle safety.
(continued on page 7)

Both devices feature a number of hardware

interfaces commonly used for infotainment

Development Support
To ensure compatibility with other

data exchange. Their video-interface port

DTCP devices and further reduce

supports a variety of industry-standard

development efforts, the OS85621

formats and resolutions, including HD for

and OS85623 are supported by our free

seamless interfacing to video sources. A

and ready-to-use DTCP-Stack for I/O

streaming port supports legacy audio formats

Companions. Additionally, the optional

and 7.1 multi-channel audio up to 24 bits.

OS85621 MOST ToGo reference design

Two independent, inter-chip-communication

makes the creation of automotive ADAS and

Media Local Bus (MediaLB) ports provide a

infotainment systems easy, enabling you to

seamless interface to Microchips Intelligent

focus on application software development.

Network Interface Controllers (INICs) for

MOST networks, as well as application processors. These video I/O companion chips
also feature an additional Transport Stream
Interface for compressed video streams.

new product

Contact your local Microchip Sales Office

for information on pricing and the availability
of samples and production quantities of the
OS85621 and OS85623.

Motion Monitoring
Made Easy

New PRODUCT

MM7150 Motion Module Evaluation Board Speeds Design

Cycles for Embedded and Internet of Things Applications
Combines a Motion Coprocessor with Integrated Sensor Fusion
Algorithms, Accelerometer, Magnetometer and Gyroscope Sensors

The MM7150 Motion Module Evaluation

Board allows you to easily integrate motion
capabilities into your design.

eveloping applications with motion/

quick and easy prototyping utilizing Microchips

position sensors can be difficult. Cre-

extensive installed base of 16- and 32-bit PIC

ating complex algorithms to filter,

MCUs. This board combines the functionality

compensate and fuse the raw data from the

of Microchip's SSC7150 motion coprocessor

sensors requires specialized knowledge and can

with 9-axis sensors, including a 3-axis accel-

also be very resource intensive. Designers of

erometer, a 3-axis magnetometer and a 3-axis

the latest embedded and Internet of Things (IoT)

gyroscope from Bosch. The SSC7150 motion

applications are looking for a solution that allows

coprocessor is preprogrammed with sophisticat-

them to easily integrate motion capabilities into

ed sensor fusion algorithms which intelligently

their custom boards and get their products to

filter, compensate, and combine the raw sensor

market quickly.

data to provide highly accurate position and

Recognizing this, we recently

announced a new development tool
that makes it easy and cost-effective
for you to develop motion applications for a myriad of Internet of
Things, embedded, industrial and
consumer

electronics

designs,

orientation information.
This board
combines the
functionality
of a motion
coprocessor with
9-axis sensors.

The potential uses for the MM7150

PICtail Plus Daughter Board are
only limited by your imagination.
It costs $50.00 and can be purchased from microchipDIRECT.
It is supported by Microchips

including portable devices, robotics, commercial

MPLAB ICD3 (DV164035) In-Circuit Debug-

trucks, industrial automation, patient tracking,

ger and MPLAB X Integrated Development

smart farming, remote controls, gaming devices,

Environment (IDE).

toys and wearable devices.

To learn more about getting started with

The MM7150 PICtail Plus Daughter Board

Microchip's motion products, visit our Motion

(AC243007) plugs directly into the Explorer 16

and Position Solutions page.

Development Board (DM240001) to enable

Easing the CAN

Migration Path

New PRODUCT

MCP2561/2FD CAN FD Transceiver Family Serves Both CAN

and CAN FD Protocols
Cost-Competitive Transceivers Meet and Exceed Global Automotive
Requirements and Offer Increased Maximum Data-Rate Capability

n-vehicle networking growth continues to be

their robustness and industry-leading features,

driven by the need for electronic monitoring

which include data rates of up to 8Mbps, the

and control. As application features in power

MCP2561/2FD transceivers enable you to

train, body and convenience, diagnostics and

implement and realize the benefits of CAN FD.

safety increase, more Electronic Control Units

(ECUs) are being added to existing Controller
Area Network (CAN) buses, causing automotive
Microchip's CAN HS and CAN FD
transceivers are approved by major
automotive and industrial OEMs.

OEMs to become bandwidth limited. In addition,

the end-of-line programming time for ECUs is on
the rise due to more complex application programs and calibration, which raises production
line costs. The emerging CAN Flexible Data-Rate
(FD) bus protocol solves these issues by increasing the maximum data rate while expanding the
data field from 8 data bytes up to 64 data bytes.
Microchip has been involved since the beginning
of CAN FD, planning and developing products to
help serve overall system needs. We use a global
perspective, which allows our customers to sell
their end products across all regions of the world.
As an interface between a CAN
protocol controller and the physical two-wire CAN bus, our new
family of CAN FD transceivers

These new transceivers have one of the

industrys lowest standby current consumption
(<5A typical), helping meet ECU low-power
budget

requirements.

and CAN FD protocols. This product family not

only helps automotive and industrial manufacturers with todays CAN communication needs,
but also provides a path for the newer CAN FD
networks that are increasingly in demand. With

these

devices support operation in the 40C to

150C temperature range, enabling their use
in harsh environments. They are available in
8-pin PDIP, SOIC and 33mm DFN (leadless)
packages, providing additional design flexibility
for space-limited applications.
This family of transceivers also provides two
options. The MCP2561FD comes in an 8-pin
package and features a SPLIT pin. This SPLIT
pin helps to stabilize the common mode in biased
split-termination schemes. The MCP2562FD is

MCP2561/2FD can
serve both CAN and
CAN FD protocols.

the MCP2561/2FDcan serve both the CAN

Additionally,

available in an 8-pin package

and features a Vio pin. This Vio
pin can be tied to a secondary
supply in order to internally

level shift the digital I/Os for easy microcontroller interfacing. This is beneficial when a system
is using a microcontroller at a Vdd less than 5V
(for example, 1.8V or 3.3V), and eliminates the
need for an external level translator, decreasing
system cost and complexity.

(continued on page 10)

Featured at CAN FD Plug Fest

CAN FD boards at this event. Intrepid

were

Control Systems supplies the neoVI,

successfully used to test CAN FD network

ValueCAN and WaveBPS CAN testing

designs at the Plug Fest organized by the

products to all major automotive OEMs.

The

MCP2561/2FD

transceivers

CAN in Automation (CiA) Interest Group,

held on March 25th in Detroit, Michigan.
Both Kvasera supplier of advanced
CAN solutions to engineers designing and
deploying systems across a wide range of
industriesand Intrepid Control Systems

The

MCP2561FD

and

new product

MCP2562FD

CAN FD transceivers can be ordered for

sampling and volume production from
microchipDIRECT or from Microchips
worldwide distribution network.

used these transceivers on their respective

Are you looking to learn how to implement digital power supplies into your next design?
Microchip has teamed up with Biricha Digital Power to offer world-leading expertise and
training at the Digital Power Supply Design Workshop, scheduled for June 24, 2015, at our
Westborough, Massachusetts, Regional Training Center.
This highly technical and hands-on design workshop will benefit power supply designers as well
as embedded systems programmers. Over the course of three days, the training will cover all of
the necessary theory to design and implement digital power supplies using Microchips dsPIC33F
family of microcontrollers. Learning will be reinforced through numerous labs and attendees
will receive a Digital Power Starter Kit plus all of the software examples and templates which are
used during the workshop. (Day 1 is optional and is intended for engineers who have little or no
experience with PIC MCU programming.)

Boston, Massachusetts

June 24, 2015

Class:
Format:
Schedule:
Date:

Location:

PWR 9101
Hands-On
8:30 AM9:00 AM Arrival and registration
Tuesday, June 2, 2015 9:00 AM to
Thursday, June 4, 2015 5:00 PM

Westboro Executive Park

112 Turnpike Road, Suite 100
Westborough, MA 01581
The last day will finish early to facilitate travel.
A light lunch and refreshments will be provided
all three days. Refreshments included.

Register Now www.microchip.com/biricha

10

product Spotlight

Digital-to-Analog Converters With

Non-Volatile Memory and I2C Feature
8-, 10- and 12-bit Resolution
Offered in 8-pin TSSOP packages, the low-power, single and
dual-channel MCP47FEBXX families of general-purpose DACs
are ideal for applications in the consumer and industrial markets
such as wireless microphones, mp3 player accessories and blood glucose test devicesand applications such as motor control, instrumentation, sensor calibration, and set point/offset trimming. The
integrated EEPROM enables DAC settings to be recalled at power up, for added system flexibility. The
choice of 8-, 10- and 12-bit resolution provides flexibility with design requirements and cost. The various
shutdown modes significantly reduce the device current consumption for power-critical applications.
More Information.

New Family of 3V Serial Quad I/O Interface

SuperFlash Memory Devices Provides the
Fastest Erase Times in the Industry
The SST26VF family of 3V Serial Quad I/O interface (or SQI
interface) SuperFlash memory devices is available with 16Mbit, 32-Mbit or 64-Mbit of memory, and is manufactured using
Microchips high-performance CMOS SuperFlash technology, which provides the industrys fastest
erase times and superior reliability. Sector and block erase commands are completed in just 18ms,
and a full chip erase operation is completed in 35ms. Competing devices require 10 to 20 seconds
to complete a full chip erase operation, making the SST26VF approximately 400 times faster. Designed for low power consumption, the SST26VF is ideal for energy-efficient embedded systems.
More Information.

5 GHz Power Amplifier Module Extends

the Range, Reduces Production Costs of
WLAN Applications Based on IEEE
802.11ac Wi-Fi Standard
Achieving the maximum data rate and longest range, while minimizing current consumption, is essential to designers of Wi-Fi
MIMO access-point, router and set-top-box systems. The SST11CP22 5 GHz Power Amplifier
(continued on page 12)

11

product Spotlight

Module (PAM) for the IEEE 802.11ac ultra high data rate Wi-Fi standard delivers 19dBm linear
output power at 1.8% dynamic Error Vector Magnitude( EVM) with MCS9 80 MHz bandwidth
modulation. Additionally, the SST11CP22 delivers 20dBm linear power at 3% EVM for 802.11a/n
applications, is spectrum mask compliant up to 24dBm for 802.11a communication, and has less
than 45dBm/MHz RF harmonic output at this output power, making it easier for the system board
to meet FCC regulations. More Information.

Microchip Licenses EtherCAT

Technology for Its Next-Generation
Ethernet Controllers
The EtherCAT standard is a proven and robust industrial communication protocol that is expanding its market presence in
drive and I/O applications. With EtherCAT technologys on
the fly processing and use of standard Ethernet cabling, which eliminates expensive switch
fabrics, Microchips next-generation slave controllers offer the high level of integration and cost
optimization required for current and future industrial applications. This includes the Internet of
Things (IoT), since EtherCAT technology is a perfect fit for adding connectivity to industrial IoT
designs. More Information.

MOST150 INICs Enable Cost-Effective

Implementations of Smart-Antenna
Modules Inside Vehicles
By employing the new MOST150 technology coaxial physical
layer specification, the OS81118AF Intelligent Network Interface Controller (INIC) with integrated coax transceiver is able
to support smart-antenna module connectivity to in-vehicle MOST150 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and infotainment networks. The MOST150 coaxial physical layer is ideally
suited for smart-antenna telematics and other data traffic from AM/FM, DAB, SDARS, DVB-T,
3G/LTE, GPS and Wi-Fi signals that increasingly need to connect with in-vehicle networks for
high-bandwidth control, audio, video and Internet Protocol (IP) communication. Using proven and
low-cost coaxial cabling to simultaneously deliver communication signals and power to these
in-vehicle systems simplifies design and installation efforts while lowering costs and reducing
vehicle weight for easier compliance with environmental regulations. More Information.

12

DEV TOOL DEALS

The Savings Are In Bloom

pring is a time for fresh starts and new projects. Look through our April Dev Tool Deals to
find some special items that might help inspire your creativity. To take advantage of these
special sale prices, go to www.microchipdirect.com and add the item to your cart. Add

the coupon code during checkout. These are limited time offers so act quickly to get yours while
the deals are still available and supplies last.

MTCH101 Touch Sensing Demo Board (DM160220)

microchipDIRECT Coupon Code: TP1513
No experience required! Quickly and easily implement Microchips
mTouch technology in any application with the MTCH101 Touch
Sensing Demo Board. This kit consists of a Proximity Sensor Board
and an MTCH101 MCU Board to provide you with a turnkey proximity
detection companion application right out of the box. Save 40% and get your kit for just $17.99.

MPLAB Starter Kit for Digital Power (DM330017)

microchipDIRECT Coupon Code: TP1514
Explore the capabilities and features of the dsPIC33F GS Digital Power
Conversion family with the MPLAB Starter Kit for Digital Power. This
digitally controlled power supply board consists of one independent DC/
DC synchronous buck converter and one independent DC/DC boost
converter. Each power stage includes a MOSFET-controlled 5W resistive load. The Starter Kit also
includes an on-board debugger/programmer. Get yours for 30% off the regular price.

MEB/MEB II UART-to-USB Adapter Board (AC320101)

microchipDIRECT Coupon Code: TP1515
The MEB/MEB II UART-to-USB Adapter Board uses the MCP2200
Breakout Module to convert USB-to-UART signals that can be accessed
directly by the PICtail connector on either the Multimedia Expansion
Board (MEB) or the Multimedia Expansion Board II (MEB II). Its on
sale now for $18.99.

(continued on page 14)

13

8-bit Wireless Development Kit - 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (DM182015-1)

microchipDIRECT Coupon Code: TP1516
Save almost $140 on this easy-to-use evaluation and development

dev tool deals

platform for your IEEE 802.15.4 applications. The 8-bit Wireless

Development Kit - 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 is pre-programmed with the
MiWi protocol stack and comes with two PIC18 Wireless Development
Boards with a PIC18F46J50 XLP microcontroller, two MRF24J40MA
transceiver PICtail daughter cards, two LCD serial accessory boards,
two RS232 serial accessory boards, two USB A to Mini-B cables and two RS232 serial cables.
Order your kit today.

14

DESIGN ARTICLE

Powerful MPLAB Harmony

Configurator Accelerates Your
32-bit Embedded Software
Development

PLAB Harmony is a flexible, abstracted, fully integrated firmware development

platform for all 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs). It takes key elements of modular
and object-oriented design, adds in the flexibility to use a RTOS or work without one,

and provides a framework of software modules that are easy to use, configurable for specific
design requirements and that are purpose-built to work together. It also integrates the licens-

ing, resale and support of Microchip and third-party middleware, drivers, libraries and real-time
operating systems.
One of the key aspects of the framework is the MPLAB Harmony Configurator tool (MHC). Its
graphical interface allows you to select and configure all Harmony components, including middleware, system services and peripherals. The MPLAB Harmony Configurator environment
reduces the amount of time it takes to change the configuration of peripherals any time during
development, while practically eliminating the possibility of bugs in the peripheral and

MPLAB Harmony Configurator (MHC)

middleware configurations.
Application(s)

Plug-In
RTOS
(Third Party)

RTOS
Configuration

OSAL

Common
System
Services

System
Configuration

Plug-In

Driver

Middleware
Middleware

Driver

Driver

Driver

Driver

Driver

Driver

PLIB

PLIB

PLIB

PLIB

PLIB

Software
Framework

Hardware

MPLAB Harmony Block Diagram

(continued on page 16)

15

DESIGN ARTICLE

MHC features include a clock configurator that

The tool consists of a graphical representation

provides a graphical user interface to configure

of the state of the component and a table that

the oscillator module of the PIC32 devices.

allows you to configure the pins of the device.

While simulating the normal operation of the

oscillator module, the MHC clock configurator
contains interactive controls, dynamic output,
and visual warnings to help guide you in establishing the desired system clock configuration. The MHC clock configurator supports
the configuration of system clock frequency,
peripheral bus clock, reference clock, and USB
PLL. Additionally, the auto-calculation feature
of MHC is designed to determine the divider
and multiplier values in the SPLL, based on a

Our MPLAB Harmony Configurator video on

YouTube provides you with an overview of the
features of this powerful plug-in.
The combination of MPLAB Harmony Software
Framework, the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the MPLAB XC32
compiler offers you a one-stop shop for all your
PIC32 embedded software needs. If you are
looking to get your product to market quickly

user-requested system clock frequency.

while facing ever-shorter product design

The graphical pin manager is another highlight

definitely benefit from this easy-to-use code

of MHC. It enables you to configure the pins

schedules and decreasing budgets, you will

development solution.

of Microchip devices quickly and intelligently.

16

DESIGN ARTICLE

Getting Started with

SuperFlash Technology

n the How Fast Is Your Memory? article in the January/February 2015 issue of MicroSolutions,
we introduced you to our NOR Flash products with SuperFlash Technology. These products
come in a variety of bus interfaces, speeds, voltages and packages. Below are some things to

consider when selecting a Flash solution:

NOR vs. NAND Flash Memory

NOR and NAND Flash memory differ in the way
connections are made between the individual
memory cells. In NOR Flash memory, each cell is
individually connected to the bit line in parallel.
NAND Flash memory cells are connected in
series to a bit line. The series connection reduces
the number of ground wires and bit lines, resulting in a higher-density layout. For a given process

NAND

NOR

Main Application

File Storage

Code Execution

Storage Capacity

High

Low

XIP Capabilities

No

Yes

Cost per Bit

Better

Active Power

Better

Better

Standby Power
Write Speed

Good

Read Speed

Good

technology and density, a NAND Flash memory is

Table 1 - NAND and NOR Flash Memory

about 60% smaller than a NOR Flash memory.

Selection Criteria

This provides a lower cost per bit than NOR Flash

memory. However, NAND Flash memory does not provide a random-access external address bus.
Therefore data can only be read in pages. This makes NAND Flash memory similar to data storage
devices like hard disk drives and optical memory. On the other hand, NOR Flash memory is better
suited for accessing program code, such as a computers BIOS or firmware. NOR Flash memory is
read similarly to random-access memory, which is perfect for execute-in-place applications.

NOR Cells

NAND Cells

(continued on page 18)

17

DESIGN ARTICLE

What Is Execution In Place (XIP)?

and packaging costs of both the microcontroller

Execution In Place (XIP) refers to executing

and the memory device. This is why there

program code directly from external storage

has been a major shift from using parallel

rather than copying it into RAM first. Running

Flash memory devices to using serial Flash

program code from external storage allows ad-

memory devices. However, switching to fewer

ditional RAM to be freed up for dynamic data.

pins means lower data throughput. To offset

For XIP to be possible, you must have random

this lower data throughput, a quad I/O serial

access capability, the appropriate memory

interface is being used in the latest memory

mapping and sufficient bandwidth. NOR Flash

devices, creating a line of products called Serial

memory is well suited for XIP. Since program

Quad I/O (SQI) Flash memory.

code in NAND Flash memory must be copied

into RAM before being executed, NAND Flash

SQI Flash memory devices read and write

memory is not able to utilize XIP.

through a 4-bit multiplexed synchronous serial

Which Bus Interface Should

You Choose?

low-pin-count, high-bandwidth-code XIP appli-

communication interface, which enables true

cations. The firmware commands are very

NOR Flash memory devices are available with

either a serial or parallel bus interface. The
choice of which bus to use is often dictated by
the required data rates of the application as
well as the amount of available I/O on the microcontroller and the board space available.
With the ongoing demand for smaller and

similar to those of SPI, but with 4-bit I/O instead

of single-bit I/O. Therefore, this interface provides approximately four times the data
throughput of SPI. Compared to parallel Flash
memory devices, SQI Flash memory devices
provide very fast performance without requiring
large, expensive and high pin-count packages.

cheaper end products, more designs are now

being switched to a serial interface to reduce
board space and component price.

Data
Throughput
Pin Count

Parallel Flash
Memory

Serial SPI
Flash Memory

High

Medium

32+

8+

Package Size

Large

Small

Power
Consumption

Medium

Low

High

Low

Cost

Table 2 - Parallel vs. Serial SPI Flash Memory

Flash Memory Performance Comparison Chart

What Is the Serial Flash Discoverable

Parameters (SFDP) Standard?
The Serial Flash Discoverable Parameter

Todays microcontrollers are often bond pad

(SFDP) standard is an open standard approved

limited. This means that the size of the die is

by JEDEC. The goal of this standard is to allow

limited by the space needed for bond pads

interchangeability between Flash memory

rather than for the microcontroller gates or cir-

devices from different manufacturers of Flash

cuitry. Eliminating bond pads results in a smaller

products. Each manufacturers memory has

die size, which increases the number of die on a

differences in performance specifications,

wafer and reduces the cost per die. Additionally,

memory maps and features. SFDP allows the

the use of more pins increases the assembly

use of a single driver which reads identifying

(continued on page 19)

18

DESIGN ARTICLE

information out of a table of values stored

Our serial and parallel Flash memory products

on the Flash device. The benefit of using

are an excellent choice for applications requir-

this standard is that information about multiple

ing superior performance, excellent data reten-

Flash parts no longer needs to be stored in

tion and high reliability. Visit our SuperFlash

system software. This helps to future-proof the

Technology page or contact your local

software, allowing you to use lower-cost Flash

Microchip Sales Office for more information

devices as they become available without

on selecting the right serial or parallel Flash

needing to update your software.

memory device for your latest application.

19

DESIGN ARTICLE

Going the Distance to

Secure Our Future

he rapidly growing analog Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) market is greater than $23 billion,
with more than 60 million camera shipments made worldwide in 2014. This is mostly driven
by a huge growth in adoption due to the threat of terrorism, increased vehicle traffic con-

gestion, and a greater need for public transportation and public space monitoring. Analog CCTV
cameras transmit video over standard 75 coaxial (coax) cable. Since analog CCTV cameras are
installed worldwide, there are essentially millions of miles of coaxial cable already installed and being
used by the analog CCTV industry. Typical applications for CCTV video include:

Public space monitoring - street corners, elevators

Public transportation monitoring - subways, bus and train stations
Street intersection monitoring - red light cameras
Traffic monitoring - freeway congestion and license plate tracking
Security surveillance - homes, apartments and businesses
Event monitoring - concerts, protests, weather
When analog CCTV video is consulted to review an incident, it frequently offers very poor quality facial
recognition capabilities and indistinct images of objects and events. Given these limitations, security
agencies are starting to require solutions that allow this type of surveillance and monitoring to be
captured in much higher resolution. As this market starts to transition to digital High-Definition CCTV
(HD-CCTV), the ideal solution would be able to use the existing CCTV coax cabling infrastructure for
a variety of next-generation HD digital video applications.

A High-Definition Video Transmission Standard

There are several solutions which can fulfill this need for higher-resolution video over existing
cabling. However the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Serial Digital
Interface (SDI) is one of the bestif not the bestsolution for making this transition. Since it is
very important to have the full raw data for analytic processing, SDI provides very-high-resolution
imagery at the full uncompressed bandwidth. SDI is a standard for digital video transmission,
using standard 75 impedance coax cable in most cases. The most common data speeds are
270 megabits per second (Mbps) to 2.97 gigabits per second (Gbps). The most commonly deployed speed for SDI is HD-SDI (1.485 Gbps). However, speeds of up to 6 Gbps are theoretically
possible. In many cases HD-SDI is used interchangeably with HD-CCTV.

(continued on page 21)

20

DESIGN ARTICLE

Microchips EQCO30T5 and EQCO30R5

HD-SDI chipset enables simultaneous highspeed video, power over coax, and camera
control (RS-485) over a single coax cable. This
eliminates the need to run extra line for power
and control to the camera at the remote end.
High-Resolution HD-SDI CCTV Image

Extending Your Applications Reach

For applications where a transmission distance
greater than 220 meters is required over 75
coax cable, the EQCO30T/R5 chipset has
been designed into the EQCO-SDI-30-7502
Repeater. Each HD-SDI repeater unit receives
an attenuated HD-CCTV signal and extends it
up to 220 meters over the coax cable. Up to

Typical Analog CCTV Image

five HD-SDI repeaters can be added in series

to achieve up to 1 kilometer in distance. Only

A Single-Cable Solution for Video,

Power and Control

the repeater nearest the recorder needs to be

The typical coax cable run for HD-SDI solutions is 150-500 meters in distance. Microchips EQCO30T5 3G/HD-SDI Video Cable
Driver and EQCO30R5 3G/HD-SDI Video
Cable Equalizer chipset fully meets this distance requirement. Both devices come in a

provided with the system power and the

camera control signals. Similarly, the control
signals and power (if needed) can be fed to a
camera by the repeater nearest to it. Camera
control is accomplished via RS485, the most
commonly used communications protocol.

space-saving 16-pin 44mm QFN. When

designed onto an HD-SDI camera board and
an HD-SDI digital video recorder (DVR) board,
the EQCO30T/R5 chipset can achieve distances up to 220 meters over a 75 coax cable,
depending on cable quality. For applications requiring cabling over longer distances, HD-SDI

EQCO-SDI-30-7502 Repeater

transmission can be achieved at lower speeds.

(continued on page 22)

For example, a cable length of 720 meters supports SDI cameras. A typical board design is
shown in Figure 1.
EQCO30T5 On Camera

High
Definition
Camera
Electronics

Up to
3Gbps
downlink

Up to
1000 mA DC

EQCO30R5 on DVR Board

Up to 220 meters

Up to
1000 mA DC

EQCO
30T5
Up to
5 Mbps
uplink

Up to
3 Gbps
downlink

EQCO
30R5
75 Coax

HD-SDI

Up to
5 Mbps
uplink

Frame
Store +
Camera
Control
Electronics

4.8, 16, 32 Channel DVR

Figure 1 - EQCO30T5 on Camera and EQCO30R5 on a DVR Board

21

DESIGN ARTICLE

The

repeater

contains

three

critical

If you have a surveillance or monitoring ap-

components to correct and then retransmit

plication that requires higher resolution at

the signal:

longer distances, please contact your local

Adaptive Equalizer to return the signal to

Microchip Sales Office for more information

its original amplitude and modulation

on our HD-SDI solutions. The EQCO30T5,

Reclocker to resynchronize the signal,

EQCO30R5 and EQCO-SDI-30-7502 can all

bringing it back to its original condition

be purchased from microchipDIRECT.

Cable Driver to retransmit the signal with

its original characteristics restored

Create Next Generation Medical

Devices with Microchip
Industry-Leading Components Backed by World-Class Design Support

Add next-generation capabilities such as touch-screen capacitive sensing,

wireless connectivity, integrated analog functions, security and authentication
and longer battery life while lowering your overall system cost and time to
market. Our combination of innovative products, dependable delivery and years
of experience in enabling embedded medical solutions for customers around
the world makes Microchip Technology your experienced partner of choice for
medical designs.
Features
Extend battery life with

Add security and authentication

XLP technology

Add integrated analog functionality

Add touch sensing with PIC MCUs

Get world-class support for

Add wired and wireless connectivity

medical designs

www.microchip.com/medical

The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their registered owners.
2015 Microchip Technology Inc. All rights reserved. 1/15
DS00001744B

22

DESIGN ARTICLE

Avoid Input Damage With

500 Volt Protection Circuit

he simple, reliable and cost-effective 500V protection circuit described in this article is
ideal for eliminating the possibility of input damage to very sensitive and expensive
low-voltage, high-impedance bench and handheld measuring instruments. The protection

is accomplished by limiting the amount of current going into the measuring instrument. The circuit
will protect against destructive high voltages inadvertently connected to the probes (VMEAS) of up
to 500 VDC of positive and negative polarity.

Figure 1 - A 500V Protection Circuit for Low-Voltage High-Impedance Measuring Instruments

Circuit Description
The circuit consists of two transistors, Q1 and Q2, and one resistor, R. Both Q1 and Q2 are Microchip
LND150, 500V N-channel depletion mode MOSFETs with gate-to-source ESD protection in a
SOT-89 surface mount package. Q1 and Q2 are configured back-to-back as two constant current
sources with a nominal value of 1.0mA. Resistor R sets the current limiting value. Figure2 is a
typical low-voltage high-impedance measurement instrument. Figure 3, on the next page, is a
simplified equivalent circuit showing the protection scheme.

Figure 2 - A Typical Low-Voltage High-Impedance Measurement Instrument

Under normal operation, the absolute value of VMEAS is less than the supply voltage of the circuit.
Q1 and Q2 will be fully on with a maximum guaranteed RDS of 1.0k. Since the instruments input
impedance is typically very high (above 10M), the additional 2.0k series resistance from Q1 and
Q2 will not affect measurement accuracy.
(continued on page 24)

23

DESIGN ARTICLE

Figure 3 - A Simplified Equivalent Circuit Showing the Protection Scheme

Under the fault condition, the absolute value

of VMEAS is greater than the supply voltage. Q1
limits the current to 1.0mA against large positive

Calculation for Resistor Value

For a current limiting value of 1.0mA, R can
be approximated by the following equation:

voltages and Q2 limits the current to 1.0mA

against large negative voltages across VMEAS.
For example, if VMEAS is connected to 500V, Q1

where,

and Q2 will limit the input current to 1.0mA,

ID = desired constant current value,

causing the input voltage to the measurement

VGS(OFF) = pinch-off voltage, and

instrument to clamp to 1.3V above its supply

IDSS = saturation current at VGS = 0V.

voltage (when R=600) and 0.7V below ground.

VGS(OFF) and IDSS are device characteristics and

Typically, the measuring instrument has ESD

will vary from lot to lot. Actual constant current

protection diodes connected from both probes

values are not critical as long as the power dis-

to its power supply and ground. The ESD pro-

sipation of the LND150 is less than 600mW.

tection diodes can usually handle 1.0mA con-

PDiss = 600mW =

tinuously. If there are no ESD diodes provided,

external diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 can be added.

(constant current value)(max. input voltage).

Figures 4A and 4B are pictures of current due
to VMEAS vs. VMEAS voltage of the actual circuit.
R1 was chosen to be 1.0k.

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

24

DESIGN ARTICLE

App Specialist Coderus

Introduces the Infinite Possibilities
of the Internet of Things

ecognized for their expertise and reputation for producing quality mobile and embedded
applications using Microchips solutions, Coderus has
recently joined the Microchip Design Partner Program

as an App Developer Specialist. They offer their customers

a great foundation for developing applications for the muchhyped Internet of Things (IoT) and for facing the associated challenges that lie ahead.
Now that computing technology has sufficient capacity and performance, combined with the
extended reach of Internet access and advances made in low-power wireless communications
devices, the IoT has emerged as a viable proposition for many applications. This creates many
new opportunities to generate valuable data from a vast array of industry sectors including medical
and green energy, for example. For the first time, vast amounts of data can be collected and manipulated in almost real time, proving invaluable in reducing the costs associated with predicting
problems. Eventually this may also result in self-healing systems.
The thing in the Internet of Things, refers to the almost infinite sensing/data gathering device
possibilities. Some that we can most easily relate to can be found in a heart monitor, wearable
fitness device or a vehicle monitoring systemall of which are able to provide the user with helpful
information or alert them to a potential problem. Enhancing the capabilities of devices that support
peoples disabilities, such as hearing aids, will also be possible. As long as the sensing devices
can connect to a central service through an Internet connection, information can be gathered and
processed in an entirely automated fashion.
Coderus development without barriers ethos, relationship with Apple for creating iOS apps and

accessory development solutions, as well as experience producing solutions for Android and
Windows mobile platforms have all led to their recent Microchip Design Partner status as an app
solution provider for Microchip in Europe. To learn more about how Coderus can help you develop
apps to aid in device collaboration, please visit www.coderus.com.

25

DESIGN ARTICLE

Learn.DigilentInc.com
A Place to Get Started with Microchip PIC32 Microcontrollers
Contributed by Digilent, Inc.

earning needs a starting point. With a multitude of options available on the market, users new to
embedded systems often struggle to find a place to get started. Traditionally, embedded systems
are taught in university laboratories or pushed into a half-day workshop. However, both of these

teaching platforms leave a lot to be desired when it comes to information retention. This is why Digilent
created the Digilent Learn Site teaching tool. Not only does it address this shortcoming, it also augments traditional learning by giving users a free guided resource that can be studied at their own pace.

Learn.DigilentInc.com
The Digilent Learn Site is an open, freely accessible
community resource for sharing teaching and learning
material focused on electrical and computer engineering.
The site is built around a growing collection of hands-on
projects that offer insight and design experience in key
areas like analog circuit design, microprocessor programming and digital circuit design. All of the projects

Each project is self-contained and

are hosted under the Creative Commons license, so

designed to expose a fundamental concept

anyone can use, modify, and repost as desired. Each

in hardware or software design.

project is self-contained and designed to expose a fundamental concept in hardware or software design. This platform allows individuals, universities and
training environments to explore and pursue goals at their own pace.

chipKIT Embedded Platform: Our Preferred Learning Platform for MCUs

The chipKIT embedded platform refers to a community of hardware and software developersfrom
hobbyists to professionalsas well as a design approach, centered around Microchips PIC32 microcontroller architecture. There are a few unique characteristics inherent to the chipKIT embedded
platform that make it ideal for use as a teaching tool by resources such as the Digilent Learn Site.

(continued on page 27)

26

DESIGN ARTICLE

Hardware Capabilities of the

chipKIT Embedded Platform

MPLAB X IDE is a debugging environment

as well as an editor that integrates a compiler.

All chipKIT embedded platform boards are built

It is used by the majority of professional,

around the powerful PIC32 microcontroller ar-

industry-level PIC MCU users and provides

chitecture. The desire was to provide users with

a migration option for MPIDE users into a

access to technology that would remain current

production-level development tool.

for several years beyond the learning phase.

The hardware platforms are developed to be low
cost and "plug and play" to equip users with a
quick set-up time, which is perfect for new or
inexperienced users.

Multi-Platform Integrated Development Environment

IDE Options
The following IDEs are available for free to
use in conjunction with chipKIT embedded
platform products:
The Multi-Platform Integrated Development
Environment (MPIDE) is a modified and
extended form of the Arduino IDE. It
supports PIC32-based chipKIT embedded
platform boards while maintaining compatibility with the original Arduino community.
It is a free, open-source program that runs

MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment

on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating

systems and features several built-in
libraries and examples with a simplified
programming language derived from C++.
The Universal Embedded Computing

The Community
The chipKIT embedded platform community
consists of a large audience that reaches
beyond electrical and computer engineers to

IDE (UECIDE) is a new, modular IDE that

also include students, hobbyists, hackers and

supports many different board families and

educators. This community lends itself to a pri-

toolchains. The Plug-In Manager allows

marily online cooperative learning experience

you to select and download the modules

which is manifested through sharing example

(boards, cores, and compilers) that you

projects, contributing code, creating tutorials,

intend to use. It is similar in appearance

giving and receiving feedback and relating

and operation to MPIDE and uses the same

experiences.

chipKIT libraries and compiler.

(continued on page 28)

27

DESIGN ARTICLE

How to Get Started

Once you have your own hardware, you can

As a starting point, we suggest you visit

begin utilizing the Digilent Learn Site. You

chipKIT.net to familiarize yourself with the

may select several navigation options: single

community. After that, visit the Digilent Learn

projects, topic pages, design challenges or

Site. Based on your comfort level, there are two

comprehensive project sets grouped together

options for immersing yourself in the content.

as modules.

If you are new to hardware or electronics, or

are just looking for a place to begin, we suggest
the Learn chipKIT Starter bundle. Included
in this bundle is a comprehensive parts kit,
a USB cable and the chipKIT uC32 board.
Concepts covered in the Learn Site projects
include simple electronics using a breadboard,
digital logic, running displays, multiplexing, I/O
expanders, counters, PWM, analog inputs and
using simple ICs, just to name a few.
If you prefer a more traditional approach to learning embedded systems, we suggest the chipKIT
Pro Starter bundle. This bundle includes a
chipKIT Pro MX7 board along with six Pmods,
which are used to teach concepts such as communication, I/O control, timing and delays, interrupts, and debugging in MPLAB X IDE.
When you have selected your project, you can
expect the following format:
1. Introduction: an explanation of the
concepts that will be covered throughout
the project.
Uses MPIDE - Ideal for New Users

2. Before You Begin: concept requirements

that are added to help users gauge their
level of readiness and to offer suggestions
on where to locate supporting material.
3. Inventory: the list of materials and software
necessary for the completion of the project.
4. The Project Lesson: the in-depth explanation of fundamental concepts.

Uses MPLAB X IDE - Traditional Approach

5. Related Material: supporting concepts for

the material presented in the lesson.
(continued on page 29)

28

DESIGN ARTICLE

6. Project Design: a step-by-step

guide to applying the topics from the

Where to Go From Here?

Visit the chipKIT Projects page to see the micro-

lesson to the actual design of the project;

controller projects laid out for chipKIT products.

most often in the form of building circuits,

We also encourage you to join the community at

hardware setup, or software setup.

chipKIT.net or at Digilent's Educator Forum.

7. Project Test: a test that a user can perform

to get a feel for how well the knowledge
has been retained. This section enables the
identification of problem areas which may
need some extra attention.
8. Design Challenge: a challenge for users to
apply what they have learned in the project,
which enhances the understanding and
exemplifies the different ways in which the
concepts can be applied to other projects
outside of the Learn Site environment.

Also, if you will be attending MASTERs 2015, be

sure to join us for our "Introduction to chipKIT
Embedded Platform" class.

About Digilent
Founded in 2000 by two engineering educators,
Digilent's mission is to make electrical engineering and design technologies understandable
and accessible to all, by enabling educators
and students with modern technologies, tools
and teaching approaches.

29

DESIGN ARTICLE

Coding for Young Engineers

Wearable CodeBug Computer Provides Fun and Engaging
Introduction to Coding and Physical Electronics

any parents and educators are looking for creative ways to encourage children to pursue
a rewarding and meaningful career in engineering. However, since engineering offers
some pretty tricky barriers to entry for youngsters, anything that simplifies it or makes it

fun will be more likely to encourage them to get started with their first projects.
With this in mind, a team of engineers and academics located near Manchester in the UK have
developed a very simple kit that enables young children to easily create code in a graphical web
environment and then load it onto a PIC MCU via a USB cable. Interactive tutorials and code

development are all hosted on the CodeBug website, so theres no need for additional software to
be installed on your PC or tablet.
Once the code has been downloaded onto the
MCU, the CodeBug can be disconnected from the
USB cable. It is powered by a standard CR2032
lithium coin cell, which allows it to be used in a
variety of creative ways without being tied to a
power source. Offering a 5 x 5 matrix of LEDs,
push buttons, touch inputs and easy access to
various I/O, the CodeBug inspires kids to create
a number of fun projects. And, of course, once the
youngsters are engaged and more skilled, they will be well prepared to make the step up to using
MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for creating more challenging projects.
Funding for CodeBug is well on its way. Visit the Codebug Kickstarter page to learn more
about this new and fun educational resource. Also visit Microchip's Academic Program page
to learn about the unique benefits and resources we offer for students, university educators and
researchers worldwide.

30