Microchip introduces the first family of 8-bit microcontrollers for CAN FD networks

     To meet the need for increased bandwidth and flexible data rates for evolving automotive applications such as safety and communications, while further supporting the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), Microchip Technology announced the introduction of the PIC18 Q84 series of single-chip microcomputer (MCU) products. It is the first PIC18 series microcontroller to transmit and receive data over a Controller Local Area Network (CAN FD) bus with flexible data rates. Microchip's PIC18 Q84 family of products has a large number of kern-independent peripherals (CIPs) that CAN handle a variety of tasks without the need for CPU intervention, reducing time and costs when connecting a system to a CAN FD network.

     The product family provides a simple solution for transferring sensor data to the CAN FD bus without the need for gateways or complex network switching technologies. In addition, the configurable CIP makes it easy to create custom hardware-based features for automotive and industrial designs with virtually zero latency and no additional code required. Available peripherals include 32-bit cyclic redundancy check SCAN (CRC/SCAN) and Window Watchdog Timer (WWDT) for functional safety, as well as Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) interfaces for industry-standard testing and debugging.

     Greg Robinson, vice president of marketing for Microchip's 8-bit MCU business unit, said: "From connected cars to industrial automation and smart homes, CAN FD will continue to play a key role in delivering faster data transfer rates for applications. "With the introduction of the new 8-bit PIC® family of microcontrollers, Microchip will further advance the application of this protocol to help designers create cost-effective network nodes at scale."