For embedded designs, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface is widely recognized for its power supply capabilities, streamlined communication protocol, in-field updatability, and device compatibility. Now, AVR DU series of microcontrollers (MCUs) from Microchip Technology states to make it easier to include these capabilities into embedded systems.
The AVR DU family of Microchip 8-bit MCUs is the latest version to incorporate USB connectivity, and it is made to offer more power supply and improved security features than earlier models.
“USB is the standard communication protocol and power delivery method for electronic devices,” said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s 8-bit MCU business unit. “Microchip’s AVR DU family combines the flexibility of our most advanced 8-bit MCUs with the versatility of enhanced power delivery to bring the benefits of USB to a wider range of embedded systems.”
Microchip has affirmed that the AVR DU MCUs are unique in their class of USB microcontrollers. These 8-bit MCUs are known to deliver up to 15W of power through the USB interface.
With USB-C® charging capabilities up to 3A at 5V, these MCUs are a great option for devices such as rechargeable toys and portable power banks.
Microchip’s Program and Debug Interface Disable (PDID) Feature
The AVR DU 8-bit MCUs integrate Microchip’s Program and Debug Interface Disable (PDID) functionality to fortify its resistance against malicious attacks.
The increased code protection in the new 8-bit MCUs is intended to prevent unauthorized attempts to read, edit, or erase firmware and to lock out access to the programming/debugging interface when it is activated.
The AVR DU series uses Read-While-Write (RWW) Flash to provide safe firmware upgrades. When paired with a secure bootloader, this allows designers to use the USB interface to patch bugs, address security issues, and add new features without interfering with the functionality of the product.
The AVR DU MCUs’ upgraded functionality enables continuous in-field updates, contributing to the products’ increased lifespan.
Additionally, by doing away with the requirement for an expensive external crystal thanks to a USB clock recovery feature, the 8-bit MCUs series helps down overall design and Bill of Material (BOM) costs.
Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) reduce design effort and board space by allowing designers to combine system administration and main device functionalities onto a small, single-chip solution.
The extremely efficient AVR DU MCUs can be useful to designers of a wide range of embedded applications, such as industrial and agricultural applications, household appliances, and fitness wearables. A virtual demonstration of the AVR DU family is available at: try.microchip.com.
Development Tools
A software stack that enables hardware features for the USB module of the AVR DU MCU is included in MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC). MCC Melody may effortlessly configure the production-ready USB software stack, which is fully integrated into the MPLAB development tools system. This facilitates the development process and shortens the time to market. AVR DU family members can also be supported by the Curiosity Nano Development Board (EV59F82A), MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and MPLAB XC8 Compiler, which further facilitates quick prototyping and development
Pricing and Availability
For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.
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