Microchip’s PIC16F132 and PIC18 Q35 microcontroller families integrate hardware-based configurable logic directly on the MCU, allowing designers to implement real-time control functions without relying solely on firmware execution.
This approach enables faster response times, reduced CPU loading, and more deterministic system behaviour compared to software only designs.
Both families incorporate configurable logic that can be used to monitor inputs, generate control signals, filter events, and manage timing critical functions independently of the CPU. On the PIC16F132, configurable logic cells (CLC) allow common glue logic and control functions to be implemented on chip, reducing external components and interrupting overhead.
These logic blocks can operate alongside core analogue peripherals such as ADCs with computation, comparators, and DACs to offload routine decision-making from firmware.
The PIC18 Q35 family expands this concept further with an enhanced configurable logic block (CLB) architecture, enabling more complex logic functions to run autonomously, including during low power modes.
This makes PIC18 Q35 devices a strong fit for designs that require precise timing, custom digital interfaces, or always on monitoring while still maintaining software flexibility. Together, PIC16F132 and PIC18 Q35 provide a scalable platform for engineers looking to move time critical or repetitive logic into hardware without introducing external CPLDs or FPGAs.
Features include deterministic, low latency signal handling without firmware intervention, peripheral pin select for flexible I/O routing and easier board layout and enhanced code protection and non-volatile configuration options.
Applications cover hardware-based control and sequencing, real-time signal monitoring and event detection, industrial and embedded control systems, and custom interface and timing logic.
The Microchip PIC16F132 and PIC18 Q35 microcontroller families are in stock at authorised distributor DigiKey.
