Microchip Technology Automotive 8-Bit Microcontrollers

Microchip Technology Automotive 8-Bit Microcontrollers include MCUs with the PIC® and AVR® architecture. Capturing the best features of both architectures enables Microchip to offer plentiful solutions for every type of automotive system. From Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications based on touch technology to underhood applications requiring high-temperature robustness to simple watchdog-type applications requiring a small form factor, users can find extensive options that meet specific requirements.

One of the unique features of the PIC microcontroller is the core-independent peripheral (CIP) concept, which is a highly configurable hardware module. They were designed to reduce interrupt latency, lower power consumption, and increase system efficiency and safety while minimizing design time and effort.

Most of the Automotive AVRs offer support for capacitive touch sensing functionality through the Qtouch library in combination with the powerful core and rich peripheral set. Likewise, PIC microcontrollers support capacitive touch applications through peripherals such as the CVD and CTMU.

More and more automotive electronic systems are finding their way underhood, which drives the requirement for semiconductors that can withstand higher temperatures. Many of the PIC and AVR 8-bit MCUs are qualified for the AEC-Q100 Grade 0 (-40°C to +150°C) standard.

For applications that are required to communicate on the CAN bus, several 8-bit PIC and AVR microcontrollers offer an integrated CAN controller that simplifies the development of a networked solution.