Microchip has added a 330nA RAM retention mode with its 16bit PIC24F 'GA3' devices, which also feature 150µA/MHz active current.
Six DMA channels "allow a routine to be executed with less power consumption and increased throughput", said the firm, and these are the first PIC MCUs with a VBAT input, for 400nA battery back-up of the on-chip real-time clock and calendar - VDD to VBAT supply switching occurs automatically as VDD is removed.
There is an integrated LCD driver (480 segment, 8 common), and applications are expected in simple things like thermostats and door locks, as well as home automation, security, portable medical devices, and utility metering.
The firm's CTMU (charge time measurement unit) with a constant current source can be used for capacitive touch sensing, ultrasonic flow measurement and other sensing.
Its 12bit ADC has threshold detection and can be used with the CTMU for in-sleep proximity sensing.
For development of applications, there is the PIC24FJ128GA310 plug-in module (MA240029, $25.00) for the Explorer 16 development board.
An LCD Explorer development board (DM240314) will be available in this month for $125.00.
There are versions with 64 or 128kbyte of Flash, with PIC24FJXXXGA306s coming in 64pin QFN and TQFP packages; 24FJXXGA308 in an 80pin TQFP, and 24FJXXXGA310 in 100pin TQFP and 121BGA.