Whether for entry-level embedded development, as the primary controller for connecting applications or as an add-on to ease large system loads, the role of 8-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) continues to expand. Although in essence, hardware and software tools such as kernel-independent peripherals (CIP), intelligent analog, and MPLAB® code configurators are not esoteric and difficult to implement, their role can not be ignored, they can improve processing. Capabilities while reducing code size, power consumption, and design effort required for rapid time to market. With this in mind, Microchip Technology, the world's leading provider of integrated patented microcontrollers, mixed-signal, analog devices and flash memory solutions Inc. (US micro-core technology company) launched two new microcontroller series designed for the purpose of customer innovation. The new PIC16F18446 family of microcontrollers is the ideal device for sensor nodes. For flexibility, the PIC16F18446 and its integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC2) operate from 1.8V to 5V and are compatible with most analog output sensors and digital sensors. The 12-bit ADC2 automatically filters to provide more accurate analog sensor readings and ultimately deliver higher quality end-user data. Because this ADC2 wakes up the core on demand, rather than on a predetermined schedule, this reduces system power consumption, making the MCU ideal for battery-powered applications. In addition, this energy-saving feature allows the sensor node to operate with a small battery, reducing end-user maintenance costs and overall design footprint. The release of the ATmega4809 is a new family of megaAVR® microcontrollers designed to create high-response command and control applications. Its integrated high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has powerful processing power to speed up analog signal conversion for a deterministic system response. As the first megaAVR device to include a core-independent peripheral (CIP), the ATmega4809 can perform tasks through hardware rather than software. This reduces the amount of code and significantly reduces the amount of software work, which speeds time to market. For example, configurable custom logic (CCL) peripherals can be connected to a custom external trigger combination via hardware without interrupting the core, reducing power consumption while reducing response time. In addition, the ATmega4809 can be added to the system to enable a variety of functions that can be provided by more complex microprocessor-based (MPU) designs. By using CIP to execute command and control tasks in the MCU without using the MPU, the risk of response delay is greatly reduced, resulting in a better end-user experience. Due to its superior performance, the ATmega4809 was selected as the onboard microcontroller for the next-generation Arduino development board. Adding ATmega4809 devices to the board saves developers time to write code so they can spend more time focusing on innovation. Hardware-based CIP makes design creation more efficient, and the transition from project development to mass production is easier than ever. Steve, Vice President, Microchip's 8-Bit MCU Products Drehobl said: "The new generation of Arduino development board uses ATmega4809 device, which not only strengthens the cooperation relationship between the two companies, but also brings the advantages of CIP and intelligent simulation to the Arduino platform." Development Tools The new PIC16F18446 microcontroller family is compatible with MPLAB PICkit? 4 (part number: PG164140), the latest online tool from Microchip for low-cost programming and debugging. The Curiosity Development Board (part number: DM164137) is a feature-rich, rapid prototyping board that also helps designers build on these MCUs. Both development tools are supported by the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the MPLAB Xpress Cloud IDE. In addition, Microchip offers the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC). As a free software plug-in, it provides a graphical interface to help designers configure a variety of peripherals and functions for any application. Designers who want to start development work today can download quick-start code samples and grab the free MPLAB Xpress PIC16F18446 development board for a limited time. With the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro (part number: ATmega4809-XPRO) evaluation kit, designers can quickly complete prototyping based on the ATmega4809. This USB-powered kit features touch buttons, LEDs, expansion headers for quick installation, and an onboard programmer/debugger that integrates seamlessly with Atmel Studio 7 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and Atmel START. Atmel START is a free online tool for configuring peripherals and software to speed development. The Curiosity Development Board and the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit include a compatible mikroBUS® socket for easy addition of sensors, actuators or communication interfaces in the Mikroelektronika click boards. 4 (part number: PG164140), the latest online tool from Microchip for low-cost programming and debugging. The Curiosity Development Board (part number: DM164137) is a feature-rich, rapid prototyping board that also helps designers build on these MCUs. Both development tools are supported by the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the MPLAB Xpress Cloud IDE. In addition, Microchip offers the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC). As a free software plug-in, it provides a graphical interface to help designers configure a variety of peripherals and functions for any application. Designers who want to start development work today can download quick-start code samples and grab the free MPLAB Xpress PIC16F18446 development board for a limited time. With the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro (part number: ATmega4809-XPRO) evaluation kit, designers can quickly complete prototyping based on the ATmega4809. This USB-powered kit features touch buttons, LEDs, expansion headers for quick installation, and an onboard programmer/debugger that integrates seamlessly with Atmel Studio 7 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and Atmel START. Atmel START is a free online tool for configuring peripherals and software to speed development. The Curiosity Development Board and the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit include a compatible mikroBUS® socket for easy addition of sensors, actuators or communication interfaces in the Mikroelektronika click boards. 4 (part number: PG164140), the latest online tool from Microchip for low-cost programming and debugging. The Curiosity Development Board (part number: DM164137) is a feature-rich, rapid prototyping board that also helps designers build on these MCUs. Both development tools are supported by the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the MPLAB Xpress Cloud IDE. In addition, Microchip offers the MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC). As a free software plug-in, it provides a graphical interface to help designers configure a variety of peripherals and functions for any application. Designers who want to start development work today can download quick-start code samples and grab the free MPLAB Xpress PIC16F18446 development board for a limited time. With the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro (part number: ATmega4809-XPRO) evaluation kit, designers can quickly complete prototyping based on the ATmega4809. This USB-powered kit features touch buttons, LEDs, expansion headers for quick installation, and an onboard programmer/debugger that integrates seamlessly with Atmel Studio 7 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and Atmel START. Atmel START is a free online tool for configuring peripherals and software to speed development. The Curiosity Development Board and the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit include a compatible mikroBUS® socket for easy addition of sensors, actuators or communication interfaces in the Mikroelektronika click boards. Designers who want to start development work today can download quick-start code samples and grab the free MPLAB Xpress PIC16F18446 development board for a limited time. With the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro (part number: ATmega4809-XPRO) evaluation kit, designers can quickly complete prototyping based on the ATmega4809. This USB-powered kit features touch buttons, LEDs, expansion headers for quick installation, and an onboard programmer/debugger that integrates seamlessly with Atmel Studio 7 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and Atmel START. Atmel START is a free online tool for configuring peripherals and software to speed development. The Curiosity Development Board and the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit include a compatible mikroBUS® socket for easy addition of sensors, actuators or communication interfaces in the Mikroelektronika click boards. Designers who want to start development work today can download quick-start code samples and grab the free MPLAB Xpress PIC16F18446 development board for a limited time. With the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro (part number: ATmega4809-XPRO) evaluation kit, designers can quickly complete prototyping based on the ATmega4809. This USB-powered kit features touch buttons, LEDs, expansion headers for quick installation, and an onboard programmer/debugger that integrates seamlessly with Atmel Studio 7 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and Atmel START. Atmel START is a free online tool for configuring peripherals and software to speed development. The Curiosity Development Board and the ATmega4809 Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit include a compatible mikroBUS® socket for easy addition of sensors, actuators or communication interfaces in the Mikroelektronika click boards.