Microchip offers two new PIC32 MCU-based development boards, making easy to create 24-bit audio de

Sept. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- 17th September 2012 [NASDAQ-  MCHP] – Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analogue and Flash-IP solutions, today announced two new digital audio mixer boards based on  low pin count 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs).  The DM320014, a USB digital audio accessory board, utilises standard USB 2.0 Mini-B connectivity.  The DM320413, a digital audio mixer board, offers Apple® portable device connectivity.  These two development boards, each powered by Microchip's PIC32MX250F128 32-bit MCU, enable audio and voice device development for a broad range of applications.

Both boards are designed for easy integration of digital and analogue audio into the target application.  Key features include interfaces for digital audio via USB Mini-B or the Apple iOS interface, line-in and microphone-in for convenient connectivity to analogue audio sources such as microphones or instrument pickups, and line-out and headphone out, for line-level output and headphone connectivity.  Each provides an excellent starting point for a portable music player dock design.  Additionally, these features allow the mixing of digital and analog audio, utilising the power of the PIC32's advanced processing capabilities.  The development boards are suitable for applications in the consumer and automotive markets, such as consumer audio docks (including those in stereo systems), noise-cancelling headsets, clock radios or A/V entertainment system sounds bars, as well as in automobiles that offer portable music player docking capabilities.

These two new boards demonstrate Microchip's commitment to making digital audio development easy with the PIC32 MX1 and MX2 microcontrollers.  They feature 66 DMIPS of performance, up to 128 KB Flash, 32 KB of RAM, USB, I2S interfaces and an advanced clocking scheme that provides the signals needed for the external CODEC while eliminating the need for a CODEC with a built-in PLL.  In addition, this series of MCUs offers an 8-bit Parallel Master Port (perfect for interface to an LCD), Microchip's mTouch™ capacitive touch technology support and numerous other general-purpose features.
To maximise the cost-effectiveness of designs that need to decode MP3 files, Microchip is also releasing a Compact MP3 Decode Library.  This new code requires only 21 KB of RAM and can run on the PIC32MX250F128.  Utilising these new boards and the available Compact MP3 Decode Library, designers can reduce development time and shorten their time to market.

"We have seen excellent traction for the PIC32 in audio applications," said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip's MCU32 Division.  "Following Microchip's February announcement of the PIC32MX1 and MX2 series that features I2S CODEC interface, demand has really taken off.  These two new digital audio boards make it easy for developers to take advantage of the PIC32's audio features."

Development support: Developers can begin designing today with these boards, using the Microchip's MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment.  Both development boards can be programmed and debugged by the PICkit™3 (part # PG164130), which is available separately.

Packaging and availability: Both boards are available today. The DM320413 is offered exclusively to Apple MFi licensees, via Apple's authorised distributor.  The DM320014 is available for purchase at microchipDIRECT.  Microchip's Compact MP3 Decode Library will be available by September 28 in non-modifiable binary (part # SW320012-1) form or modifiable source code (part #SW320012-2) on microchipDIRECT.  For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorised worldwide distributor,