The Missing Link in Microcontrollers: PIC16F13145 with CLB

The Missing Link in Microcontrollers: PIC16F13145 with CLB

The Configurable Logic Block (CLB) enhances the functionality of the PIC16F13145 to make it much more than just a microcontroller.

Configurable Logic Block

The CLB enables custom logic with 32 individual elements.

• Enables users to configure simple operations to run without using the CPU
• Ideal for fast, low-latency decision-making and processing
• Reduces power usage & provides consistent operation for repetitive tasks

Ideal Applications

• Real-Time Control Systems: With efficient peripherals and fast logic capabilities, this MCU family is great for real-time control systems requiring quick, reliable decision-making.
• Digital Sensor Nodes: The flexible CLB and low power consumption make the PIC16F13145 ideal for sensor nodes in IoT, automation, and environmental monitoring.
• Industrial & Automotive Markets: Its performance, low power, and compact size make the PIC16F13145 ideal for industrial and automotive control systems, monitoring and diagnostics.

Typical Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1

• Problem: A power conversion system requires fault detection with very accurate timing
• Problem: Software-based error computing doesn't have known timing
• Solution: The CLB-based error monitoring provides consistent timing

Challenge 2

• Problem: A motor position monitor generates a quadrature encoded signal
• Problem: The microcontroller needs a decoded signal
• Solution: The CLB can debounce & decode signals without using CPU resources

Challenge 3

• Problem: An integrated circuit needs a specific power up sequence
• Problem: The power sequencing requires a tight timing tolerance
• Solution: The CLB logic circuitry provides consistent power sequencing

Challenge 4

• Problem: A power system needs fast fault detection
• Problem: Software-based monitoring cannot always provide real-time detection
• Solution: The CLB catches faults quickly and can trigger safety measures

Challenge 5

• Problem: An integrated circuit requires additional logic to communicate with a microcontroller
• Problem: Adding additional logic hardware would increase the BOM and complexity
• Solution: The CLB can act as glue logic between components

Challenge 6

• Problem: A motor is driven by an H-bridge circuit
• Problem: MCUs require additional motor drive hardware to control H-bridge FETs
• Solution: The CLB can act as a motor drive, eliminating the need for additional hardware