What if timing critical logic no longer needed separate hardware? A shift inside microcontrollers is redefining latency, determinism and system level design trade-offs.
Microchip Technology has expanded its microcontroller portfolio with new Configurable Logic Block based PIC16F13276 and PIC18-Q35 devices, integrating programmable logic and embedded control into a single chip for timing critical applications.
The approach addresses a key challenge in systems such as motor control, industrial automation, and automotive safety, where latency and unpredictable software execution can affect performance. By enabling logic functions to run in dedicated hardware instead of software, the devices help reduce latency, improve determinism, and lower power consumption. This integration also eliminates the need for separate CPLD and MCU components, reducing bill of materials, saving board space, and simplifying overall system design.
From a design perspective, the microcontrollers offer predictable startup behavior by allowing the configurable logic to initialize independently of the CPU. The PIC16F13276 family includes 32 logic elements, while the PIC18 Q35 family offers 128, enabling parallel and deterministic logic execution alongside embedded control. Compatibility with existing PIC16 and PIC18 designs supports easier adoption without full system redesign. Additional features such as Programming and Debugging Interface Disable provide anti tamper protection, while hardware based timing paths and analysis tools help identify delays and critical paths early in development.
Development is supported through tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio Code, MPLAB X IDE, and MPLAB Code Configurator, along with evaluation kits for rapid prototyping and testing.
“Our new product development isn’t based on keeping pace with competitors, it’s based on efficiently solving real world design challenges,” said Greg Robinson, Corporate Vice President. “By enabling CPLD like functionality on a low power, cost effective microcontroller, these two families give engineers an easy way to add programmable logic to their designs.”
Click here for the official announcement.
