Microchip’s New PIC-IoT WG Development Board for Google Cloud IoT Core Applications

Microchip announced a new generation of PIC microcontroller designed to rapidly advance IoT applications for Google’s Cloud IoT Core, which they claim will ‘help overcome the difficulties associated with communications protocols, security, and hardware compatibility.’ The company’s PIC-IoT WG combines a low-power PIC MCU, a secure element IC, and a certified Wi-Fi network controller.

“The solution provides a simple way to connect and secure PIC MCU-based applications, removing the added time, cost and security vulnerabilities that come with large software frameworks and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS). Once connected, Google Cloud IoT Core provides powerful data and analytics to help designers make better, smarter products.”

Under the hood, the PIC-IoT WG packs a PIC24FJ128GA705 MCU (16K SRAM, 128K of Flash), an ATWINC1510 Wi-Fi module (single-band 2.4GHz b/g/n IoT network controller/pre-certified), and an ATECC608A CryptoAuthentication device (protected storage for 16 keys, SHA256, AES-CCM, ECDH, ECDSA). The board also includes a 12-bit ADC (@ 200ksps) with up to 14 analog inputs, three comparators, and CTMU for touch applications.

Rounding out the PIC-IoT WG are 4X status LEDs, a pair of mechanical buttons, TEMT6000 light sensor, MCP9808 temperature sensor, and a mikroBUS header for connecting MikroElekronika click boards. It also features an onboard debugger with auto-ID for board identification in MPLAB X, a virtual COM port, and logic analyzer channel (DGI GPIO). The board is even compatible with more than 450 MikroElektronika Click boards, expanding sensors and actuator options.

On the software side, users can program the board using Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE and MCC rapid prototyping tool, which has applications for visualization of their sensor’s data being published as well. The PIC-IoT WG is now available for $29, however, Microchip is only taking bulk order for the board at this point.