New Delhi, July 22, 2015: Leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions Microchip Technology,  has announced two new 8-bit families that expand its portfolio of  PIC® Micro Controller Units with Core-Independent Peripherals(CIPs).
These 8-bit MCUs can now be used in a much broader range of applications, due to the growing number of these intelligent, interconnected CIPs that combine to perform functions autonomously, without the core.
Because these functions are deterministically and reliably performed in hardware instead of software, CIPs enable system performance that is far beyond typical 8-bit MCUs while simplifying the design experience and reducing memory cost.
Additionally, these two new families are available in 8 to 40-pin packages, reducing board space while serving a wide 1.8 to 5.5V operating range. Both families offer the Peripheral Pin Select feature, which enables flexible pin mapping and PCB routing to minimise EMI and crosstalk. Example applications include consumer electronics, the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable technology and safety-critical systems.
More about the PIC16F1579 family  here  and about the  PIC16F18877 family here.

Development support: The Curiosity Development Board (part # DM164137) and PICDEM™ LAB II Development Board (part # DM163046) are both available today, to enable easy system design. The freely downloadable MPLAB Code Configurator generates code with the click of a button. It provides a visual representation of an MCU's peripherals, eliminating the need to read data sheets. Additionally, it enables the easy setup of CIPs and provides production-ready code, speeding the development efforts of both new and experienced users. Microchip's MPLAB XC8 compiler and standard programmer/debuggers are also available for purchase.