Microchip Technology AC243007

Overview

AC243007 from Microchip Technology is a PICtail™ Plus Evaluation Board designed to interface the MM7150 Motion Module with the Explorer 16 Development Board (#DM240001). It enables rapid evaluation of 9-axis motion sensing (3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis magnetometer), sensor fusion processing via the onboard SSC7150 coprocessor, and real-time HID-compliant data streaming over I²C at 19200 baud - used for motion-controlled HMI prototyping, wearable gesture recognition, and inertial navigation validation.

For engineers reviewing the AC243007 datasheet, AC243007 pinout, AC243007 application, or AC243007 equivalent, this board supports full firmware update (including encrypted motion coprocessor binaries), one-time NVM calibration, sleep/wake control via HOST_TO_SH_WAKE signal, and direct plug-in to Explorer 16's J5 PICtail™ header - all critical for embedded motion algorithm development and production readiness assessment.

Technical Context

The AC243007 board hosts the MM7150 Motion Module, which integrates the SSC7150 motion coprocessor running proprietary sensor fusion firmware. It communicates with the Explorer 16 host (PIC24FJ128GA010) exclusively via I²C at standard 100 kHz/400 kHz rates, using HID-class packet formatting for sensor outputs.

Hardware-level control includes dedicated HOST_TO_SH_WAKE signaling for deep-sleep wake-up sequencing, VREG-regulated power delivery to the MM7150 module, and support for both direct header insertion and extension-cable-based mechanical decoupling - enabling accurate motion capture without board vibration coupling.

Key Specifications

Availability

AC243007 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motion sensor evaluation, embedded firmware validation, and sensor fusion algorithm development requiring stable component supply and traceable legacy toolchain support.

Supply support for AC243007 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools - ISO/TS-16949 certified for automotive-grade design and manufacturing processes.

The AC243007 belongs to Microchip's PICtail™ Plus evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-demonstration for motion-sensing applications using integrated coprocessors and standardized hardware interfaces.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AC243007 evaluation board?

The AC243007 evaluation board serves as a PICtail™ Plus adapter that connects the MM7150 Motion Module to the Explorer 16 Development Board. Its core function is to enable hardware evaluation of the SSC7150 motion coprocessor - supporting real-time 9-axis sensor data acquisition, HID-formatted I²C streaming, firmware updates, and calibration workflows. The AC243007 itself contains no active silicon; it is a passive interconnect and power-regulation platform for the MM7150 module.

Does the AC243007 include an onboard microcontroller or motion sensor?

No, the AC243007 does not contain any integrated microcontroller or motion sensor. It is a carrier board designed exclusively to host and interface the standalone MM7150 Motion Module (which contains the SSC7150 coprocessor and inertial sensors). All processing, sensing, and firmware execution occur on the MM7150 module - the AC243007 provides mechanical mounting, regulated power, I²C signal routing, and HOST_TO_SH_WAKE control signaling to the Explorer 16 host.

Which development boards is the AC243007 compatible with?

The AC243007 is specifically designed for use with the Microchip Explorer 16 Development Board (#DM240001) via its J5 PICtail™ Plus edge connector. Compatibility is mechanical, electrical, and firmware-dependent - it is not validated for use with PICkit, Curiosity, or other Microchip platforms. Direct plug-in requires precise pin 1 alignment with Explorer 16's J5 header, and power must be disconnected before insertion to prevent damage to the AC243007 or MM7150 module.

Can the AC243007 perform sensor calibration independently?

No - the AC243007 has no autonomous calibration capability. Calibration is executed by the SSC7150 coprocessor firmware running on the MM7150 module, triggered and controlled by commands sent from the Explorer 16 host (PIC24FJ128GA010) over I²C. The AC243007 merely routes the required signals (I²C, HOST_TO_SH_WAKE, power) to enable calibration modes - including runtime "figure-8" motion calibration and optional one-time NVM-persistent calibration - as implemented in the MM7150_Exp16_Sample_Code_v1.4.0 firmware.

Is firmware update supported on the AC243007, and how is it performed?

Yes, firmware updates are fully supported for the SSC7150 coprocessor hosted on the MM7150 module interfaced via AC243007. Updates are performed using the Flash Update command (Section 3.5.1) and Flash Configuration Update Command (Section 3.5.2) from the Explorer 16 host application. The AC243007 routes I²C traffic to deliver encrypted binary payloads and configuration parameters - no external programmer or debug interface is required. Recovery from flash corruption is also documented in Section 3.5.3 of the DS50002322E User's Guide.