Microchip Technology DM164130-2

Overview

DM164130-2 from Microchip Technology is a 64-pin development board for the PIC16LF1946 8-bit Flash microcontroller, featuring integrated LCD driver, capacitive touch sensing, dual EUSARTs, dual MSSPs (SPI/I²C), and XLP ultra-low-power operation. It supports up to 184-segment LCD display, 17-channel mTouch® capacitive sensing, and 10-bit ADC with 17 inputs - enabling rapid prototyping of low-power human-interface applications such as smart thermostats and portable medical displays.

For engineers reviewing the DM164130-2 datasheet, DM164130-2 pinout, DM164130-2 application, or DM164130-2 equivalent, this board provides full access to all 54 I/O pins, dedicated AVDD/AVSS analog power rails, on-board VCAP filtering, and debug interface via ICSP™ and ICD headers - critical for validating mixed-signal timing, LCD biasing, and capacitive sensor calibration in production-representative conditions.

Technical Context

The DM164130-2 implements the PIC16LF1946 microcontroller in a 64-pin TQFP package with factory-calibrated ±1% internal oscillator, supporting 1.8V–3.6V operation and 60 nA standby current. Its hardware architecture includes three Enhanced CCP modules for motor control PWM with programmable dead-band, two independent MSSP peripherals with SMBus/PMBus™ compatibility, and an integrated LCD controller with four commons and up to 46 segments per common.

It integrates a 17-channel Capacitive Sensing Module (CSM) with software-configurable charge-time measurement, rail-to-rail comparators with hysteresis control, and dual EUSARTs supporting RS-232/RS-485/LIN physical layer modes with auto-baud detect - all accessible through unpopulated test points and jumper-selectable signal routing.

Key Specifications

Availability

DM164130-2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart appliance HMI development, portable diagnostic device prototyping, industrial panel meter design, and battery-powered capacitive-touch interface validation requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain continuity.

Supply support for DM164130-2 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 manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools for embedded control applications.

The DM164130-2 belongs to Microchip's PIC16(L)F194X evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of ultra-low-power, LCD-driven, capacitive-touch-enabled embedded systems targeting consumer, medical, and industrial markets.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DM164130-2 development board?

The DM164130-2 is a fully featured evaluation board for the PIC16LF1946 microcontroller. It provides immediate access to all key peripherals - including the 184-segment LCD controller, 17-channel capacitive sensing module, dual EUSARTs, and dual MSSPs - via headers, test points, and pre-routed signal paths. Engineers use the DM164130-2 to validate firmware logic, calibrate touch sensors, verify LCD segment drive strength, and characterize low-power sleep modes before committing to custom PCB layout. The board includes onboard USB-to-UART and ICSP™ interfaces for seamless programming and debugging of the DM164130-2 target MCU.

Does the DM164130-2 support both PIC16LF1946 and PIC16LF1947 microcontrollers?

No - the DM164130-2 is specifically designed and validated for the PIC16LF1946 microcontroller. While the PIC16LF1947 shares the same 64-pin TQFP footprint and peripheral set, it features double the Flash memory (16 KB vs. 8 KB) and double the RAM (1024 bytes vs. 512 bytes). The DM164130-2 hardware does not impose restrictions preventing PIC16LF1947 use, but Microchip's official documentation, firmware examples, and board-specific configuration files are aligned exclusively with the PIC16LF1946. Users substituting PIC16LF1947 must verify memory map alignment, bootloader compatibility, and peripheral register initialization sequences independently.

How is LCD biasing implemented on the DM164130-2?

The DM164130-2 implements LCD biasing using the PIC16LF1946's internal LCD controller with external resistor-divider networks to generate VLCD1–VLCD3 reference voltages. These pins (RE0–RE2) connect directly to the MCU's internal voltage follower outputs, allowing software-controlled contrast adjustment via the LCDCON register. The board routes AVDD and AVSS separately to minimize digital noise coupling into analog LCD drive signals, and includes provision for external capacitor filtering on the VCAP pin (RF0) to stabilize the internal LDO regulator supplying the LCD analog circuitry - ensuring stable segment voltage levels across temperature and supply variations on the DM164130-2.

Can the DM164130-2 be used for production programming of PIC16LF1946 devices?

Yes - the DM164130-2 supports production programming via its standard ICSP™ header (RB6/RB7), which is electrically compatible with Microchip's PICkit™ 3, PICkit™ 4, and MPLAB® ICD 4 programmers. The board includes series resistors and ESD protection on all programming lines, and its layout follows Microchip's recommended ICSP™ routing guidelines. For high-volume manufacturing, the DM164130-2 can serve as a functional test fixture when paired with automated test scripts; however, dedicated gang programmers (e.g., PG164130) are recommended for batch programming due to faster throughput and tighter process control than the DM164130-2's single-device interface.

What power supply options does the DM164130-2 support?

The DM164130-2 accepts power via USB (5 V), external DC barrel jack (6–15 V), or direct connection to the VDD/VSS test points. An onboard MCP1702 LDO regulator converts input to a stable 3.3 V for the PIC16LF1946 core, while separate AVDD/AVSS rails are derived from the same source with additional RC filtering to isolate analog circuitry. Jumper JP1 selects between USB and external supply, and JP2 enables/disables the VCAP filter capacitor for the internal LCD LDO. All supply domains - digital, analog, and LCD - are independently accessible on the DM164130-2 for precise current measurement and noise analysis during low-power mode characterization.