Microchip Technology MA180015

Overview

MA180015 from Microchip Technology is a Plug-in Module (PIM) designed to evaluate PIC18 J-series 3V microcontrollers on the PICDEM™ HPC Explorer Board (DM183022). It supports devices including PIC18F87J50 and PIC18F67J50, features full-speed USB 2.0 interface, integrated 20 MHz crystal oscillator, and operates at 3.0 V nominal supply voltage for low-power embedded USB applications.

For engineers reviewing the MA180015 datasheet, MA180015 pinout, MA180015 application, or MA180015 equivalent, this module enables rapid validation of USB-enabled PIC18 J-series MCU firmware, power sequencing, peripheral integration, and USB descriptor compliance in development environments using MPLAB IDE, Application Maestro, or MPLAB VDI.

Technical Context

The MA180015 implements a hardware abstraction layer between the HPC Explorer base board and 3V PIC18 J-series MCUs with integrated USB transceivers. It provides level-shifted USB D+/D− signals, auto-sensed 3V supply regulation, and crystal-based clocking synchronized to the target MCU's USB PLL requirements.

This PIM routes all 80-pin QFP signals from the mounted MCU to the HPC Explorer's mezzanine connector while isolating USB VBUS detection, pull-up control, and 3.3V LDO output to meet PIC18F87J50 USB electrical specifications per USB-IF compliance guidelines.

Key Specifications

Availability

MA180015 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB device prototyping, PIC18 J-series MCU evaluation, and embedded firmware development requiring stable component supply across industrial control, medical sensor interfaces, and consumer USB peripherals.

Supply support for MA180015 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 components, and development tools for embedded systems.

The MA180015 belongs to Microchip's PICDEM Plug-in Module product line, engineered to extend the functionality of high-pin-count evaluation platforms with voltage- and interface-optimized hardware for specific MCU families.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MA180015?

The MA180015 is a Plug-in Module that enables evaluation of 3V PIC18 J-series microcontrollers-specifically PIC18F87J50 and PIC18F67J50-on the PICDEM™ HPC Explorer Board. It provides full-speed USB connectivity, precise 3.0 V regulation, and 20 MHz crystal timing required for USB compliance testing and firmware development of the MA180015-supported MCUs.

Which development board is required to use the MA180015?

The MA180015 is mechanically and electrically designed for use exclusively with the PICDEM™ HPC Explorer Board (DM183022). It mounts into the board's mezzanine socket and relies on the base board for power distribution, programming interface (ICSP), and expansion headers. The MA180015 does not operate standalone and requires DM183022 for functional validation.

Does the MA180015 support PIC18F87J10 or other J-series variants?

No-the MA180015 is specifically validated for PIC18F87J50 and PIC18F67J50, as confirmed by Microchip's official PIM documentation and compatibility notes. PIC18F87J10 lacks integrated USB and uses different pinout and voltage requirements; it is supported by separate PIMs such as MA180011–MA180016 series but not by the MA180015.

Can the MA180015 be used with MPLAB REAL ICE or PICkit 2?

Yes-the MA180015 retains full ICSP™ (In-Circuit Serial Programming) connectivity through the HPC Explorer Board, enabling debugging and programming with MPLAB REAL ICE™, MPLAB ICD 2, and PICkit™ 2. All debug/program signals are routed unaltered from the base board to the mounted MCU, preserving full toolchain compatibility for the MA180015 platform.

Is a crystal oscillator included on the MA180015 board?

Yes-the MA180015 integrates a 20 MHz parallel-resonant HC-49/US crystal oscillator directly on the module. This crystal is electrically matched to the PIC18F87J50's OSC1/OSC2 inputs and satisfies USB PLL jitter and frequency stability requirements specified in the PIC18F87J50 datasheet, eliminating the need for external clock sources when using the MA180015.