Microchip Technology MA180019

Overview

MA180019 from Microchip Technology is a Plug-in Module (PIM) designed for the PICDEM™ LCD 2 Demonstration Kit, prepopulated with the PIC18F85J90 microcontroller. It provides full LCD driver capability, integrated 10-bit ADC, real-time clock support via 32.768 kHz crystal, and operates at 3.3V supply. The module enables rapid evaluation of segmented LCD control, analog sensing, and low-power timing applications on the demonstration board.

For engineers reviewing the MA180019 datasheet, MA180019 pinout, MA180019 application, or MA180019 equivalent, this PIM serves as a hardware-ready platform to validate PIC18F85J90 firmware integration, LCD bias configuration (charge pump vs. resistor ladder), and peripheral interface behavior-including RS-232 communication, EEPROM access, and thermistor-based temperature measurement-without custom PCB design.

Technical Context

The MA180019 PIM implements the PIC18F85J90's integrated LCD controller driving up to 128 segments using software-configurable bias generation (charge pump or resistor ladder). It supports dual oscillator modes: internal RC for low-power operation and external 32.768 kHz crystal for RTC accuracy.

Its analog subsystem includes two dedicated ADC input channels (AN0 for potentiometer voltage, AN1 for thermistor), with firmware-controlled sampling and conversion used in Voltmeter and Thermometer demo modes. The module interfaces directly with the PICDEM LCD 2's ICD connector, RS-232 transceiver, and Microwire EEPROM socket without additional level-shifting or signal conditioning.

Key Specifications

Availability

MA180019 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded LCD development, microcontroller evaluation, and educational prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented reference firmware.

Supply support for MA180019 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools, with ISO/TS-16949:2002 certification across its design and wafer fabrication facilities.

The MA180019 belongs to Microchip's PICDEM demonstration ecosystem, designed specifically to accelerate evaluation of PIC18FXXJ90 family features - especially integrated LCD control, low-power analog sensing, and RTC functionality - in real-world hardware contexts.

FAQ

What is the MA180019 and how does it integrate with the PICDEM LCD 2 board?

The MA180019 is a Plug-in Module (PIM) prepopulated with the PIC18F85J90 microcontroller, shipped with the PICDEM™ LCD 2 Demonstration Kit. It inserts into the designated PIM socket on the board and provides immediate access to all on-board peripherals - including the Varitronix segmented LCD, thermistor, potentiometer, RS-232 interface, and EEPROM - enabling out-of-box execution of four preloaded demo applications. The MA180019 requires no soldering or configuration to begin evaluation.

Does the MA180019 support real-time clock functionality, and what hardware is required?

Yes, the MA180019 supports real-time clock (RTC) functionality through the PIC18F85J90's Timer1 module and external 32.768 kHz crystal (Y2 on PICDEM LCD 2 board). The crystal is included on the base board; no additional components are needed. Jumper settings JP11 and JP12 must be connected to route the crystal signal to OSC1/OSC2, and the demo firmware initializes Timer1 in asynchronous mode to maintain timekeeping during sleep.

Can the MA180019 be reprogrammed, and what tools are required?

Yes, the MA180019 can be reprogrammed using ICSP™ (In-Circuit Serial Programming) via the ICD connector on the PICDEM LCD 2 board. Required tools include an MPLAB ICD 2 or MPLAB PICkit™ 3 debugger/programmer, MPLAB X IDE or legacy MPLAB IDE, and either MPASM™ Assembler or MPLAB C18 Compiler. The PIC18F85J90's Flash memory allows full firmware overwrite without removing the MA180019 from the board.

What LCD bias options does the MA180019 enable, and how are they selected?

The MA180019 supports both resistor ladder and charge pump LCD bias generation methods via the PIC18F85J90's integrated LCD controller. Selection is made using slide switch S6 on the PICDEM LCD 2 board: position "R" activates the resistor ladder; position "C" enables the internal charge pump. Firmware controls contrast dynamically in Charge Pump mode (F4 demo), while resistor ladder mode uses fixed external resistors (R45–R48) for static bias.

Is the MA180019 compatible with other PICDEM boards or only the PICDEM LCD 2?

The MA180019 is mechanically and electrically designed for the PICDEM™ LCD 2 board's specific PIM socket and signal routing. While the PIC18F85J90 device itself may be used on other platforms, the MA180019 PIM's pinout, footprint, and onboard configuration (e.g., default jumpers, pull-ups) are optimized exclusively for PICDEM LCD 2. It is not guaranteed to function correctly on other PICDEM boards without hardware or firmware adaptation.