Microchip Technology MA180027

Overview

MA180027 from Microchip Technology Inc. is the PICDEM™ LCD 2 Demonstration Kit - a fully assembled, ready-to-run evaluation platform designed to showcase LCD-driving capabilities of PIC® microcontrollers including the PIC18F85J90 (preinstalled on included PIM), PIC18F87J90, PIC18F8490, PIC16F946, PIC16F917, and PIC16F/LF1946/47 families. It integrates a Varitronix custom segmented LCD, real-time clock circuitry with 32.768 kHz crystal, RS-232 interface, analog input potentiometer, thermistor, EEPROM, and configurable power options.

For engineers reviewing the MA180027 datasheet, MA180027 pinout, MA180027 application, or MA180027 equivalent, this kit serves as a validated hardware reference for rapid prototyping of embedded LCD interfaces, low-power sensor readout systems, and RTC-enabled human-machine interfaces using Microchip's LCD-optimized MCUs.

Technical Context

The MA180027 is a complete demonstration system-not an IC or discrete component-but a functional board-level tool built around interchangeable Plug-in Modules (PIMs). Its architecture supports both standalone operation (with preprogrammed firmware) and in-circuit debugging via MPLAB ICD 2 or emulation via MPLAB ICE, enabling full firmware development, verification, and hardware-software co-validation.

Hardware features include dual oscillator configuration (crystal, canned oscillator, or internal RC), selectable LCD bias generation (resistor ladder or charge pump), jumper-isolated peripherals (LEDs, switches, EEPROM, thermistor), and a prototype area for user-specific circuit integration-making it suitable for evaluating MCU peripheral interaction, LCD drive timing, and mixed-signal subsystem behavior.

Key Specifications

Availability

MA180027 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded LCD interface validation, MCU peripheral integration testing, and educational MCU development requiring stable component supply and documented reference hardware.

Supply support for MA180027 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, certified to ISO/TS-16949:2002 and ISO 9001:2000 for design and manufacturing quality systems.

The MA180027 belongs to Microchip's PICDEM™ family of demonstration kits, engineered specifically to accelerate evaluation and firmware development for PIC microcontrollers with integrated LCD drivers and mixed-signal peripherals.

FAQ

What is the MA180027 and how does it differ from a standard evaluation board?

The MA180027 is the PICDEM™ LCD 2 Demonstration Kit - a purpose-built, application-focused platform optimized for LCD-driven MCU evaluation. Unlike generic evaluation boards, MA180027 includes a preconfigured Varitronix segmented LCD, dual-bias LCD driver circuitry (charge pump/resistor ladder), real-time clock crystal, thermistor, and potentiometer - all wired and jumper-isolated for immediate use in voltmeter, thermometer, clock, and contrast demos without external components.

Which microcontrollers are supported by the MA180027, and is the PIC18F85J90 included?

The MA180027 supports multiple PIC MCU families: PIC18F85J90, PIC18F87J90, PIC18F8490, PIC16F946, PIC16F917, and PIC16F/LF1946/47. A PIC18F85J90-based Plug-in Module (PIM) is included with the MA180027 kit as the default preprogrammed device, shipped in the PIM socket on the mainboard.

Can the MA180027 be used for production firmware development and debugging?

Yes - the MA180027 is fully compatible with Microchip's MPLAB ICD 2 in-circuit debugger and MPLAB ICE emulators. It provides an ICD connector, configurable oscillator options (crystal, canned oscillator, internal RC), and jumper-isolated peripherals, allowing engineers to develop, debug, and verify production firmware directly on the target hardware used in the MA180027 demo environment.

Does the MA180027 include software and documentation, and where can I find the latest resources?

Yes - the MA180027 ships with a CD-ROM containing sample demonstration programs (source code in C and assembly, plus compiled HEX files), the DS51662C User's Guide, and supporting firmware libraries. The latest documentation, firmware updates, and application notes are available at microchip.com under "Development Tools > Demonstration Kits > PICDEM LCD 2".

Is the MA180027 suitable for low-power or battery-operated applications?

Yes - the MA180027 supports low-power operation via its 3V button cell battery input option (jumper J15), configurable LCD bias mode (charge pump reduces current draw), and sleep/wake-up firmware examples. The included PIC18F85J90 PIM operates down to 2.0V, and JP17 allows selection of I/O power source to optimize power efficiency in battery-powered designs using MA180027 as a reference.