Microchip Introduces Lighting Communications Development Platform for Designing Communications-Enabled Lighting Applications

Microchip DV160214-1 DV160214-2

Eases the Creation of Lighting Systems Using Advanced PIC Microcontroller Peripheral Integration

Microchip Technology Inc. announced  its Lighting Communications Development Platform.  This full-featured, universal lighting development platform provides all of the components required to create a DMX512A or DALI lighting network, offering users a complete “out-of-the-box” experience.  This enables lighting engineers to design intelligent lighting and control systems with a large array of Microchip’s 8, 16 and 32-bit PIC microcontrollers; and analog, wireless, and human-interface solutions.

Microchip представила специальную отладочную платформу для разработки осветительных систем

The Starter Kit includes two main boards, two communications-interface adapters (DALI or DMX512A), one prototype board and the required cables/power supplies.  Designers new to lighting communications can quickly and easily start creating connected lighting applications via a simple board-to-board network.  This platform utilizes a single, low-cost 8-bit PIC MCU for the user interface, LED control and communications.  Software development is based on the free Microchip DALI and DMX512A libraries, which are written in C and can be ported to any PIC microcontroller.  Additionally, the kit features the Cree XLamp MC-E Color LED, enabling high-lumen output in a small form factor, along with a LEDnLIGHT collimator LLC19N optic and holder by Gaggione for high-quality color mixing and tight beam control.  Industry-standard lighting communication connectors and isolation devices are also included.

Main Communication Board Highlights

  • Populated with PIC16F1947 for user interface, communications, and LED control
  • 4-channel constant current control with RGBW color mixing and dimming
  • Slider potentiometer for dimming control
  • Universal Communications Adapter Interface
  • DALI, DMX512A, and future support
  • Master & Slave support for DALI and DMX512A
  • DALI commissioning and support for custom zones & scenes
  • LCD display & push button user interface
  • Customizable capabilities
  • Populated with MCP6004 Opamp for LED current feedback
  • Populated with MCP16322 for 5V power conversion
  • Populated with Cree XLamp MC-E Color delivering red, green, royal-blue, and white in a single LED – High lumen output in a small form factor
  • Populated with the LEDnLIGHT collimator LLC19N optic and holder by Gaggione for high quality color mixing and tight beam control
  • 9-12V Power Supply Input

With the ability to create fully customized lighting solutions, this new platform greatly reduces costs and provides quicker time to market via Microchip’s free DMX512A and DALI software libraries.  By utilizing a PIC MCU, lighting engineers can add numerous feature enhancements into their smart lighting infrastructure designs, including increased efficiencies, reduced costs and an improved user experience.  Additionally, the platform enables easy integration into an existing lighting communication network for the development of advanced network applications.

Pricing & Availability
Microchip’s Lighting Communications Development Platforms are available now, including the DALI Starter Kit (part # DV160214-1, $190.00) and DMX512A Starter Kit (part # DV160214-2, $245.00) options.  Arrow Electronics is the first distributor with kits available, and is selling them at a 20% discount for the first 60 days.

microchip.com

You may have to register before you can post comments and get full access to forum.
EMS supplier