PIC18F4620 <> 18F46Q10

future · Joined: 14 May 2004 Posts: 330

Hello everybody,

I have just came across this new chip and it looks to be a good cheaper replacement for the 4620 I've been using for years now.

Since this is an old project I also have an old compiler version. Looking at the ccs website does not show support for this Q family.

Before trying I'd like to ask if I should consider trying the 4620 fw on it? What do you think I can do to run the newer chips?

Thank you.

Ttelmah · Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 19535

No. Any different chip will require changes to the setup, and fuses at the
least. The new chip uses PPS, so all the peripheral pins will have
to be configured using this, which the 4620 code won't do.
This chip is _new_. Only been out a month. No support even
in the latest compiler. It also already has quite a few errata, so support
for these will need to be added (funnily the errata sheet is dated next month).
Expect support in a month or two. Usually takes this long for new chips
to be added to the database, but if you ask CCS, they may well add this
chip straight away (they will do this).

temtronic · Posted: Tue May 07, 2019 7:07 am

Considering the headaches others have had 'upgrading' PICs, I wouldn't bother. As Mr. T points out it is ENW and already has problems. I have to ask, how much cheaper and what quantity are we talking?
Say it's $1 per PIC cheaper and you use 100 pcs. That's a $100 'savings'. Now consider your R&D time to get it to work. First off, your WORKING code will NOT run on the new PIC, changes have to be made. IF it takes more than 1-2 hours, then all that 'profit' is eaten up by your R&D time. We all know it'll take longer. So that $100 savings is lost, 100 units NOT shipped out, 100 unhappy clients.
I still use TTL<>USB modules at $2 each as it's cheaper overall, to have a known working item than 'save' a buck, literally, per unit.
We only get so many hours in this World, shame to use up a lot of them fighting the 'newest and greatest' PIC....that don't work like the old 'reliable' one....

Jay

future · Joined: 14 May 2004 Posts: 330

Thank you for the input.

The cost ratio is 5.30/1.82. Units in the hundreds.

I have been away from the 18f families. Changed to the dspic and xc16 a few years ago.

I was surprised to see cheaper and more powerful micros.

Ttelmah · Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 19535

There are lots of 'current' PIC's (ones that launched perhaps last year),
that cost less than the older PIC's. Have a look at whether any of these
would suit your needs.
What about the 18F47K42. This has become a 'bread and butter' PIC
for jobs wanting the 40pin package. Twice the ROM, Twice the RAM,
$1.54.
Interestingly if you use MicroChip's parametric search, it does not yet
include the Q10, perhaps tells you how new this really is...
Generally newer chips are much more flexible (most PIC's launched in the
last year+ support PPS), usually more RAM and ROM, and lower power.
Be aware though that these are often more susceptible to RF noise than
older PIC's.

future · Joined: 14 May 2004 Posts: 330

Amazing little device.

The new interrupt system and the shadow registers will help a lot.

I do not think that CCS has added new functions for loading the ivt. I have the manual from March/19.

Have you tried it yet?