Microchip Technology MA240017 Data Sheet

Page of 278
PIC24F16KA102 FAMILY
DS39927C-page 18
 2008-2011 Microchip Technology Inc.
2.2
Power Supply Pins
2.2.1
DECOUPLING CAPACITORS
The use of decoupling capacitors on every pair of
power supply pins, such as V
DD
, V
SS
, AV
DD
 and
AV
SS
, is required. 
Consider the following criteria when using decoupling
capacitors:
• Value and type of capacitor: A 0.1 
F (100 nF), 
10-20V capacitor is recommended. The capacitor 
should be a low-ESR device, with a resonance 
frequency in the range of 200 MHz and higher. 
Ceramic capacitors are recommended.
• Placement on the printed circuit board: The 
decoupling capacitors should be placed as close 
to the pins as possible. It is recommended to 
place the capacitors on the same side of the 
board as the device. If space is constricted, the 
capacitor can be placed on another layer on the 
PCB using a via; however, ensure that the trace 
length from the pin to the capacitor is no greater 
than 0.25 inch (6 mm).
• Handling high-frequency noise: If the board is 
experiencing high-frequency noise (upward of 
tens of MHz), add a second ceramic type capaci-
tor in parallel to the above described decoupling 
capacitor. The value of the second capacitor can 
be in the range of 0.01
F to 0.001 F. Place this 
second capacitor next to each primary decoupling 
capacitor. In high-speed circuit designs, consider 
implementing a decade pair of capacitances as 
close to the power and ground pins as possible 
(e.g., 0.1
F in parallel with 0.001 F).
• Maximizing performance: On the board layout 
from the power supply circuit, run the power and 
return traces to the decoupling capacitors first, 
and then to the device pins. This ensures that the 
decoupling capacitors are first in the power chain. 
Equally important is to keep the trace length 
between the capacitor and the power pins to a 
minimum, thereby reducing PCB trace 
inductance.
2.2.2
TANK CAPACITORS
On boards with power traces running longer than
six inches in length, it is suggested to use a tank capac-
itor for integrated circuits, including microcontrollers, to
supply a local power source. The value of the tank
capacitor should be determined based on the trace
resistance that connects the power supply source to
the device, and the maximum current drawn by the
device in the application. In other words, select the tank
capacitor so that it meets the acceptable voltage sag at
the device. Typical values range from 4.7
F to 47 F.
2.3
Master Clear (MCLR) Pin
The MCLR pin provides two specific device
functions: Device Reset, and Device Programming
and Debugging. If programming and debugging are
not required in the end application, a direct
connection to V
DD
 may be all that is required. The
addition of other components, to help increase the
application’s resistance to spurious Resets from
voltage sags, may be beneficial. A typical
configuration is shown in 
. Other circuit
designs may be implemented, depending on the
application’s requirements.
During programming and debugging, the resistance
and capacitance that can be added to the pin must
be considered. Device programmers and debuggers
drive the MCLR pin. Consequently, specific voltage
levels (V
IH
 and V
IL
) and fast signal transitions must
not be adversely affected. Therefore, specific values
of R1 and C1 will need to be adjusted based on the
application and PCB requirements. For example, it is
recommended that the capacitor, C1, be isolated
from the MCLR pin during programming and
debugging operations by using a jumper (
The jumper is replaced for normal run-time
operations.
Any components associated with the MCLR pin
should be placed within 0.25 inch (6 mm) of the pin.
FIGURE 2-2:
EXAMPLE OF MCLR PIN 
CONNECTIONS
Note 1:
R1
 10 k is recommended. A suggested
starting value is 10 k
. Ensure that the
MCLR pin V
IH
 and V
IL
 specifications are met.
2:
R2
 470 will limit any current flowing into
MCLR from the external capacitor, C, in the
event of MCLR pin breakdown, due to
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) or Electrical
Overstress (EOS). Ensure that the MCLR pin
V
IH
 and V
IL
 specifications are met.
C1
R2
R1
V
DD
MCLR
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