1. Overview
The CH592 is a sophisticated 32-bit RISC microcontroller designed for a wide range of embedded applications. It features integrated Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) 5.4 communication, a full-speed USB host and device controller, and a segment LCD driver module. This MCU also includes essential peripherals such as SPI, four UARTs, twelve ADCs, and a touch-key detection module, providing rich resources for diverse projects.
2. Features
- Processor: Qingke RISC-V4C 32-bit RISC processor.
- Instruction Set: Supports RV32IMAC instruction set and self-expanding instructions.
- Interrupts: Fast programmable interrupt controller with hardware interrupt stack.
- Wireless Communication: Integrated 2.4GHz RF transceiver, baseband, and link control.
- Bluetooth: Complies with Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 specifications, supporting 2Mbps and 1Mbps data rates.
- RF Performance: Receiving sensitivity of -95dBm, programmable +4.5dBm transmission power.
- Software: Optimized protocol stack and application layer API provided.
- Sensors: Built-in temperature sensor.
- Real-Time Clock: Built-in RTC, supporting timing and trigger modes.
- USB: Integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver, supporting full/low speed host and device modes.
- Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): 12 external analog signal channels and 2 internal signal channels.
- Display Driver: Segment LCD driver supporting 80 dots (20*4) LCD panels.
- Peripherals: 4 sets of UART, 12 sets of PWM, 1 SPI, and 1 IIC.
- GPIOs: 24 General Purpose Input/Output pins, with 4 supporting 5V signal input.
- Power Supply: Supports a minimum of 1.7V power supply.
- Security: AES-128 encryption and decryption, unique chip ID.
3. Specifications
3.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
3.2 Electrical Characteristics
3.3 Package Information
The CH592 series is available in various Quad Flat No-lead (QFN) packages, each with specific dimensions and pin counts.
| Package | Body size | Lead pitch | Description | Ordering Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QFN32 | 4*4mm | 0.4mm | Quad no-lead 32-pin | CH592X |
| QFN28 | 4*4mm | 0.4mm | Quad no-lead 28-pin | CH592F |
| QFN20 | 3*3mm | 0.4mm | Quad no-lead 20-pin | CH591D |
CH592X (QFN32) Package Dimensions
CH592F (QFN28) Package Dimensions
CH591D (QFN20) Package Dimensions
3.4 Pinout Diagrams
CH592X Pinout
CH592F Pinout
CH591D Pinout
3.5 Functional Comparison
The table below provides a comparison of key features across the CH592 series models.
4. Applications
The CH592 series microcontrollers are versatile and can be integrated into various electronic designs. Below are example application circuits for the CH592X and CH592F models, illustrating typical connections for power, USB, display, and other peripherals.
4.1 CH592X Application Circuit
4.2 CH592F Application Circuit
5. Setup
Setting up the CH592 series MCU involves hardware integration and software development. This section provides general guidelines.
5.1 Hardware Integration
- Power Supply: Connect the VDD33 pin to a stable power source within the specified voltage range (1.7V to 4.2V). Ensure proper decoupling capacitors are used near the power pins.
- Grounding: Connect all GND pins to a common ground plane to minimize noise.
- Clock Source: The MCU typically requires an external crystal oscillator for stable operation. Refer to the datasheet for recommended crystal values and connection diagrams.
- Programming Interface: Connect the appropriate pins (e.g., SWD, UART) to a compatible programmer/debugger for flashing firmware.
- Peripherals: Connect external components (e.g., sensors, LCD, USB devices) to the respective GPIOs and peripheral interfaces as per your application design and the pinout diagrams.
- RF Antenna: For BLE functionality, ensure a properly designed 2.4GHz antenna is connected to the ANT pin.
5.2 Software Development Environment
WCH provides development tools and resources for programming the CH592 series. It is recommended to use the official SDK and IDE for optimal compatibility and performance.
- Download and install the WCH-provided development environment (e.g., MounRiver Studio).
- Obtain the CH592 series SDK and example projects from the official WCH website.
- Familiarize yourself with the provided API and documentation for BLE, USB, LCD, and other peripherals.
6. Operating Instructions
Operating the CH592 MCU primarily involves programming it with your custom firmware. Once programmed, the MCU will execute the embedded application.
- Firmware Development: Write your application code using the WCH SDK and C/C++ programming language. This includes configuring peripherals, implementing communication protocols (BLE, USB, UART, SPI, I2C), and defining application logic.
- Compilation: Compile your source code into an executable binary file (e.g., .hex, .bin) using the provided toolchain within the development environment.
- Flashing: Use a compatible programmer/debugger (e.g., WCH-Link) to flash the compiled firmware onto the CH592 MCU via the programming interface (e.g., SWD).
- Power On: After successful flashing, power on the MCU. The embedded application will start executing automatically.
- Interaction: Interact with the MCU through its configured interfaces, such as sending/receiving data via BLE, USB, or UART, or observing output on the Segment LCD.
7. Maintenance
Microcontrollers generally require minimal physical maintenance once integrated into a system. However, software and environmental considerations are important.
- Environmental Conditions: Ensure the MCU operates within its specified ambient temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and avoid excessive humidity or corrosive environments.
- Power Stability: Provide a clean and stable power supply to prevent unexpected behavior or damage.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check the WCH official website for firmware updates, bug fixes, or new features for the CH592 series.
- ESD Protection: Handle the MCU with proper Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions to prevent damage to sensitive internal components.
- Physical Inspection: Periodically inspect the PCB and connections for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose contacts, especially in harsh environments.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your CH592 MCU, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- No Power/Boot-up Failure:
- Verify power supply voltage and current.
- Check all power and ground connections for continuity.
- Ensure the crystal oscillator is correctly connected and functioning.
- Programming/Flashing Issues:
- Confirm the programmer/debugger is correctly connected to the MCU's programming interface.
- Check driver installation for the programmer/debugger.
- Ensure the correct MCU model is selected in the development environment.
- Try a different USB port or cable for the programmer.
- Peripheral Malfunction:
- Double-check wiring and connections to the peripheral.
- Review your code for correct peripheral initialization and configuration.
- Consult the datasheet for specific peripheral register settings and timing requirements.
- BLE Connectivity Problems:
- Ensure the antenna is properly connected and matched.
- Check for interference from other 2.4GHz devices.
- Verify BLE stack initialization and advertising parameters in your firmware.
- Unexpected Behavior/Crashes:
- Use a debugger to step through your code and identify the point of failure.
- Check for stack overflows or memory access violations.
- Ensure all interrupts are handled correctly.
9. User Tips
To maximize your experience with the CH592 series microcontrollers, consider the following tips:
- Start with Examples: Begin by exploring the demo projects provided in the WCH SDK. These examples demonstrate basic peripheral usage and can serve as a foundation for your own applications.
- Refer to Datasheet: The official datasheet is your primary resource for detailed technical specifications, register descriptions, and electrical characteristics. Always consult it for precise information.
- Community Support: Engage with online forums or communities dedicated to RISC-V or WCH microcontrollers. Other developers may have encountered similar issues and can offer solutions or insights.
- Modular Code: Develop your firmware in a modular fashion, separating different functionalities into distinct files or modules. This improves readability, maintainability, and reusability.
- Version Control: Use a version control system (e.g., Git) to manage your code. This allows you to track changes, revert to previous versions, and collaborate effectively.
10. Documentation & Support
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, please refer to the official WCH resources:
- Official Website: https://www.wch-ic.com
WCH Official Website for product information and support. - Datasheet: The comprehensive datasheet for the CH592 series can be found at https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH592DS1_PDF.html. This document contains detailed electrical specifications, pin descriptions, and functional block diagrams.
- Demo Code & SDK: Example projects and the Software Development Kit (SDK) are available for download at https://www.wch.cn/downloads/CH592EVT_ZIP.html. These resources are crucial for starting your development with the CH592 MCU.
