A 16-bit microcontroller family — the PIC24 — is a high-performance unit that is able to execute most instructions in a single cycle. It is also able to execute most instructions in a single cycle, meaning that, while the maximum instruction-cycle rate of the PIC24 is 40 MIPS, the maximum throughput is 37 MIPS. Design engineers are able to do more with a 16-bit microcontroller, using the PIC24. The PIC24 and all of the company’s digital signal controllers share the same instruction set, architecture, selected busses, and peripherals — in addition to pin-outs and tool support. This means that engineers don’t have to change code or tools in order to migrate to the right mix of performance and features for their design.