Microchip Technology Inc. is sponsoring a "Microchip 16-bit Embedded Control Design Contest." Engineers have until October 16, 2007 to win their share of the $15,000 in prizes and gain international recognition for their ingenuity in designing with the over 90 16-bit PIC24 microcontrollers and dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) that are commercially available today. Contestants can also win bonus points within the three primary and seven subcategory prize categories by using any of 17 eligible Microchip analog, communication, and memory devices in conjunction with a Microchip 16-bit controller.

The first step is to request a free sample kit online at www.circuitcellar.com/microchip2007

Sample kits include four 28-pin 16-bit controllers, 17 bonus parts — including some of Microchip’s best analog, communication and memory devices, and a contestant resource CD containing a full software development suite, including the Special Contest Edition MPLAB C30 C compiler, free software comprising application libraries, application notes, code examples, stacks, RTOSs and webinars, and coupons for steep discounts on five different Microchip development tools.