FAQ
Circuit Cellar is the Contest Administrator for the Microchip 16-bit Embedded Control Design Contest (“Contest”). If you can’t find the answer to your question below, please contact us at contest@circuitcellar.com.
Registration & Registration Number
Contest Entry Intellectual Property Rights
Entry Materials (abstract, documentation, code)
Winning (how to win, what happens when you win, etc.)
I am not a U.S.
resident. May I enter the Contest?
Yes. The Contest
is open anyone who is 18 years or older at the time of entry, regardless of
your place of residence. However, foreign entrants are cautioned to review the
laws in the country or province in which they reside to determine if they are
prohibited from participating.
May I submit multiple
entries?
Yes. You may
submit as many entries as you want.
Each project must have its own Registration Number. Complete a Registration Form for each project you intend to submit.
May I submit a project
that I submitted to a previous design contest from Circuit Cellar, Microchip,
or others?
Technically,
yes. However, you
must comply with the official rules of this Contest.
If you submit a project that you submitted previously, we strongly advise you to modify your original project by improving it and/or adding new features. Don't simply change the core processor. When the Contest concludes, we will select a number of entries to post at www.circuitcellar.com/microchip2007/. The uniqueness of a project will be a key factor in this decision. We may be less inclined to select a project that is exactly the same as a project that has been posted for a previous contest.
I work for a major
distributor that sells Microchip Technology
components. Am I eligible to enter the Contest?
According
to the rules, you are still eligible to enter. But if you have any doubts,
please email contest@circuitcellar.com and we will ask Microchip for a
ruling. Direct employees of Circuit Cellar and Microchip Technology and their subsidiaries, their advertising,
promotion, and production agencies, as well as members of their immediate
families, are ineligible.
Do I have to register
for the Contest?
Yes. Complete a Registration Form to register for the Contest.
After you register, you will receive your Registration Number, which you must use to label your entry.
Is there a
registration deadline?
Technically, no.
Registration is required. However, we don’t want to penalize anyone rushing at
the last minute. If you forget to register in advance of the Contest deadline,
you may still submit an entry. You will be required to complete a Registration Form shortly thereafter.
When I register for
the Contest, will I be automatically entered to receive a free Evaluation Kit?
No. If you want
to request a Kit sample, you must fill out the Kit Request Form.
What is a
Registration Number?
A
Registration Number is a six-character alphanumeric code (for example, MT9999) that you will receive after
registering your project for the Contest. This Registration Number should be
used to label your entry.
May I include my name
in my entry materials?
No. Do NOT put
your name on any materials that will be judged. Your name should not appear on
your abstract, complete documentation, schematic, photograph, block diagram,
other diagrams, or code files. Use your Registration Number to label these
files.
May I include my name
in e-mails I send to contest@circuitcellar.com?
Yes. Staff
members at Circuit Cellar are the only people who will see your e-mails. The
judges will not see your e-mails. The judges will only see your entry
materials. Please DO include your name in all correspondence with us. Also,
please include your Registration Number in the subject line of all
correspondence with us.
If I’m working with
co-designers, do each of us need to register?
No. One person should
register for the group. After registering, you will receive one Registration
Number to label your entry.
If I’m entering more
than one project in the Contest, do I need more than one Registration Number?
Yes. Each entry
must have a separate Registration Number. Fill out a Registration Form for each
project you intend to submit.
By entering this
contest or requesting an Evaluation Kit, will my contact information be sold to
third parties?
No. Your contact
information will be used by Microchip Technology and Circuit Cellar personnel only. All Privacy Act
conditions apply.
What
devices must I use with my project?
The
eligible devices are:
The Project must use at least one device from the list of “Eligible Parts.” Although four eligible parts are contained in the free contest sample kits, specifically, part numbers dsPIC30F2020, dsPIC30F2012, dsPIC30F2010, or PIC24FJ64GA002, Microchip has opened the contest to the larger 16-bit PIC/dsPIC family. It is important to verify eligible devices by reviewing the most up-to-date lists as posted on this site.
Optional use of devices from the list of “Bonus Parts,” specifically part numbers MCP9700, MCP9800, TC4427A, MCP608, MCP6022, MCP6S26, MCP3421, MCP4011, ENC28J60, MRF24J40, 24LC01BT, 24LC16BT, 24LC512, 93LC46BT, 93LC66, 25LC010A, or 25LC256, must be part of a project that also uses a device from the above-mentioned list of “Eligible Parts.”
Note: The weighting structure for the Primary Prize Categories includes 15% for the effective use of “Bonus Parts.” So although the use of a “Bonus Part” is not required with your entry, it is strongly encouraged to increase your Primary Prize Category score and enable your entry to be considered for Subcategory prizes.
***Project software must be developed using assembly code or Microchip’s C30 Compiler if C language is employed.***
Can I use third-party commercial software, third party commercial
boards or Microchip development systems with my contest entry?
You may use such items as long as you
clearly identify them and everything you include in your project documentation
and software is allowed in the third-party license. The “ownership” and
“original development” language in the rules as it pertains to your contest
entry does not apply to this third-party material. The third-party board
must allow you to program the eligible MCU at an assembly-language level. For
example, it is acceptable if the board can be programmed in C or with a BASIC
compiler. However, it is not acceptable if the board is an end-use
configuration such as a PLC that can only be programmed in ladder-logic.
We recommend that you redraw the schematic of any commercial product in order to highlight your hardware circuitry. Your photograph should show your actual hardware, even if you use a commercial development system.
E-mail contest@circuitcellar.com if you have any questions
Can I use commercial
code?
Yes, in some
cases. The majority of your source code should not come from a commercial
source though. If you use commercial code, you must specify the product you
used, the manufacturer/supplier, and which parts of your code are
commercial.
You cannot use commercial code if the manufacturer/supplier prohibits the posting of the code that you include with your entry. You cannot use commercial code if you are not allowed to use the commercial run-time libraries and shareware in your entry.
I want to use a memory, analog, or communication device as part of my contest project, but I don’t necessarily want to use one of the Microchip bonus parts listed on this site. Is this allowed?
Yes, but you may want to consider the judging criteria in the rules. For an entry to be eligible to win, it must use at least one Microchip 16-bit MCU or Microchip 16-bit DSC. Use of non-Microchip memory, analog, or communication devices in addition to the core Microchip 16-bit MCU/DSC is not forbidden. But take care to note that 15% of your score in the primary prize category is for the effective use of bonus parts. And the only bonus parts that qualify your project to receive points in this percentage are those in the approved Microchip list of bonus parts found here.
How do I request a Microchip 16-bit Embedded Control Design Contest Kit
sample?
You must fill out
the Kit Request Form.
When I register for
the Contest, will I automatically receive an Evaluation Kit sample?
No. If you want
to request a kit sample, you must fill out the Kit Request Form. Kit samples
will be given to eligible Contest participants on a first come, first serve
basis while supplies last.
Is the Contest Sample
Kit free? Do I have to pay shipping and handling costs?
The kit is free
to eligible Contest participants on a first come, first serve basis while
supplies last. Shipping and handling are free. However, the recipient is
responsible for all duties and taxes associated with the shipment.
By entering the Contest or requesting a Contest Sample Kit, will my contact
information be sold to third parties?
No. Your contact information will be used by Microchip Technology or
Circuit Cellar and will not be sold to third parties. All Privacy Act
conditions apply.
What exactly do I get when in the Kit if my sample request
is approved?
For a complete Kit
contents listing, see www.circuitcellar.com/microchip2007/kitcomponents.html
May I use any of Microchip’s advanced libraries free of charge for the purpose of developing a contest entry?
Yes, most of Microchip’s advanced libraries (like software modems, speech compression, noise suppression, etc.) may be downloaded and used for free for the purpose of developing a contest entry (or product development). The Encryption libraries are the only exception since they must be physically shipped via CD to satisfy Microchip’s interpretation of U.S. government regulations. The Security libraries are available for the cost of media and handling from www.microchipdirect.com. (SW300055-EVAL or SW300050-EVAL)
Can I get Gerber files for ZigBee® support?
Yes, go to www.microchip.com/Zigbee and download the 16-bit stack. You will find it to be a free “click-through-license” executable that will place the stack, documentation and Gerber files on your computer. They also are on your Contest Kit CD along with the full ZigBee® and MiWi® stacks (a lower cost, small footprint alternative to ZigBee). The Gerber Files may be a little hard to find after ZigBee Stack installation but this may help:
MpZBee\Documents\MRF24J40 RF Design
How do I get a Contest Kit CD?
While samples are available, you may request the CD as part of the complete Contest Kit from www.circuitcellar.com/microchip2007/.
What will I find on the Contest Kit CD?
Actually, this is a treasure chest for the designer. It contains a full software development suite: the MPLAB® Integrated Development Environment, a C Compiler fully enabled for the duration of the contest, numerous libraries including peripheral and DSP libraries, and links to even more free downloadable libraries. (Stacks such as IrDA®,, TCP/IP, ZigBee, MiWi.) Three vendors have provided Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS). You’ll find numerous Code Examples, Application Notes, Data Sheets and Reference Manuals, Tool and product selection aids.
This is getting to be a long answer and the disk contains much more. If you are thinking about developing with this family, you should definitely get this CD.
Is there one document where I can get a quick overview of Microchip’s entire 16-bit product and tool offering?.
An overview is described in the 16-bit Embedded Controller Solutions Brochure. If you need more detail about a particular development tool or library, consult the 16-bit Tools & Solutions Brochure. Both are included on the Contest Kit CD.
Will the contest sponsor or administrator own the intellectual property rights to my contest entry?
No. The design remains the intellectual property of the Participant, subject to the license grants for prize winning entries and exceptional entries as set forth in the rules. Such license grants pertain to the contest sponsor and administrator’s non-exclusive publishing rights to the contest entry material of winners and exceptional entries without limitation. We encourage all Participants to seek patents for any unique or proprietary aspects of their design prior to submission. Ultimately, you’re always still in control of your intellectual property. Even after your project is posted, if some manufacturer approaches you about putting your design into volume production, you still own all the IP rights and they can only negotiate with you. Believe us when we tell you that Microchip would like nothing better than to know that a dozen project entries became volume commercial products using Microchip 16-bit MCUs. The free enterprise system is the best way to achieve that goal.
If I submit a project that becomes a winner or is designated exceptional, does it have to be posted?
Yes and No. There are contest rules that tell you how things will be happening, but it doesn't end there. We have a separate and specific eligibility and publishing agreement that must be signed by each winner or Distinctive Excellence designee which is a final chance to decide if the benefits of the contest publicity or the prize money are still greater than doing something else with the project. Our contests are all about mating an exceptional MCU with exceptional design talents. We want you to feel that you can design a commercial grade product and submit it to this contest without losing control of it later if you choose otherwise. If you win or receive Distinctive Excellence you still get to decide that the contest publicity is going to do more to promote your abilities or product design than other methods. With the exception of the publishable project abstract described in the rules, your full project entry materials are treated as proprietary materials by the Contest Administrator and the judges. No one, including the sponsor, sees your full entry unless you have signed the Eligibility and Publishing Agreement after the contest judging.
Your entry must include certain materials: an abstract, complete documentation, and source code. For detailed explanations about the required entry materials, click here.
Why should I provide an abstract with my entry
if the Contest rules state that the Contest Administrator can create one on my
behalf?
It is assumed that
nobody knows the details and value of your Contest entry as well as you do. It
is to your advantage to make sure your project’s highlights are included in an
abstract that you submit with your entry. By creating, clearly specifying, and
submitting your own abstract, you also maintain control over how
much overall project detail you want circulated without first knowing
that your project is among the contest winners or a Circuit Cellar
Distinctive Excellence candidate. However, realize that unless that detail includes
all the necessary ingredients of a legitimate abstract, the Contest
Administrator may still extract the missing ingredients from the project entry
to construct it.
What file formats are acceptable?
• Word doc
• ASCII
• GIF
• JPG
• TIF
• BMP
• EPS
• EAGLE sch
No PDF
Video files are also encouraged (but not required) so you may further demonstrate the capabilities of your entry.
What should I feature in the photograph? What file formats
are acceptable?
Your photograph
should show your complete project. See file formats in the answer above.
If you embed your photograph in a text file, you must also include a separate file. High-resolution (around 300 dpi) images that are approximately 4 × 4 inches are preferred. Please do not resize or manipulate the photograph in any other way.
What fonts are acceptable?
Use something
standard like:
• Arial
• Courier New
• Helvetica
• Times New Roman
For more information about formatting, click here.
When should I send in my entry?
The deadline is 1:00 PM EST on October 16, 2007. It makes sense to
submit your entry early. If you submit your entry at least a few business days
prior to the deadline, you’ll give us time to check for corrupt files and
missing elements. If your zip won’t open, for example, we would have time to
e-mail you so you could send a replacement by the deadline.
To whom should I e-mail my entry?
E-mail your entry
to the Contest Administrator at contest@circuitcellar.com.
Do NOT e-mail it to any other e-mail address. Doing so might cause confusion if
we receive multiple copies of the same entry.
What should I do if I think my e-mail did not go through?
If you need to
resend your entry, please specify that in the subject line of your subsequent
e-mails. Otherwise, there might be confusion if we receive multiple e-mails
from you.
What should I do if my entry files are large?
We can accept
files of any size. However, if your ISP restricts the size of e-mails, you may
need to send your entry in parts. If you have to send a series of e-mails,
please indicate that in the subject line of your e-mails. For example:
1 of 3, MT9999 entry abstract
2 of 3, MT9999 entry documentation
3 of 3, MT9999 entry code
Can I mail my digital entry instead of e-mailing it?
Yes. We prefer to
receive digital files by e-mail, but you may send a CD-ROM or disk. Mailed
entries must be postmarked no later than 1:00 PM EST
on October 16, 2007. See the Enter Project page for more information.
Should my entry be digital or hard copy?
We prefer digital
files. If you cannot send digital files, we will accept hard copies. When
sending a hard copy entry, you must include four copies of the entire entry.
Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than 1:00
PM EST on October 16, 2007. See the Register
& Enter page for more information.
Will I receive confirmation when my entry is received?
Yes. You will
receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your entry within two business days.
E-mails are usually sent sooner, but processing may take up to two days. E-mail
confirmations will be sent during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m. EST).
Tip: If you want to ensure that you receive confirmation prior to the Contest deadline, submit your entry early. As you can imagine, we’ll be busy at the end of the contest. Turnaround time for confirmation will be faster if you submit your entry at least a few business days before the deadline.
What types of projects win design contests?
The
goal of the Contest is to showcase the functionality of the eligible Microchip
Technology microcontrollers and bonus devices. Both hardware and software-based
applications are acceptable. The entries for the Primary “Eligible Devices”
will be judged based on technical merit 20%, originality 15%,
usefulness 20%, cost-effectiveness 10%, effective use of on-chip resources 20%,
and effective use of bonus parts 15%. It would be smart to highlight these achievements in your
documentation. Call attention to your project’s special features.
How do I put together an entry that will impress the
judges?
#1: Follow
the rules.
#2: Provide thorough documentation of your project.
#3: Organize your entry so it’s easy for the judges to find everything.
For detailed instructions on how to prepare your entry and to view two example entries, click here.
When will winners be notified?
Winners will be notified via e-mail or postal mail on or about
December 12, 2007. The list of winners will be posted on or about January 14,
2008 at www.circuitcellar.com/microchip2007/.
If I win and have to send in my finished
project, will it be returned?
Yes. If
you are chosen as a winner, you may be required to ship your project to us for
evaluation. Your project will be returned to you.
Are there other opportunities besides the Contest prizes?
Sure! Circuit
Cellar traditionally designates additional noteworthy project
entries in its own special contest category called Distinctive Excellence.
These projects are posted alongside the winning entries and typically
receive the same publicity as the official contest winners. This is a
great opportunity for you to get noticed in the field and be recognized for
your design skills. To see examples of Distinctive Excellence presentations, click here.
Additionally, we’re always looking for new articles for Circuit Cellar magazine. If you design a great application, we may contact you about converting your project into a published article in the magazine.
Submission Deadline: October 16, 2007