Entry-Level Microcontrollers Reduce System Cost and Complexity in Safety-Critical Applications

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has introduced the AVR® SD family of microcontrollers (MCUs), designed for safety-critical applications with built-in functional safety mechanisms. These entry-level MCUs, priced under $0.93 per unit, are the first of their kind to meet Automotive Safety Integrity Level C (ASIL C) and Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) requirements at this price point.

The MCUs feature dual-core lockstep CPU, dual ADCs, ECC on all memories, and dedicated error control modules. They can detect internal faults within 1 millisecond and include Microchip's safety framework software for autonomous error handling. The AVR SD family complies with ISO 26262 and IEC 61508 standards, targeting aerospace, industrial automation, automotive, and medical applications.

Positive

• First entry-level MCU under $1 meeting ASIL C and SIL 2 requirements
• TÜV Rheinland certification enhances product credibility
• Rapid fault detection capability of 1ms increases reliability
• Potential for higher safety integrity levels up to ASIL D and SIL 3 as coprocessor

Negative

• None.

Insights

Semiconductor Industry Analyst

Microchip's new AVR SD microcontroller family represents a strategic product expansion targeting the growing functional safety market across multiple industries. While manufacturers have traditionally faced difficult tradeoffs between cost and safety features, this launch directly addresses that pain point by offering safety compliance at sub-$1 pricing ($0.93 in 5,000-unit quantities).

The technical implementation is noteworthy - these MCUs integrate dual-core lockstep processing, ECC memory protection, and fault detection mechanisms typically found in much more expensive controllers. Achieving TÜV Rheinland certification validates the company's safety claims and reduces barriers to adoption in regulated industries.

This launch positions Microchip to capture incremental market share in safety-critical applications that previously couldn't justify premium-priced safety components. The addressable markets span multiple sectors including automotive ADAS systems, industrial automation, and medical devices - all with increasing safety requirements driven by regulatory trends.

For investors, this represents Microchip executing on its strategy to differentiate its MCU portfolio through specialized features rather than competing solely on performance metrics. The dual positioning as either main processor or safety coprocessor in complex systems expands its potential use cases. However, while strategically sound, this specific product line is unlikely to materially impact near-term financial results given Microchip's diverse product portfolio and $29.3 billion market capitalization.

Embedded Systems Engineer

Microchip's AVR SD family addresses a genuine engineering challenge: implementing functional safety without breaking the budget or overwhelming development teams. The integration of deterministic fault detection capabilities that can identify issues within 1 millisecond represents significant value for safety-critical designs.

From an implementation perspective, the dual-ADC architecture and comprehensive memory protection features reduce the complexity burden that typically falls on software teams. Having worked on safety-certified systems, I can attest that these hardware features substantially reduce development and certification costs - often the determining factors in whether safety features get implemented at all.

The software framework accompanying these MCUs is particularly important, as it manages diagnostics operations that would otherwise require extensive custom code development and verification. This approach enables engineers to meet standards like ISO 26262 and IEC 61508 with significantly reduced effort.

What's most disruptive is bringing these capabilities to the entry-level price point. Existing safety-certified MCUs typically cost multiples higher, forcing designers to either over-specify their systems or compromise on safety features. This creates new possibilities for distributed safety architectures where dedicated safety monitors become economically viable.

For applications like motor control safety monitoring, thermal protection, and position sensing - all cited use cases - this represents a meaningful advance in the price-performance-safety triangle that engineers constantly navigate.

Microchip’s AVR® SD MCU family enables industry-standard functional safety compliance at a price point under a dollar

CHANDLER, Ariz., March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To assist engineers in meeting stringent safety requirements while minimizing design costs and complexity, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has launched the AVR® SD family of microcontrollers (MCUs). The MCUs feature built-in functional safety mechanisms and are designed to support applications requiring rigorous safety assurance. Paired with a dedicated safety software framework, this is the first entry-level MCU of its kind—at this price point—designed to meet Automotive Safety Integrity Level C (ASIL C) and Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) requirements, which mandate redundant safety checks. Further enhancing the safety credentials of the AVR SD family, the MCUs follow a functional safety management system that has been certified by TÜV Rheinland.

Hardware safety features include a dual-core lockstep CPU, dual Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), Error Correction Code (ECC) on all memories, a dedicated error controller module, error injection mechanisms and voltage and clock monitors. These features reduce fault detection time and software complexity. The AVR SD family has the capability to detect internal faults quickly and deterministically, allowing applications to meet stringent Fault Detection Time Interval (FDTI) targets as low as 1 millisecond, helping prevent hazardous situations and increasing reliability.

The hardware features work with Microchip’s safety framework software to manage functional safety diagnostics so the MCUs can detect and handle errors autonomously, initiating a safe state when necessary. The MCUs can be used as the main processor for crucial functions, such as detecting thermal runaways or monitoring sensor data like rotary positions, at minimal power consumption. It is also an excellent candidate for a coprocessor in complex systems to mirror or offload safety-critical functions for applications targeting higher safety integrity levels up to ASIL D and SIL 3.

“When designing safety-critical applications, engineers have typically been limited to using expensive and complicated devices. By integrating specific safety features directly into an entry-level MCU and providing a supporting software framework, we are helping our customers meet stringent safety standards with greater efficiency," said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s MCU business unit. “With the AVR SD family, designers can significantly reduce development time and minimize system and certification costs.”

The AVR SD MCUs are designed in compliance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26262 and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61508 standards. Safety standards are implemented across a variety of industries such as aerospace and defense, industrial automation, automotive and medical sectors. Specific applications include flight control systems, ignition control, robotics safety functions, Advanced Drive Assistance Systems (ADAS) and medical infusion pumps. Visit Microchip’s website to learn more about the company’s full portfolio of AVR® MCUs and functional safety offerings.

Development Tools
AVR SD MCUs are compatible with the TÜV SÜD functional safety certified MPLAB^® XC8 Pro compiler and Microchip’s popular Curiosity Nano development board. The MCUs are supported by functional safety packages that include safety documentation (Failure Modes, Effects and Diagnostic analysis report, Safety manual, Dependent Fault Analysis report), safety software and compliance reports.

Pricing and Availability
AVR SD MCUs start at $0.93 each in 5,000-unit quantities and with lower pricing available for higher volumes. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.

Resources
High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

• Application image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/54382054667/sizes/l/
• Block diagram: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/54383137999/sizes/l/
• Tool photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/54383173738/sizes/l/

About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control and processing solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve over 100,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo and AVR are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact:	Reader Inquiries:
Amber Liptai	1-888-624-7435
480-792-5047
amber.liptai@microchip.com

FAQ

What is the price of Microchip's new AVR SD microcontrollers (MCHP)?

The AVR SD MCUs are priced at $0.93 each in 5,000-unit quantities, with lower pricing available for higher volumes.

What safety certifications does the new MCHP AVR SD family meet?

The AVR SD family meets Automotive Safety Integrity Level C (ASIL C) and Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) requirements, with TÜV Rheinland certification.

What are the key safety features of MCHP's new AVR SD microcontrollers?

Key features include dual-core lockstep CPU, dual ADCs, ECC on memories, error controller module, and voltage/clock monitors with 1ms fault detection capability.

What industries are targeted by MCHP's new AVR SD microcontrollers?

The AVR SD MCUs target aerospace, defense, industrial automation, automotive, and medical sectors, specifically for safety-critical applications.