Microchip Technology Expands Processing Portfolio to Include Multi-Core 64-Bit Microprocessors
Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has launched its new PIC64 portfolio, starting with the PIC64GX MPU, a 64-bit RISC-V quad-core processor. This processor is designed for real-time, compute-intensive applications such as smart embedded vision and Machine Learning (ML).
The PIC64GX targets a wide range of markets including industrial, automotive, communications, IoT, aerospace, and defense. It features Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP) and deterministic latencies, aimed at enhancing intelligent edge designs. Additionally, the portfolio includes the PIC64 High-Performance Spaceflight Computing (HPSC) family, which promises over 100 times the compute performance for aerospace and defense applications.
Microchip's comprehensive ecosystem of tools and software supports these new products, facilitating quicker design, development, and validation processes. The PIC64GX Curiosity Evaluation Kit is now available for designers to start evaluations.
- Microchip's launch of the PIC64 portfolio caters to real-time, compute-intensive applications, a growing market segment.
- The PIC64GX MPU's 64-bit RISC-V quad-core processor offers significant performance improvements for industrial, automotive, communications, IoT, aerospace, and defense markets.
- The PIC64-HPSC family increases compute performance by over 100 times for aerospace and defense applications.
- Microchip's comprehensive ecosystem of tools and software supports faster design, development, and validation.
- None.
Insights
Microchip Technology's launch of the PIC64GX MPU signals a significant evolution in the embedded processing landscape. The introduction of 64-bit multi-core processors, especially leveraging RISC-V architecture, marks a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency. This is particularly impactful for compute-intensive applications like smart embedded vision and machine learning, which demand high performance at the edge. The integration of asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) and deterministic latencies ensures real-time operation, a important factor for industrial and automotive sectors where timing is critical.
Moreover, the compatibility with existing Microchip’s PolarFire SoC FPGA devices enhances flexibility for developers, potentially reducing development time and costs. This could lead to faster deployment and innovation cycles, giving Microchip a competitive edge in the market.
In the long term, the move towards a broad spectrum of 64-bit MPUs, including space-grade solutions, positions Microchip as a versatile and forward-thinking player in the embedded solutions market. The strategic choice to support both RISC-V and Arm architectures also ensures a wide applicability across various market segments, addressing a broad range of performance requirements.
For investors, this expansion into 64-bit multi-core processors suggests growth opportunities for Microchip Technology. The demand for high-performance, power-efficient and secure processing solutions is increasing rapidly, driven by industries such as automotive, industrial and aerospace. By stepping into this space, Microchip taps into a lucrative market with high potential for future revenues.
The collaboration with NASA-JPL to develop high-performance spaceflight computing solutions underscores Microchip's credibility and capability to deliver top-tier technology. This partnership not only enhances their reputation but also opens doors to substantial government and defense contracts, which can be highly profitable and stable revenue streams.
Additionally, the availability of development tools and ecosystem support, like the Curiosity Evaluation Kit and integration with MPLAB Extensions for VS Code, lowers the barrier for designers to adopt these new solutions, likely speeding up market penetration and customer adoption.
However, investors should monitor the competitive landscape, as the shift towards RISC-V architecture is gaining momentum. While Microchip's dual support for RISC-V and Arm architectures is a strength, competition from established and emerging players could pose challenges.
From a financial perspective, the introduction of the PIC64GX MPU and its related product lines can potentially boost revenue growth for Microchip Technology. Expanding their product offerings to include 64-bit MPUs positions them to capture a larger market share in the high-performance embedded processing segment. This could translate to increased sales, especially in high-demand sectors such as automotive, industrial automation and aerospace.
The strategic move also aligns with the broader industry trend towards heterogeneous computing solutions, combining different types of processors to optimize performance and power efficiency. This diversification in Microchip's portfolio can enhance their revenue streams and reduce dependency on lower-end products.
Investors should consider the potential for increased R&D expenses associated with the development and rollout of these advanced processors. While these investments are necessary for long-term growth, they could impact short-term profitability.
Additionally, the alignment with high-profile clients like NASA-JPL demonstrates a robust pipeline of projects and partnerships, which can lead to sustained revenue over time. This could provide a solid foundation for future growth and stability, benefitting shareholders.
PIC64GX MPU is the first of several product lines planned for Microchip’s PIC64 portfolio
CHANDLER, Ariz., July 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Real-time, compute intensive applications such as smart embedded vision and Machine Learning (ML) are pushing the boundaries of embedded processing requirements, demanding more power-efficiency, hardware-level security and high reliability at the edge. With the launch of its PIC64 portfolio, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) is expanding its computing range to meet the rising demands of today’s embedded designs. Making Microchip a single-vendor solution provider for MPUs, the PIC64 family will be designed to support a broad range of markets that require both real-time and application class processing. PIC64GX MPUs, the first of the new product line to be released, enable intelligent edge designs for the industrial, automotive, communications, IoT, aerospace and defense segments.
“Microchip is a leader in 8- 16- and 32-bit embedded solutions and, as the market evolves, so must our product lines. The addition of our 64-bit MPU portfolio allows us to offer low-, mid- and high-range compute processing solutions,” said Ganesh Moorthy, CEO and President of Microchip Technology. “The PIC64GX MPU is the first of several 64-bit MPUs designed to support the intelligent edge and address a broad range of performance requirements across all market segments.”
The intelligent edge often requires 64-bit heterogenous compute solutions with asymmetric processing to run Linux®, real-time operating systems and bare metal in a single processor cluster with secure boot capabilities. Microchip’s PIC64GX family manages mid-range intelligent edge compute requirements using a 64-bit RISC-V® quad-core processor with Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP) and deterministic latencies. The PIC64GX MPU is the first RISC-V® multi-core solution that is AMP capable for mixed-criticality systems. It is designed with a quad-core, Linux-capable Central Processing Unit (CPU) cluster, fifth microcontroller class monitor and 2 MB flexible L2 Cache running at 625 MHz.
The PIC64GX family boasts pin-compatibility with Microchip’s PolarFire® SoC FPGA devices, offering a large amount of flexibility in the development of embedded solutions. Additionally, the 64-bit portfolio will leverage Microchip’s easy-to-use ecosystem of tools and supporting software, including a host of powerful processes to help configure, develop, debug and qualify embedded designs.
The PIC64 High-Performance Spaceflight Computing (PIC64-HPSC) family is also being launched as part of Microchip’s first wave of 64-bit offerings. The space-grade, 64-bit multi-core RISC-V MPUs are designed to increase compute performance by more than 100 times while delivering unprecedented radiation and fault tolerance for aerospace and defense applications. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA-JPL) announced in August 2022 that it had selected Microchip to develop an HPSC processor as part of its ongoing commercial partnership efforts. The PIC64-HPSC family represents a new era of autonomous space computing for NASA-JPL and the broader defense and commercial aerospace industry.
With the introduction of its PIC64 portfolio, Microchip has become the only embedded solutions provider actively developing a full spectrum of 8-, 16-, 32- and 64-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) and microprocessors (MPUs). Future PIC64 families will include devices based on RISC-V or Arm® architectures and embedded designers will be able to take advantage of Microchip’s end-to-end solutions—from silicon to embedded ecosystems—for faster design, debug and verification and a reduced time to market. To learn more, visit the Microchip 64-bit web page.
Development Tools
The PIC64GX family is supported by the PIC64GX Curiosity Evaluation Kit and will feature integration with Microchip’s MPLAB® Extensions for VS Code®. The PIC64 MPUs are also supported by Linux4Microchip resources and Linux distributors such as Canonical® Ubuntu® OS, the Yocto Project® and Buildroot with support for Zephyr® RTOS and associated software stacks.
Pricing and Availability
The PIC64GX Curiosity Kit is now available for designers to get started with evaluation— 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
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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 approximately 123,000 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, MPLAB and PolarFire 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.
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