Microchip Technology Introduces a New Core in the dsPIC® Digital Signal Controller Family to Enhance Precision and Execution of Real-Time Control

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has launched its dsPIC33A Core family of Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). These DSCs feature a 32-bit CPU architecture with a 200 MHz operating speed, a Double-Precision Floating-Point Unit (DP FPU), and DSP instructions for complex control algorithms. Key features include:

- Improved math and data processing
- Higher code efficiency
- Faster context switching and reduced latency
- Enhanced peripherals for motor control and digital power conversion
- Integrated analog peripherals and Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs)
- Flash security capabilities

The first family, dsPIC33AK128MC1xx, includes 128 KB Flash and various package options. Pricing starts at less than $1 USD in high volumes.

Positive

• Launch of new dsPIC33A Core family of Digital Signal Controllers with advanced features
• 32-bit CPU architecture with 200 MHz operating speed for enhanced performance
• Double-Precision Floating-Point Unit and DSP instructions for complex control algorithms
• Improved math processing, code efficiency, and reduced latency
• Integrated analog peripherals and Core Independent Peripherals for sophisticated sensing and control
• Flash security capabilities including Immutable Root of Trust
• Competitive pricing starting at less than $1 USD in high volumes

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

Microchip Technology's introduction of the dsPIC33A Digital Signal Controller (DSC) family represents a significant advancement in embedded system technology. The new core's 32-bit architecture with a double-precision floating-point unit and DSP engine operating at 200 MHz addresses the growing demand for enhanced performance in complex embedded systems.

Key features of the dsPIC33A family include:

• Improved math and data processing capabilities
• Higher code efficiency
• Faster context switching and reduced latency
• Enhanced peripherals for motor control and digital power conversion
• Integrated analog peripherals with high-speed ADCs
• Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) for efficient multi-tasking
• Flash security capabilities including an Immutable Root of Trust

These features position the dsPIC33A DSCs as a versatile solution for various applications in automotive, industrial, consumer, E-Mobility, data center and sustainable solutions segments. The ability to handle complex control algorithms while reserving CPU bandwidth for software stacks, functional safety diagnostics and security functions is particularly noteworthy.

From a market perspective, this launch could strengthen Microchip's position in the competitive embedded systems space. The focus on precision, efficiency and advanced features aligns well with industry trends towards more sophisticated and performance-intensive applications. However, the true impact will depend on adoption rates and the ability of developers to leverage these new capabilities effectively.

Financial Analyst

Microchip Technology's launch of the dsPIC33A DSC family could have positive implications for the company's financial performance. Here's why:

• Expanded market opportunities: The versatility of the dsPIC33A family opens up potential in multiple high-growth sectors, including automotive, industrial and E-Mobility.
• Competitive advantage: The advanced features and performance improvements could help Microchip capture market share from competitors.
• Higher margins: As a more advanced product, the dsPIC33A family may command premium pricing, potentially boosting profit margins.
• Recurring revenue: The comprehensive development tool ecosystem could lead to increased customer lock-in and recurring software/tool revenues.

However, it's important to note that the starting price of $1 USD in high volumes suggests a competitive pricing strategy, which might pressure margins initially. The long-term financial impact will depend on volume adoption and the ability to upsell higher-margin variants or complementary products and services.

Investors should monitor key performance indicators in upcoming quarters, including:

• Revenue growth in the digital signal controller segment
• Changes in overall gross margins
• Customer adoption rates and design wins
• R&D expenses related to further development of the dsPIC33A family

While this product launch is promising, it's important to consider it within the context of Microchip's overall product portfolio and market conditions in the semiconductor industry.

dsPIC33A DSCs feature a 32-bit architecture with a double-precision floating-point unit and DSP engine for faster computation in time-critical applications

CHANDLER, Ariz., July 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As embedded systems become more complex and the need for enhanced performance increases, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has launched its dsPIC33A Core family of Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). The ability for engineers to create sophisticated, computationally intensive embedded control algorithms is crucial for achieving superior operational efficiency in motor control, power supply, charging and sensing systems. Built around a 32-bit Central Processing Unit (CPU) architecture with a 200 MHz operating speed, the dsPIC33A family’s advanced core includes a Double-Precision Floating-Point Unit (DP FPU) and DSP instructions for numerically intensive tasks in many closed-loop control algorithms. The dsPIC33A architecture offers high-performance and precise real-time control coupled with a comprehensive development tool ecosystem to streamline and accelerate the design process.

"The dsPIC33A DSCs are a game-changer for developers because they are designed to offer the precision, efficiency and advanced features needed to push the boundaries of embedded system performance," said Joe Thomsen, vice president of Microchip’s digital signal controller business unit. "With its ability to enable complex designs, address safety and security requirements, integrate advanced functionality and accelerate time-to-market, the dsPIC33A family positions our clients to secure a larger market share with innovative, competitive designs."

The dsPIC33A DSCs are enhanced with improved math and data processing, higher code efficiency, faster context switching and reduced latency. This lower latency allows for a faster response time to transient and safety-critical events. New and upgraded peripherals—such as high-resolution PWMs specifically engineered for motor control and digital power conversion—are designed to support progressive technology development in various markets including automotive, industrial, consumer, E-Mobility, data center and sustainable solutions segments. The dsPIC33A family features integrated analog peripherals, including 12-bit ADCs capable of conversion rates up to 40 Msps, high-speed comparators and operational amplifiers. These analog peripherals, in conjunction with Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), allow for sophisticated sensing and high-performance control. In addition, the CIPs enable interaction among the peripherals without the need for CPU involvement, enhancing the efficiency of a single controller to manage multiple tasks. The result is more robust real-time control while reserving the CPU bandwidth for software stacks, functional safety diagnostics and security functions.

The dsPIC33A device families are outfitted with Flash security capabilities, including an Immutable Root of Trust, secure debugging and restricted memory access. The DSCs’ Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) enables the adoption of software code generated by model-based designs to simplify code generation. The combined features make dsPIC33A DSCs well suited for applications that require efficient motor control for fans, pumps and compressors; they also manage digital power conversion for applications like AI servers and on-board chargers in electric vehicles and enable sensor interfacing for industrial and automotive applications.

The first family of dsPIC33AK128MC1xx DSCs includes 128 KB Flash and an extensive peripheral set, offered in various packages, including SSOP, VQFN and TQFP options ranging from 28 to 64 pins, with package dimensions as small as at 4 × 4 mm. Future dsPIC33A families with additional memory, peripherals and larger pin counts will complete the portfolio. Visit Microchip’s Digital Signal Controllers web page to learn more about the company’s full line of DSC devices.

Development Tools
The dsPIC33A family is supported by the MPLAB^® XC-DSC Compiler, MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) and the dsPIC33A Curiosity Development Board (EV74H48A). The dsPIC33A Curiosity Development Board supports feature expansion by providing mikroBUS™ and Xplained Pro interfaces that enable connection to Built-in Self Text Xplained Pro (BIST XPRO) extension kits, sensors and various Click boards™. Separate dual In-line modules are available to support development for motor control, digital power conversion and general-purpose embedded applications. For a complete list of dsPIC33A development tools, visit the dsPIC33A DSC web page.

Pricing and Availability
dsPIC33A devices start at less than $1 USD each in high 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/53859171655/sizes/l/
• Video available through YouTube or editorial contact (feel free to post): https://youtu.be/AOySt6iHVw8

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, dsPIC and MPLAB 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 are the key features of Microchip's new dsPIC33A Digital Signal Controllers (MCHP)?

The key features of Microchip's new dsPIC33A DSCs include a 32-bit CPU architecture, 200 MHz operating speed, Double-Precision Floating-Point Unit, DSP instructions, improved math processing, higher code efficiency, faster context switching, reduced latency, enhanced peripherals for motor control and digital power conversion, integrated analog peripherals, and Flash security capabilities.

What is the pricing for Microchip's dsPIC33A devices (MCHP)?

Microchip's dsPIC33A devices are priced competitively, starting at less than $1 USD each in high volumes.

What applications are Microchip's dsPIC33A DSCs (MCHP) suitable for?

Microchip's dsPIC33A DSCs are suitable for applications requiring efficient motor control (fans, pumps, compressors), digital power conversion (AI servers, electric vehicle on-board chargers), and sensor interfacing for industrial and automotive applications.

What development tools are available for Microchip's dsPIC33A family (MCHP)?

Development tools for Microchip's dsPIC33A family include the MPLAB XC-DSC Compiler, MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), and the dsPIC33A Curiosity Development Board (EV74H48A). Additional expansion options are available through mikroBUS and Xplained Pro interfaces.