As embedded systems are becoming more complex and the need for enhanced performance is increasing, Microchip Technology has launched the dsPIC33A core family of DSCs.
Engineers’ ability to create sophisticated, computationally intensive embedded control algorithms is crucial to achieve superior operational efficiency in motor control, power supply, charging and sensing systems. Built around 32-bit central processing unit (CPU) architecture with 200 MHz operating speed, the dsPIC33A family’s advanced core includes a 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," says Joe Thomsen, vice president of Microchip’s DSC business unit.
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 centre and sustainable solutions segments. The dsPIC33A family features integrated analogue peripherals, including 12-bit ADCs capable of conversion rates up to 40 Msps, high-speed comparators and operational amplifiers. These analogue 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 have flash security capabilities, including an immutable root of trust, secure debugging and restricted memory access. The DSC instruction set architecture enables the adoption of software code generated by model-based designs to simplify code generation. The combined features make dsPIC33A DSCs well suited to 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./.
