60 MIPS, 16-bit dsPIC digital signal controllers
and PIC24 microcontrollers from Microchip
Microchip Technology Inc has announced 60 MIPS 16-bit
dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and PIC24 microcontrollers
(MCUs). Based on the next-generation dsPIC DSC/PIC24 MCU
core, the 60 MIPS dsPIC33 and PIC24 "E" devices
offer 536 KB of Flash memory, RAM of 52 KB, and increased
I/Os with 144-pin packages, a USB 2.0 OTG interface, and
expanded motor-control, graphics, audio, and real-time embedded-control
capabilities over the previous-generation dsPIC DSC/PIC24
MCU core.
In support of the first nine dsPIC33 and PIC24 "E"
devices released, Microchip launched two USB starter kits
and five Plug-In Modules (PIMs) that can be used with its
Multimedia Expansion Board, motor-control development kits,
and Explorer 16 development platforms. Also available are
30 software libraries and application notes on topics such
as speech and audio, encryption/decryption, communications,
and motor control. The new devices and comprehensive support
package help customers create high-performance designs in
less time.
Microchip's dsPIC33E DSCs and PIC24E MCUs are fully compatible
with the existing broad portfolio of dsPIC33F DSCs and PIC24H/PIC24F
MCUs, software libraries and tools, providing a solid growth
path for current customers. The new USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG)
peripheral enables a connection to a PC, Flash drive and
other USB-enabled devices, and 60 MIPS performance means
the new devices support high-end industrial and commercial
applications, such as servo motor control, solar inverters,
and running dual 3-phase motors in parallel. Additionally,
a new, independent Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode supports
multiple stepper motors and dead-time compensation, which
reduces software overhead. Three on-chip analog comparators
further reduce system cost and the number of external components
required.
"Microchip continues to invest in its 16-bit product
lines," said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip's
High-Performance Microcontroller Division. "Building
upon the success of previous-generation dsPIC DSCs and PIC24
MCUs, the new 'E' core devices, and their extensive support
resources, provide the increased performance, integration,
and whole-product solution that customers need for their
increasingly complex designs."
The first dsPIC33 and PIC24 "E" devices include
four each of the SPI and UART interfaces, as well as two
I2C interfaces. A new auxiliary Flash module enables designers
to program or erase Flash data without slowing normal CPU
operation, which is critical for motor-control, power-conversion
and many other applications that require on-the-fly programming.
Improved Direct Memory Access (DMA) functionality automatically
starts linked DMA operations, and the improved debugger
capability enables complex breakpoints for faster debugging.
Additionally, with enhanced timer capabilities, the dsPIC33
and PIC24 "E" devices' Input-Capture and Output-Compare
modules are more flexible and powerful.
Packaging and availability: The dsPIC33E DSCs and PIC24E
MCUs are available in 64-pin QFN and TQFP packages, 100-
and 144-pin TQFP, 121-pin BGA, and 144-pin LQFP packages.
For further information visit Microchip's website at http://www.microchip.com/get/BDKV.