Microchip Technology has expanded its dsPIC33A Digital Signal Controller (DSC) family with the new dsPIC33AK256MPS306 series designed to meet growing demands for higher efficiency, deterministic real-time control, and quantum-ready security across AI servers, data centers, automotive systems, and industrial applications.
These new DSCs combine high-speed digital control, precision analog performance, and built-in security features in a compact, cost-effective design that simplifies board layout, reduces the bill of materials, and helps designers get to market faster for power conversion, motor control, and intelligent sensing applications.
Built on a 200 MHz, 32-bit core with a double-precision floating-point unit (FPU), the dsPIC33AK256MPS306 family delivers remarkable computational performance.
It integrates 78-picosecond high-resolution PWM modules, dual 40 MSPS 12-bit ADCs, 5-nanosecond comparators, and DACs with slope compensation enabling responsive, deterministic control loops critical for high-efficiency DC/DC converters and advanced power architectures using SiC or GaN semiconductors operating at high switching speeds.
To address today’s evolving cybersecurity needs, these DSCs incorporate hardware-based protection for secure boot, firmware updates, and debug operations.
They also provide library support for Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) Suite 2.0-recommended post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms and hardware-accelerated cryptographic functions that meet Open Compute Project (OCP) power supply requirements.
With live update capability, developers can perform full firmware updates without system downtime essential for modern server environments.
Connectivity options include I3C for fast, low?latency telemetry and sensor networking within industrial and server rack systems, along with classic interfaces such as CAN FD, LIN, SPI, I²C, and SENT.
For precise motion control, the dsPIC33A core architecture executes trigonometric sine and cosine functions in as little as 20 nanoseconds.
Integrated motor feedback interfaces support BiSS-C, EnDat, and quadrature encoders as well as resolver feedback enabling high-performance field?oriented control (FOC) and accurate position sensing.
With a rich set of analog and timing features, designers can achieve tight control loop closure for enhanced system efficiency and responsiveness.
An integrated touch controller and high-speed 40 MSPS ADCs (with built-in oversampling up to 16-bit resolution) simplify both sensing and HMI design, reducing the need for external components while freeing space for additional system features. The compact packaging further supports space?constrained designs.
Developed following ISO-26262 (automotive) and IEC-61508 (industrial) functional safety standards, the dsPIC33AK256MPS306 DSCs include hardware safety mechanisms to ease certification for safety-critical applications. Automotive-qualified variants will be rated for operation up to 150°C.
The dsPIC33AK256MPS306 family integrates seamlessly with Microchip’s development ecosystem, including the MPLAB®-X IDE, MPLAB Code Configurator, and MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite.
It now supports the Zephyr®-RTOS, opening access to a robust open-source platform for scalable embedded development. Additional support includes FreeRTOS™, certified SafeRTOS®, wolfCrypt® (with PQC extensions), Vector’s MICROSAR?IO, and Lauterbach’s TRACE32® debug and trace tools.
Developers can evaluate and prototype quickly using dedicated hardware modules, the dsPIC33AK256MPS306 Motor Control Dual In-line Module (DIM) for the MCS-MCLV-48V-300W and MCHV-230VAC-1.5-kW boards, the dsPIC33AK512MPS506 Digital Power Plug-In Module (PIM) for the Digital Power Development Board, and a general-purpose DIM for the dsPIC33-Curiosity platform.
To further speed development, Microchip also offers MATLAB®-model-based design support and an expanding library of power and motor control reference designs, giving designers a streamlined path from concept to production.
Leadership Comment
“We’re seeing customers focus less on individual components and more on how fast and confidently they can bring a system to life,” said Joe?Thomsen, corporate vice president of Microchip’s Digital Signal Controller business unit. “These DSCs deliver that by combining advanced control, analog, and security capabilities into one device. Together with our comprehensive development ecosystem, they help teams manage complexity while meeting modern performance and cybersecurity requirements.”
Pricing and Availability
The dsPIC33AK128MPS103-I/M7 is available for $1.20 each in high volumes.
You can purchase directly from Microchip or contact a Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.
To Know More: CLICK HERE
