With the growing complexity of embedded systems and the demand for more performance, Microchip Technology has introduced the dsPIC33A Core family of Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). To achieve greater operational efficiency in motor control, power supply, charging, and sensing systems, engineers must be able to develop complex, computationally intensive embedded control algorithms.
The advanced core of the dsPIC33A family is based on a 32-bit Central Processing Unit (CPU) architecture that operates at 200 MHz. It features a Double-Precision Floating-Point Unit (DP FPU) and DSP instructions for jobs requiring a lot of computation, which are common in many closed-loop control algorithms.
In order to simplify and expedite the design process, the dsPIC33A architecture provides high-performance and accurate real-time control in conjunction with an extensive development tool ecosystem.
Key Features of The New DSCs
- Improved math and data processing, increased code efficiency, quicker context switching, and decreased latency are all features of the dsPIC33A DSCs.
- It is possible to respond to transient and safety-critical events more quickly because to this decreased latency.
- To support progressive technology development in a various markets, including the automotive, industrial, consumer, E-Mobility, data center, and sustainable solutions segments, new and upgraded peripherals are being developed.
- Examples of these peripherals include high-resolution PWMs specifically engineered for motor control and digital power conversion.
The dsPIC33A family of integrated analog peripherals includes operational amplifiers, high-speed comparators, and 12-bit ADCs with conversion rates up to 40 Msps. These analog peripherals enable high-performance control and advanced sensing when used with Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs).
Moreover, the CIPs provide peripheral-to-peripheral communication without involving the CPU, improving the effectiveness of a single controller in handling several tasks. More reliable real-time control is the end result, and CPU bandwidth is kept free for security features, software stacks, and functional safety diagnostics.
Added Security Features
- Flash security features, such as an Immutable Root of Trust, secure debugging, and restricted memory access, are included with the dsPIC33A device families.
- To make code generation simpler, the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) of the DSCs permits the adoption of software code generated by model-based designs.
- Because of their combined capabilities, dsPIC33A DSCs are ideal for applications requiring effective motor control, such as those involving fans, pumps, and compressors.
- They can also handle digital power conversion, which is useful for applications like AI servers and on-board chargers for electric cars, and they can facilitate sensor interfacing for applications in the automotive and industrial sectors.
The first series of dsPIC33AK128MC1xx DSCs has a large peripheral set and 128 KB of Flash. It is available in a variety of packages, including as SSOP, VQFN, and TQFP options with pin counts ranging from 28 to 64 and as small as 4 × 4 mm. The portfolio will be completed by future dsPIC33A families with more memory, peripherals, and larger pin counts.
Key Comments
“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.”
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.
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