With the new PIC64HX MPUs, Microchip Technology, is equipped to address the growing demand for reliable, embedded solutions for mixed-criticality systems. The PIC64HX, in contrast to conventional MPUs, is specifically designed to meet the particular requirements of intelligent edge designs.
In the upcoming five years, the aerospace, defense, military, industrial, and medical sectors will require mission-critical edge computing, driving a more than 30% growth in the global market.
The most recent model in Microchip’s 64-bit portfolio, the PIC64HX, is a multicore, 64-bit RISC-V MPU with integrated Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet connectivity, post-quantum-enabled, defense-grade security, and advanced AI/ML processing capabilities.
PIC64HX MPUs are made especially to provide complete power efficiency, scalability, resilience, and fault tolerance.
The IEEE P802.1DP TSN for Aerospace Onboard Ethernet Communications, IEEE P802.1DG TSN Profile for Automotive In-Vehicle Ethernet Communications, and IEEE/IEC 60802 TSN Profile for Industrial Automation are among the significant emerging standards that are supported by the integrated Ethernet switch’s TSN feature set.
Eight 64-bit RISC-V CPU cores (SiFive Intelligence X280) with vector extensions facilitate virtualization, vector processing to speed up AI workloads, and high-performance computing for mixed-criticality systems.
To support SMP, AMP, or dual-core lockstep operations, system developers can deploy the cores of the PIC64HX MPU in a variety of ways. Hardware-based partitioning and isolation are made possible by support for the WorldGuard hardware architecture.
An existential threat arises from the anticipated development of quantum computers, which will render the security systems in place obsolete. Because of this, governments and businesses throughout the world are starting to demand that post-quantum cryptography be incorporated into all vital infrastructure.
The PIC64HX is said to be the first MPUs available to provide full defense-grade security, including the recently NIST-standardized FIPS 203 (ML-KEM) and FIPS 204 (ML-DSA) post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, to meet present and future security requirements.
For intelligent edge applications, the PIC64HX MPU is a strong and adaptable solution that meets the essential needs of low latency, security, dependability, and industry standard compliance.
Development Tools
A complete set of tools, libraries, drivers, and boot firmware are available for the PIC64HX MPU. It supports a number of commercial, open-source, and real-time operating systems, including RTEMS and Linux®, as well as hypervisors like Xen.
To assist its RISC-V projects, PIC64HX MPUs make use of Microchip’s vast Mi-V ecosystem of tools and design resources.
Microchip is collaborating with single-board computer partners and providing the Curiosity Ultra+ PIC64HX evaluation kit to help shorten development cycles and speed time to market.
Availability
PIC64HX MPUs samples will be available to Microchip’s early access partners in 2025. For additional information, please contact a Microchip sales representative.
Key Comments
“The PIC64HX MPU is truly groundbreaking in the number of advanced features we are able to provide with a single solution,” said Maher Fahmi, Corporate Vice President of Microchip’s Communications Business Unit. “And, integrating TSN Ethernet switching into the MPU helps developers bring standards-based networking connectivity and compute together to simplify system designs, reduce system costs and accelerate time to market.”
Customer’s Testimonials
“Next-generation aircraft require a new generation of processors for mission-critical applications such as flight control, cockpit display, cabin networking and engine control. The OHPERA Consortium views RISC-V technology as an essential component of the future of safe and sustainable aircraft,” said Christophe Vlacich, OHPERA Technical Leader. The OHPERA Consortium is composed of leading aerospace companies with the mutual goal of evaluating new technologies for next-generation aircraft. “We are pleased to see the upcoming availability of commercial products like Microchip’s PIC64HX MPU with the compute performance, partitioning, connectivity and security needed to shape the future of aviation.”
“Aries Embedded has long been a supporter of the RISC-V ecosystem,” said Andreas Widder, Aries Embedded CEO. “We are proud to be a lead System-on-Module partner for the PIC64HX and look forward to helping Microchip enable mission critical intelligent edge applications.”
