Digital signal controller enables separate code design and seamless integration

Microchip Technology offers a new DSC with two dsPIC DSC cores in a single chip for high-end embedded control applications. The dsPIC33CH has one core that is intended to function as a master while the other is created as a slave. The slave core is beneficial for executing dedicated, time-critical control code while the master core is busy driving the user interface, system monitoring and communications functions, customised for the end application. The device is created particularly to facilitate independent code development for each core by separate design teams and enables seamless integration when they are brought together in one chip. The family is optimised for high-performance digital power, motor control and other applications needing sophisticated algorithms. This incorporates applications such as server power supplies, wireless power, drones and automotive sensors. The family was created for live updating of the system, which is important for power supplies where firmware updates are made with zero downtime. The family delivers unprecedented integration in a small 5mm x 5mm package and includes features such as CAN-FD communications. To decrease system costs and board size, advanced peripherals are offered to each core including high-speed ADCs, DACs with waveform generation, analogue comparators, analogue programmable gain amplifiers and high-resolution PWM hardware. Having two cores, with dedicated peripherals, enables the cores to be programmed to monitor each other for functional safety reasons, facilitating robust system design.