New core in DSC family enhances precision and execution of real-time control

As embedded systems become more complex and the necessity for improved performance increases, Microchip Technology has launched its dsPIC33A Core family of DSCs. The ability of engineers to create sophisticated, computationally intensive embedded control algorithms is critical for attaining superior operational efficiency in motor control, power supply, charging and sensing systems. Built around a 32-bit CPU architecture with a 200MHz operating speed, the family's advanced core includes a DP FPU and DSP instructions for numerically intensive tasks in many closed-loop control algorithms. The device architecture provides high-performance and precise real-time control and a comprehensive development tool ecosystem to streamline and accelerate the design process.

"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."

The DSCs are improved with enhanced math and data processing, higher code efficiency, faster context switching and decreased latency. This lower latency permits a quicker response time to transient and safety-critical events. New and upgraded peripherals – such as high-resolution PWMs specifically engineered for motor control and digital power conversion – are designed to support progressive technology development in various markets, including automotive, industrial, consumer, E-Mobility, data centre and sustainable solutions segments. The family features integrated analog peripherals, including 12-bit ADCs capable of conversion rates up to 40Msps, high-speed comparators and operational amplifiers. In conjunction with CIPs, these analogue peripherals allow for sophisticated sensing and high-performance control. In addition, the CIPs enable interaction among the peripherals without CPU involvement, improving the efficiency of a single controller to manage multiple tasks. The result is more robust real-time control while reserving the CPU bandwidth for software stacks, functional safety diagnostics and security functions.

The device families are outfitted with Flash security capabilities, including an Immutable Root of Trust, secure debugging and restricted memory access. The DSCs' Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) allows the adoption of software code generated by model-based designs to simplify code generation. The combined features make the DSCs ideal for applications that need efficient motor control for fans, pumps and compressors; they also manage digital power conversion for applications like AI servers and onboard chargers in electric vehicles and enable sensor interfacing for industrial and automotive applications.

The first family of dsPIC33AK128MC1xx DSCs includes 128KB Flash and an extensive peripheral set. It is offered in various packages, including SSOP, VQFN, and TQFP options ranging from 28 to 64 pins, with package dimensions as small as 4mm × 4mm. Future dsPIC33A families with extra memory, peripherals, and larger pin counts will complete the portfolio.

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 support development for motor control, digital power conversion and general-purpose embedded applications.