01-12-2023 | Microchip Technology | Semiconductors
Microchip Technology has launched the PIC18-Q24 Family of MCUs. PIC18-Q24 MCUs provide the Programming and Debugging Interface Disable (PDID) feature to counter the threat of maliciously reprogramming a device in an embedded system. When enabled, this enhanced code protection feature is designed to lock out access to the programming/debugging interface and block unauthorised attempts to read, modify or erase firmware.
"System security is only as strong as its weakest link. Any programmable component can be vulnerable, and it is essential to implement enhanced protection features to prevent potential hacks," said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip's 8-bit MCU business unit. "The PIC18-Q24 family of MCUs from Microchip are designed with advanced security in the forefront to help customers combat threats at the system's foundation."
Because many secure systems often connect and communicate with various sensors, memory chips and processors, the MCUs feature MVIO. This feature eliminates the need for external level shifters and allows the MCUs to interface with digital inputs or outputs at different operating voltages. As well as reducing board complexity and BOM cost, MVIO makes PIC18-Q24 MCUs ideal as system management processors, performing monitoring and telemetry for a larger processor. These seemingly routine tasks are typically most vulnerable to potential hackers as they try to access embedded systems.
The family is also enabled with the option to have an immutable bootloader for applications that want a secure way to upgrade firmware. To learn more, visit the company's PIC MCU webpage.
The MCUs are fully supported by the company's comprehensive development ecosystem and are designed to integrate with the MCC. The PIC18F56Q24 Curiosity Nano Evaluation Kit (EV01E86A) delivers complete support for creating with the PIC18-Q24 family. These features coordinate for a seamless embedded development experience and decreased time to market.
