Microchip Packs Analog Peripherals Into 32-bit MCU Family

Microchip Technology recently introduced its newest PIC32A microcontroller (MCU) lineup, a solution that integrates high-performance analog peripherals, the latest safety features, and a 200-MHz, 32-bit CPU in a cost-effective package.

At Embedded World, Joe Thomsen, vice president at Microchip, talked with All About Circuits' Jeff Child about the PIC32A MCU. 

By reducing the need for multiple external components, these MCUs may represent a more efficient, high-performance option for industries that require intelligent sensing, control, and data processing.

What Makes the PIC32A MCUs Stand Out?

Microchip equipped these MCUs (datasheet linked) with 40 million samples per second (Msps), 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), ultra-fast five-ns comparators, and 100-MHz gain bandwidth product (GBWP) operational amplifiers. These advanced peripherals can be used to achieve real-time, high-fidelity data processing, making them useful for applications such as sensor interfacing and edge sensing in a variety of manufacturing industries for consumer electronics. By integrating these analog peripherals directly into the MCU, Microchip reduces the need for additional external components and helps to simplify the design process while minimizing overall system costs.

Block diagram of the PIC32A MCU. Image used courtesy of Microchip

Another critical aspect of the PIC32A family is its inclusion of a 64-bit floating point unit (FPU) designed to efficiently handle complex, math-intensive operations by quickly and accurately processing floating-point calculations. The FPU is particularly useful in applications that require intensive data processing, such as AI and machine learning algorithms, digital signal processing, and real-time control systems. The FPU's double-precision capabilities execute computations with greater precision to support advanced model-based design approaches. 

Microchip has equipped the PIC32A family with hardware safety features, including error code correction (ECC) on flash and RAM and memory built-in self-test (MBIST) for fault detection. These features work together to maintain data integrity and recover the system from potential errors. Mechanisms like an immutable secure boot and flash access control can help safeguard against unauthorized software tampering.

The PIC32A MCU’s Development Tools

To support developers building applications with the PIC32A MCUs, Microchip offers several development tools, including the MPLAB XC32 Compiler. This resource efficiently optimizes code for 32-bit MCUs. The MPLAB Harmony embedded software development framework can simplify system integration and accelerate time-to-market. Additionally, the dsPIC33A Curiosity Platform Development Board provides a hands-on environment for testing and debugging, with support for mikroBUS and Xplained Pro interfaces. 

The PIC32A MCU family may suit a range of high-performance math-intensive applications. Image used courtesy of Microchip

The PIC32A MCU family offers a smart, cost-effective way to meet the rising demands of industries that need both performance and reliability through advanced analog peripherals, safety features, and a high-speed floating-point unit. For developers looking to tackle complex, data-heavy applications, the PIC32A could be the key to unlocking more efficient designs without sacrificing power.