The slave core is useful for executing specialized control code when time is critical, while the master core handles the user interface, system monitoring, and custom communication functions for the end application. The dsPIC33CH is specifically designed to facilitate independent code development for each core by separate design teams and allows for seamless integration when combined onto a single chip.
The dsPIC33CH family is optimized for digital power supplies, motor control, and other high-performance applications requiring sophisticated algorithms. This includes applications such as wireless power supplies, server power supplies, drones, and automotive sensors. For example, in a digital power supply, the slave core manages the mathematical algorithms, while the master core independently manages the PMBus™ protocol stack and provides system monitoring functions, thereby increasing overall system performance and responsiveness. Distributing the total workload across two DSC cores in a single device allows for increased power density through higher switching frequencies, which in turn reduces component size.
The dsPIC33CH family was designed for instant system updates, which is especially important in power supplies when firmware updates need to be done without downtime.
In a car fan or pump, the slave core handles time-critical speed and torque control, while the master manages CAN-FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data) communications, system monitoring, and diagnostics. The two cores work seamlessly together, enabling advanced algorithms to improve efficiency and responsiveness. Furthermore, each of the new dsPIC33CH device cores is designed to deliver higher performance than current dsPIC DSC cores through:
1) a larger number of registered users selected based on context to improve response to disruptions;
2) new instructions that accelerate the performance of the DSP (Digital Signal Processor); and
3) faster execution of instructions.
The dsPIC33CH family offers unprecedented integration in a small 5 x 5 mm package and incorporates features such as CAN-FD communications. Advanced peripherals available for each core reduce system costs and board size. These include high-speed A/D and D/A converters with waveform generation, analog comparators, programmable-gain analog amplifiers, and high-resolution pulse-width modulation (PWM) circuitry. The dual cores and special peripherals allow the cores to be programmed to monitor each other for functional safety, facilitating the design of a robust system.
The dsPIC33CH is supported by Microchip's MPLAB® development ecosystem, including the free downloadable MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and the Microchip MPLAB® Code Configurator.
The dsPIC33CH Curiosity board (DM330028), priced at $34.99 per unit, is an economical and flexible platform that allows customers to quickly create a feature-rich prototype. The dsPIC33CH Plug-in Module (PIM) for motor control platforms (MA330039), designed for Microchip's MCLV-2 and MCHV-2/3 systems, is priced at $25.00 per unit. The dsPIC33CH is also available for general-purpose platforms (MA330040), priced at $25.00 per unit, and is compatible with the Explorer 16/32 development board (DM240001-2). The dsPIC33CH is supplied in eight different packages, ranging from the 28-pin dsPIC33CH64MP202 to 80-pin versions starting at 5 x 5 mm. Its memory capacity is 64 to 128 KB of Flash.
