The advanced core of the dsPIC33A family, based on a 32-bit CPU (Central Processing Unit) architecture with a 200 MHz operating speed, includes a double-precision floating-point unit (DP FPU) and DSP instructions for computationally intensive tasks in numerous closed-loop control algorithms. The dsPIC33A architecture delivers high performance and precise real-time control, along with a comprehensive ecosystem of development tools to streamline and accelerate the design process.
“The dsPIC33A DSCs represent a game-changer for developers because they are designed to deliver the precision, efficiency, and advanced features needed to boost embedded system performance,” said Joe Thomsen, vice president of Microchip’s Digital Signal Controllers business unit. “By enabling complex designs while meeting security and protection requirements, integrating advanced features, and accelerating time to market, the dsPIC33A family aims to help our customers expand their market share with innovative and competitive designs.”
The DSC dsPIC33A series offers improvements in mathematical and data processing, greater code efficiency, faster context switching, and reduced latency. This lower latency allows for faster response times to transients and safety-critical events. New and updated peripherals, such as high-resolution PWMs specifically designed for motor control and digital power conversion, are designed for gradual technological development across various markets, including automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, electromobility, data centers, and sustainable solutions. The dsPIC33A family integrates analog peripherals, such as 12-bit A/D converters capable of conversion speeds up to 40 Msps, high-speed comparators, and operational amplifiers. These analog peripherals, along with Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), enable sophisticated sensing and high-performance control. CIPs also facilitate interaction between peripherals without requiring the CPU, thus improving the efficiency of a single controller in managing diverse tasks. The result is more robust real-time control by reserving CPU bandwidth for software stacks, functional safety diagnostics, and security features.
The dsPIC33A device family incorporates Flash security features such as an Immutable Root of Trust, secure debugging, and restricted memory access. The DSC's Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) enables the adoption of software code generated by model-based designs, simplifying code generation. The combination of these features makes the dsPIC33A DSC well-suited for applications requiring efficient motor control in fans, pumps, and compressors. They also manage digital power conversion in applications such as AI servers and onboard electric vehicle chargers, and enable sensor connectivity in industrial and automotive applications.
The first DSC dsPIC33AK128MC1xx family integrates 128 KB of Flash memory, a wide range of peripherals, and is available in various packages, including SSOP, VQFN, and TQFP, with 28 to 64 pins and dimensions starting at 4 × 4 mm. Future dsPIC33A families will offer more memory, more peripherals, and more pins to complete the product line. Visit Microchip's Digital Signal Controllers for more information on the company's entire DSC device lineup.
Development Tools:
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 enhances functionality through mikroBUS™ and Xplained Pro interfaces for connecting to Built-in Self Text Xplained Pro (BIST XPRO) expansion kits, sensors, and various Click boards™. Dual In-line modules (DIMs) are available for developing motor control, digital power conversion, and general embedded applications. A complete list of development tools for dsPIC33A can be found on the DSC dsPIC33A website.
Pricing and Availability:
dsPIC33A devices are priced starting at under $1 per unit for bulk orders. For more information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, an authorized distributor, or visit the Microchip Customer Service and Purchasing website at www.microchipdirect.com.
