Together with a specialized safety software environment, this is the first entry-level microcontroller at this price point designed to meet the requirements of ASIL C (Automotive Safety Integrity Level C) and SIL 2 (Safety Integrity Level 2), which mandate redundant safety checks. These microcontrollers, which further enhance the safety credentials of the AVR SD family, follow a functional safety management system certified by TÜV Rheinland.
Hardware safety features include a dual-core coprocessing CPU, two A/D converters (ADCs), Error Correction Code (ECC) in all memories, a dedicated error controller module, error injection mechanisms, and voltage and clock monitors. These features reduce error detection time and software complexity. The AVR SD family can detect internal faults quickly and deterministically, enabling applications to achieve demanding Fault Detection Time Intervals (FDTIs) as low as 1 millisecond, helping to prevent hazardous situations and increase reliability.
The hardware functions are used in conjunction with Microchip's safety environment software to manage functional safety diagnostics, enabling microcontrollers to autonomously detect and handle errors and initiate a safe state when necessary. The microcontrollers can be used as the main processor for critical functions, such as detecting thermal overflows or monitoring sensor data like rotational positions, with minimal power consumption. They are also excellent candidates for coprocessor roles in complex systems to replicate or offload safety-critical functions in applications requiring higher levels of safety integrity, up to SIL D and SIL 3.
“When designing safety-critical applications, engineers have traditionally relied on expensive and complex devices. Integrating specific safety features directly into a basic microcontroller and providing the corresponding software environment allows us to help our customers meet stringent safety standards more efficiently,” said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s Microcontroller Business Unit. “With the AVR SD family, designers can significantly reduce development time and minimize system and certification costs.”.
AVR SD microcontrollers are designed in accordance with ISO 26262 (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC 61508 (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards. These safety standards are implemented in various sectors, including aerospace and defense, industrial automation, automotive, and medical. Specific applications include flight control systems, ignition control, robotic safety functions, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and medical infusion pumps. Visit the Microchip website for more information on their AVR® microcontroller portfolio and functional safety products.
Development Tools:
AVR SD microcontrollers are compatible with the TÜV SÜD-certified MPLAB® XC8 Pro compiler and Microchip's popular Curiosity Nano development board. These microcontrollers are supported by functional safety packages consisting of safety documentation (failure modes, effects analysis and diagnostics report, safety manual, dependent fault analysis report), safety software, and compliance reports.
Pricing and Availability:
AVR SD microcontrollers start at $0.93 per unit for orders of 5,000 units, with lower pricing for larger 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.
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