Microchip introduces a new kernel in the dsPIC digital Signal Controller family to improve real-time control accuracy and execution

     With the increasing complexity of embedded systems and the need for high performance, Microchip Technology has introduced the dsPIC33A series of digital Signal controllers (DSC). Engineers are able to create complex, computationally intensive embedded control algorithms that are critical to achieving superior operational efficiency for motor control, power, charging and sensing systems. The advanced core of the dsPIC33A series uses a 32-bit central processing unit (CPU) architecture, runs at 200 MHz, includes a double-precision floating-point arithmetic unit (DP FPU) and DSP instructions, and is suitable for numerically intensive tasks in many closed-loop control algorithms. The dsPIC33A architecture is designed to provide high performance and precise real-time control, combined with a comprehensive ecosystem of development tools to simplify and accelerate the design process.

     Joe Thomsen, Microchip's vice president of Digital Signal Controllers, said: "dsPIC33A digital signal controllers are a game changer for developers because they deliver the precision, efficiency and advanced features needed to drive the performance of embedded systems. The dsPIC33A series enables complex designs, meets safety requirements, integrates advanced features and accelerates time-to-market, helping customers win market share with innovative, competitive designs."

     The dsPIC33A DSC is optimized for better math and data processing, higher code efficiency, faster context switching, and shorter latency. This lower latency speeds up response to transient and safety-critical events. New and upgraded peripherals, such as high-resolution PWM designed for motor control and digital power conversion, are designed to support progressive technology development in various markets such as automotive, industrial, consumer, e-mobility, data center, and sustainable solutions. The dsPIC33A family integrates analog peripherals, including a 12-bit ADC with conversion rates up to 40 Msps, a high-speed comparator, and an operational amplifier. These analog peripherals, combined with kernel-independent peripherals (CIP), enable complex sensing and high-performance control. In addition, CIP enables interaction between peripherals without CPU involvement, thus improving the efficiency of a single controller to manage multiple tasks. The result is more robust real-time control while reserving CPU bandwidth for software protocol stacks, functional safety diagnostics, and security functions.

     The dsPIC33A device family has flash security features, including immutable trust roots, secure debugging, and restricted memory access. DSC's instruction set architecture (ISA) supports software code generated using model-based designs, simplifying code generation. The dsPIC33A DSC is fully functional and ideal for fan, pump and compressor applications that require efficient motor control. They also manage digital power conversion for applications such as AI servers and on-board chargers for electric vehicles, and support sensor interfaces for industrial and automotive applications.

     The first product in the series, the dsPIC33AK128MC1xx DSC, includes 128 KB of flash memory and a rich set of peripherals in a variety of packages, including SSOP, VQFN and TQFP, with pin counts ranging from 28 to 64 and package sizes as small as 4 x 4 mm. The subsequent dsPIC33A series will add memory, peripherals and more pins to complete the product portfolio.