Microchip has unveiled its new 24-member PIC32MZ Embedded Connectivity (EC) family of 32-bit MCUs. These devices offer performance characteristics of 330DMIPS and 3.28 CoreMarks/MHz, in addition to dual-panel, live-update Flash (up to 2MB). This is in addition to a large RAM (512KB) and connectivity peripherals – including a 10/100 Ethernet MAC, Hi-Speed USB MAC/PHY (claimed as a first for PIC MCUs) and dual CAN ports, which are needed to support today’s demanding applications.
These MCUs also feature code density that is said to be some 30 percent better than similar devices available, along with a 28Msps ADC that offers good throughput rates for 32-bit MCUs. A full-featured hardware crypto engine is also integrated into the devices, with a random number generator for high-throughput data encryption/decryption and authentication such as AES, 3DES, SHA, MD5 and HMAC. This is also joined by the first SQI interface on a Microchip MCU and the PIC32’s highest number of serial channels.
The PIC32MZ family provides three times the performance and four times the memory over the previous-generation devices in this family, in addition to a high level of advanced peripheral integration. For applications requiring embedded connectivity, the family includes Hi-Speed USB, Ethernet and CAN, as well as a broad set of wired and wireless protocol stacks.
Many embedded applications are adding better graphics displays, and the these devices can support up to a WQVGA display without any external graphics chips. Streaming/digital audio applications can utilise this family’s 159 DSP instructions, large memory, peripherals such as I2S, and available software.
For field updates, a 2MB of internal Flash enables live updates via dual independent panels that provide a fail-safe way to conduct field updates while operating at full speed.
“Our new PIC32MZ family was designed for high-end and next-generation embedded applications that require high levels of performance, memory and advanced-peripheral integration,” said Rod Drake, Director of Microchip’s MCU32 Division.
“This family enables designers to add features such as improved graphics displays, faster real-time performance and increased security with a single MCU, lowering both cost and complexity.”
The company advises this family of devices is its first MCU to employ Imagination’s MIPS microAptiv core, which adds 159 new DSP instructions that enable the execution of DSP algorithms at up to 75 percent fewer cycles than the PIC32MX families. This core also provides the microMIPS instruction-set architecture, which improves code density while operating at near full rate, instruction and data cache, and its 200 MHz/330 DMIPS offers 3x the performance of the PIC32MX.
“Microchip is a flag-bearer for the MIPS architecture in microcontrollers, having created its PIC32 line around MIPS. Additionally, Microchip was a valued partner in defining the feature set for the new MIPS microAptiv CPU, which is designed to fulfill next-generation application demands for increased performance and functionality,” said Tony King-Smith, EVP Marketing, Imagination Technologies.
In addition, the company has also launched three new development tools for this new range of MCUs. Described as a complete, turn-key PIC32MZ EC Starter Kit, it comes in two versions to support family members with the integrated crypto engine (DM320006-2) and those without (DM320006). The Multimedia Expansion Board II (DM320005-2) can be used with either Starter Kit to develop graphics HMI, connectivity and audio applications. The 168-pin to132-pin Starter Kit Adapter (AC320006) enables development with the company’s existing portfolio of application-specific daughter boards. The PIC32MZ2048EC Plug-in Module (MA320012) is available for existing users of the Explorer 16 Modular Development Board.
Starting in December 2013, the first 12 members of the PIC32MZ family are expected for sampling and volume production, while the remaining 12 members, as well as additional package options, are expected to become available at various dates through to May 2014. The crypto engine is integrated into eight of the PIC32MZ MCUs, and there is an even split of 12 MCUs with 1 MB of Flash and 12 MCUs with 2 MB of Flash.
Microchip
