The latest Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) have been released by Microchip with the company’s dsPIC33EP512GM710 
family. The company advises, this is an expansion of its dsPIC DSC portfolio that adds higher levels of integration for motor-control applications.
The company points out that this new family offers efficient dual motor control with 12 motor-control PWM channels (6 pairs), dual 12-bit ADCs, multiple 32-bit quadrature encoder interfaces, and two CAN modules. Highlighting that with this level of integration, it is possible to independently control two motors with a single microcontroller (MCU) for optimised system costs. This family can also serve as a communication hub for automotive or industrial applications to connect with multiple CAN busses.
These devices support 512KB Flash, 48KB RAM, and four operational amplifiers (op amps). Other features are said to include enhanced analogue functionality with two independent ADC modules, configurable as 10-bit 1.1 Msps with four sample and holds, or 12-bit, 500ksps with one sample and hold, supporting up to 49 channels.
The company highlights that this analogue integration enables advanced sensor applications that require multiple precision ADCs with several sample and holds as well the processing power of a DSP. This family also includes a Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG) for scheduling complex, high-speed peripheral operations which is said to save software cycles and can reduce firmware complexity. These devices are claimed to enable more efficient, less expensive designs for appliances such as air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators; for automotive cooling fans, fuel pumps, water pumps, and sensors; and industrial equipment including embroidery machines, lathes and printers, as well as other applications.
This family is supported by the company’s dsPICDEM MCLV-2 development board (DM330021-2) and dsPICDEM MCHV-2 development system (DM330023-2) with the new dsPIC33EP512GM706 Single-motor Internal Op Amp PIM (MA330033). For non-motor control applications, a new dsPIC33EP512GM710 General-purpose PIM (MA330035) is offered for the company’s Explorer 16 development board (DM240001).
Microchip
