Microchip Launches Fast 32-bit MCUs

Chandler, Ariz. —Microchip Technology Inc. has launched its PIC32MZ Embedded Connectivity (EC) family of 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), targeting high-end embedded applications. The series of 24 devices delivers performance of 330 DMIPS and 3.28 CoreMarks/MHz, integrated with dual-panel, live-update Flash (up to 2 MB), large RAM (512 KB), connectivity peripherals—including a 10/100 Ethernet MAC, Hi-Speed USB MAC/PHY (a first for PIC MCUs), and dual CAN ports. Microchip touts that the "PIC32MZ also has class-leading code density that is 30 percent better than competitors, along with a 28 Msps ADC that offers one of the best throughput rates for 32-bit MCUs."

Other features include a full-featured hardware crypto engine with a random number generator for high-throughput data encryption/decryption and authentication (e.g., AES, 3DES, SHA, MD5 and HMAC), and the first SQI interface on a Microchip MCU and the PIC32’s highest number of serial channels.

The new series is said to meet the challenges of embedded designers who are looking for additional features that require more MCU performance and memory but also want to lower their system costs and complexity by using fewer processors. The PIC32MZ family provides 3x the performance (200 MHz/330 DMIPS) and 4x the memory over the previous-generation PIC32MX families in combination with a high level of advanced peripheral integration, said Microchip. For applications requiring embedded connectivity, the family includes Hi-Speed USB, Ethernet and CAN, and a broad range of wired and wireless protocol stacks.

“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, in a statement. “The PIC32MZ 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 PIC32MZ is Microchip’s first MCU to use Imagination’s MIPS microAptiv core, which adds 159 new DSP instructions that enable the execution of DSP algorithms at up to 75% fewer cycles than the PIC32MX families, said Microchip. In addition, the PIC32MZ series can support up to a WQVGA display without any external graphics chips. The 159 DSP instructions, large memory, peripherals such as I2S, and available software can be used by streaming/digital audio applications.

Microchip also claims the industry's most comprehensive 32-bit microcontroller firmware development framework—MPLAB Harmony. The framework is said to be the first to integrate the licensing, resale and support of both Microchip and third-party middleware, drivers, libraries and real-time operating systems. Harmony includes third-party offerings from Express Logic, FreeRTOS, InterNiche, WITTENSTEIN High Integrity Systems and wolfSSL. More third-party offerings are to come.

Availability: The first 12 members of the PIC32MZ family will be available in December for sampling and volume production. The remaining 12, along with additional package options, will be available at various dates through 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. Four PIC32MZ development tools are also available.

Pricing: Starts at $6.68 each in quantities of 10,000. The superset family members and their package options are the 64-pin QFN (9x9 mm) and TQFP (9x9 mm) for the PIC32MZ2048ECH064; 100-pin TQFP (12x12 and 14x14 mm) for the PIC32MZ2048ECH100; 124-pin VTLA (9x9 mm) for the PIC32MZ2048ECH124; and 144-pin TQFP (16x16 mm) and LQFP (20x20 mm) for the PIC32MZ2048ECH144. The superset versions with an integrated crypto engine are the PIC32MZ2048ECM064, PIC32MZ2048ECM100, PIC32MZ2048ECM124 and PIC32MZ2048ECM144. To purchase, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip's authorized distributors.

The PIC32MZ EC Starter Kit costs $119, and is available in two versions to support family members with the integrated crypto engine (Part # DM320006-C) and those without (Part # DM320006). The Multimedia Expansion Board II (Part # DM320005-2), which is available at the introductory rate of $299 for the first six months, can be used with either the Starter Kit to develop graphics HMI, connectivity and audio applications. The 168-pin to132-pin Starter Kit Adapter (Part # AC320006, $59) enables development with Microchip's portfolio of application-specific daughter boards. The PIC32MZ2048EC Plug-in Module (Part # MA320012, $25) is available for existing users of the Explorer 16 Modular Development Board. For more information and to purchase these tools, visit http://www.microchip.com/get/JDVB.

Technical Resources: Presentation