Microchip launches 60 MIPS Enhanced Core

To support the first nine dsPIC33 and PIC24 ‘E’ devices, Microchip has launched two USB Starter Kits and five Plug-In Modules (PIMs) which can be used with its Multimedia Expansion Board, motor-control development kits, and Explorer 16 development platforms. Also available are 30 software libraries and application notes on topics such as speech and audio, encryption/decryption, communications, and motor control. The new devices and comprehensive support package help customers to create
high-performance designs in less time.

Microchip’s dsPIC33E DSCs and PIC24E MCUs are fully compatible with the existing broad portfolio of dsPIC33F DSCs, PIC24H/PIC24F MCUs, software libraries and tools, providing a secure growth path for existing customers. The new USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) peripheral enables a connection to a PC, Flash drive and other USB-enabled devices, whilst 60 MIPS performance means that the new devices support high-end industrial and commercial applications, such as servo motor control, solar inverters, and running dual 3-phase motors in parallel. In addition, a new, independent Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode supports multiple stepper motors and dead-time compensation, which reduces software overhead. Three on-chip analogue comparators further reduce system cost as well as the number of external components required.

The first dsPIC33 and PIC24 ‘E’ devices include four SPI and four UART interfaces, as well as two I2C™ interfaces. A new auxiliary Flash module enables designers to programme or erase Flash data without slowing normal CPU operation, which is critical for motor-control, power-conversion and many other applications that require on-the-fly programming. Improved Direct Memory Access (DMA) functionality automatically starts linked DMA operations, and the improved debugger capability enables complex breakpoints for faster debugging. Additionally, with enhanced timer capabilities, the dsPIC33 and PIC24 “E” devices’ Input-Capture and Output-Compare modules are more flexible and powerful.

The USB Starter Kit (DM330012) and PIC24E USB Starter Kit (DM240012) priced at $65 each, can be used for stand-alone development and also with Microchip development platforms such as the Multimedia Expansion Board (DM320005) to develop high-impact user interfaces.

Additionally, a number of Plug-In Modules (PIMs) are compatible with Microchip’s Explorer 16 Development Board and motor-control development kits, including the dsPICDEM™ MCHV (DM330023), dsPICDEM MCLV (DM330021) and dsPICDEM MCSM (DM330022). General purpose and graphics applications using the PIC24E are supported by the 100-pin MA240025-1 PIM, priced at $25, and the 144-pin MA240025-2 PIM priced at $30; whilst the dsPIC33E is supported by the 144-pin MA330025-2 PIM, priced at $30. Motor-control applications using the dsPIC33E can use the 144-pin MA330025-3 PIM, priced at $40. Motor-control, general-purpose and graphics applications, using the dsPIC33E, are supported by the 100-pin MA330025-1 PIM, priced at $25.

The dsPIC33E Dual Motor Control PIM (MA330027), priced at $175, enables designers to control two motors using one dsPIC33E DSC and is expected to be available in July 2011.

The dsPIC33E and PIC24E devices are also supported by Microchip’s standard development tools, including the MPLAB® IDE, MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger and REAL ICE™ In-Circuit Emulator, as well as the MPLAB C Compiler for PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC DSCs (also known as the MPLAB C30 C Compiler).

The dsPIC33E DSCs and PIC24E MCUs are available in 64-pin QFN and TQFP packages, 100- and 144-pin TQFP, 121-pin BGA, and 144-pin LQFP packages.