Microchip Launches the dsPIC33A Family, Offering High Performance and Advanced Analog Features
Available for under $1 "in high volume," the new digital signal controllers aim to do in one chip what takes rivals at least two.
Microchip has announced a new entry in its dsPIC range of digital signal controller chips, offering a 32-bit CPU running at up to 200MHz and an integrated double-precision floating-point unit: the dsPIC33A.
"The dsPIC33A DSCs are a game-changer for developers because they are designed to offer the precision, efficiency and advanced features needed to push the boundaries of embedded system performance," claims Microchip's Joe Thomsen "With its ability to enable complex designs, address safety and security requirements, integrate advanced functionality and accelerate time-to-market, the dsPIC33A family positions our clients to secure a larger market share with innovative, competitive designs."
The new family of digital signal controllers offers a 32-bit CPU core running at up to 200MHz with a hardware floating-point unit (FPU) capable of running at single- or double-precision. There's RAM and flash, both protected with error correction code (ECC), and a range of peripherals including a 12-bit analog to digital converter (ADC) capable of 40 mega-samples per second (MSps), 100MHz op-amps, 5ns comparators, 12-bit digital to analog converters (DACs), high-resolution pulse-width modulation (PWM) outputs, an integrated touch controller, and high-speed serial connectivity.
The new chips also offer an integrated digital signal processing (DSP) engine, as you'd expect from digital signal controllers, which features 72-bit accumulators. Compared with the FPU and the CPU performance, this makes for a speedy upgrade over existing dsPIC parts — and a single-chip alternative to running a dedicated microcontroller and separate signal controller.
The new parts are available with a choice of 32kB, 64kB, and 128kB program memories, and with pin counts from 28 at the smallest footprint to 64 at the largest. Pricing starts, Microchip says, at under $1 "in high volume," with more information available on the official product page.