Microchip Technology Inc has
launched 60 MIPS 16-bit
dsPIC® Digital Signal
Controllers (DSCs) and PIC24
microcontrollers (MCUs). Based on
the next-generation dsPIC DSC/PIC24
MCU core, the 60 MIPS dsPIC33 and
PIC24 "E" devices offer larger (536 KB)
Flash memory, more RAM (52 KB),
greater I/O capability with 144-pin
packages, a USB 2.0 OTG interface,
and expanded motor-control,
graphics, audio, and real-time
embedded-control capabilities over
the previous-generation dsPIC
DSC/PIC24 MCU core. In support of
the first nine dsPIC33 and PIC24 "E"
devices now released, Microchip also
launched two USB starter kits and five
Plug-In Modules (PIMs) that 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 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 and PIC24H/PIC24F
MCUs, software libraries and tools,
providing a solid growth path for
current customers. The new USB 2.0
On-The-Go (OTG) peripheral enables a
connection to a PC, Flash drive and
other USB-enabled devices, and 60
MIPS performance means 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.
Additionally, a new, independent Pulse
Width Modulation (PWM) mode
supports multiple stepper motors and
dead-time compensation, which
reduces software overhead. Three onchip
analog comparators further reduce
system cost and the number of external
components required.
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.