Microchip Expands dsPIC33A Family for AI Data Centers, Advanced Motor Control and Intelligent Sensing

As AI servers, data centers, automotive and industrial systems demand more efficient designs, deterministic real-time control and quantum-resistant cryptography, Microchip Technology Inc. has announced the addition of the dsPIC33AK256MPS306 Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) to its dsPIC33A family.

The devices combine high-resolution control, high-speed analog capabilities and security with support for post-quantum cryptography. Compact and cost-effective, they are designed to reduce bill of materials (BOM), simplify board design and accelerate time to market for power conversion, motor control and intelligent sensing applications.

Built on a 200 MHz 32-bit core with a double-precision floating point unit (FPU), the devices integrate high-resolution 78 ps Pulse Width Modulators (PWMs), multiple 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) with up to 40 MSPS, 5 ns high-speed comparators and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) with slope compensation. These features enable fast, deterministic control loops for high-efficiency DC/DC converters, auxiliary power rails and intelligent sensing systems, including those based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) power semiconductors operating at high switching frequencies.

According to Joe Thomsen, corporate vice president of Microchip’s digital signal controller business unit, customers are increasingly focused on how quickly and confidently they can bring systems to life. By integrating control, analog and security capabilities into a single device, along with a comprehensive development ecosystem, these DSCs help teams manage complexity and meet evolving performance and cybersecurity requirements.

To address increasing cybersecurity demands, the dsPIC33AK256MPS306 family includes hardware-based security features such as secure boot, secure firmware updates and secure debug. The devices support libraries compatible with post-quantum cryptographic algorithms recommended by CNSA Suite 2.0 and include hardware-accelerated cryptographic functions required for Open Compute Project (OCP) power supplies and other connected real-time control applications. Live update support enables uninterrupted full-cycle firmware updates in modern server designs.

The devices feature I3C connectivity for scalable, low-latency telemetry and sensor networks in modern server and industrial racks, along with additional communication interfaces including CAN FD, LIN, SPI, I2C and SENT.

With 20 ns execution for trigonometric sine and cosine functions, the dsPIC33A architecture enables highly responsive position control and efficient field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms. The family supports multiple motor feedback interfaces, including BiSS-C, EnDat, quadrature/optical encoders and resolvers, allowing precise real-time control and improved motor control performance.

The devices also include an Integrated Touch Controller (ITC) and ADCs with built-in oversampling that achieve up to 16-bit resolution, simplifying complex sensing and human-machine interface applications. This high level of integration reduces the need for external components and enables enhanced functionality without additional hardware. Compact package options further support space-constrained designs.

Developed in accordance with automotive (ISO 26262) and industrial (IEC 61508) functional safety standards, the devices include hardware safety features that help streamline certification for safety-critical applications. The family will also be automotive qualified for operation at temperatures up to 150°C.

Development Ecosystem

The family is supported by Microchip’s comprehensive development ecosystem, including the MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), MPLAB Code Configurator and MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite. The devices now support the Zephyr® real-time operating system (RTOS), providing access to an open-source ecosystem and a unified platform for scalable embedded application development.

In addition, the dsPIC33A DSCs are compatible with FreeRTOS™, SafeRTOS® (certified), wolfCrypt® libraries (including post-quantum cryptography support), MICROSAR IO from Vector and TRACE32® debug and trace tools from Lauterbach.

For evaluation and rapid prototyping, Microchip offers DIM modules for motor control compatible with both low- and high-voltage development boards, as well as PIM modules for power conversion applications and a general-purpose version for the dsPIC33 Curiosity platform.

Support for model-based design via MATLAB® and a growing library of reference designs for power and motor control further accelerate development and system integration.

Pricing and Availability

The dsPIC33AK128MPS103-I/M7 is available starting at $1.20 each in high volumes. Devices can be purchased directly from Microchip or through authorized distributors worldwide.

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