Microchip announces the new 24-member PIC32MZ Embedded Connectivity (EC) family of 32-bit MCUs. It provides class-leading performance of 330 DMIPS and 3.28 CoreMarks™/MHz, in addition to dual-panel, live-update Flash (up to 2 MB), large RAM (512 KB) and the connectivity peripherals – including a 10/100 Ethernet MAC, Hi-Speed USB MAC/PHY (a first for PIC® MCUs) and dual CAN ports – needed to support today’s demanding applications. The PIC32MZ also has class-leading code density that is 30% better than competitors, along with a 28 Msps ADC that offers one of the best throughput rates for 32-bit MCUs. Completing this family’s high level of integration is a full-featured hardware crypto engine with a random number generator for high-throughput data encryption/decryption and authentication such as AES, 3DES, SHA, MD5 and HMAC, as well as the first SQI interface on a Microchip MCU and the PIC32’s highest number of serial channels.
Embedded designers are faced with ever-increasing demands for additional features that require more MCU performance and memory. At the same time, they are looking to lower cost and complexity by using fewer MCUs. The PIC32MZ family provides 3x the performance and 4x the memory over the previous-generation PIC32MX families, in addition to a high level of advanced peripheral integration. For applications requiring embedded connectivity, the family includes Hi-Speed USB, Ethernet and CAN, as well as a broad set of wired and wireless protocol stacks. Many embedded applications are adding better graphics displays, and the PIC32MZ can support up to a WQVGA display without any external graphics chips. Streaming/digital audio applications can take advantage of this family’s 159 DSP instructions, large memory, peripherals such as I2S, and available software.
Field updates are another growing challenge for design engineers and managers. The PIC32MZ’s 2 MB of internal Flash enables live updates via dual independent panels that provide a fail-safe way to conduct field updates while operating at full speed.
Microchip is making three new PIC32MZ development tools available today. The complete, turn-key PIC32MZ EC Starter Kit is priced at $119, and comes in two versions to support family members with the integrated crypto engine (DM320006C) and those without (DM320006). The Multimedia Expansion Board II (DM320005-2) is available at the introductory rate of $299 for the first six months and can be used with either Starter Kit to develop graphics HMI, connectivity and audio applications. The 168-pin to132-pin Starter Kit Adapter (AC320006), priced at $59, enables development with Microchip’s extensive portfolio of application-specific daughter boards. The PIC32MZ2048EC Plug-in Module (MA320012) priced at $25, is available for existing users of the Explorer 16 Modular Development Board.
Starting in December 2013, the first 12 members of the PIC32MZ family are expected for sampling and volume production, while the remaining 12 members, as well as additional package options, are expected to become available at various dates through to 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.
Microchip Technology
www.microchip.com/get/ESJG