Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MCHP) has introduced new dsPIC33AK256MPS306 Digital Signal Controllers as part of an expansion of its dsPIC33A DSC portfolio, targeting applications in power conversion, motor control, and intelligent sensing across AI servers, data centers, automotive, and industrial markets.
The new controllers are built on a 200 MHz 32-bit core and feature a double-precision floating point unit. They incorporate 78-picosecond pulse width modulators, multiple 12-bit analog-to-digital converters operating at 40 MSPS, high-speed comparators with 5-nanosecond response times, and digital-to-analog converters with slope compensation.
Security capabilities are integrated into the devices, including support for secure boot, firmware updates, and debugging. The controllers are compatible with Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite 2.0 post-quantum cryptography standards and include hardware-accelerated cryptographic functions designed for Open Compute Project power supplies and real-time connected control systems.
“These DSCs address customer needs by combining a broad set of control, analog and security capabilities together in a single device,” said Joe Thomsen, corporate vice president of Microchip’s digital signal controller business unit.
Connectivity features include I3C support for telemetry and sensor networks, along with interfaces such as CAN FD, LIN, SPI, I2C, and SENT. For motor control use cases, the devices support multiple feedback systems, including Bidirectional Serial Synchronous, EnDat, and Quadrature/Optical Encoders and Resolvers.
The controllers also include an Integrated Touch Controller and high-speed ADCs with built-in oversampling, enabling up to 16-bit resolution. They have been developed in line with automotive ISO 26262 and industrial IEC 61508 functional safety standards, and are expected to be automotive-qualified for operation at temperatures up to 150°C.
The dsPIC33AK128MPS103-I/M7 variant is priced at $1.20 per unit in high-volume orders. The devices support the Zephyr real-time operating system and are compatible with FreeRTOS, SafeRTOS, and wolfCrypt libraries.