The embedded systems landscape is evolving rapidly in demand for AI/ML capabilities, real-time data processing and security, coasting microcontroller manufactures down a path to deliver solutions that perform high on price of power and lower cost. Hence Microchip Technology Inc. the global leader in embedded control solutions, had to rise to the challenge with its latest PIC32A series of microcontrollers.
In an exclusive interview with ELE Times, Pramit Nandy, Product Marketing Manager at Microchip’s dsPIC Business Unit, focused on motor control applications and having earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University, discusses key insights into technological innovation, market strategies, and applications landscape for PIC32A MCUs.
ELE Times: What prompted the launch of the PIC32A series of MCUs? Was it based on specific market demands or technological trends?
Pramit: The launch of the PIC32A series of MCUs was prompted by specific market demands and technological trends, including the need for advanced processing capabilities for complex algorithms and data management, high-speed analog peripherals for precise measurements, robust safety and security features driven by automotive, industrial, and consumer segments, and the ability to handle software complexity with model-based designs.
ELE Times: How does the addition of 64-bit FPU enhance PIC32A MCU applications in AI/ML? Could you share any use cases or test data?
Pramit: The integration of a 64-bit Floating Point Unit (FPU) in the PIC32A MCU, operating at 200MHz, can help enhance AI/ML applications by accelerating complex mathematical operations, improving precision, enabling faster data processing, and supporting more sophisticated neural networks. Additionally, the 72-bit Multiply-Accumulate (MAC) unit in PIC32A MCUs facilitates faster algorithm processing, further boosting the capabilities required to run AI/ML-based algorithms, making it ideal for developing intelligent systems. Potential use cases include real-time data analysis, gesture recognition, predictive maintenance, and autonomous systems.
ELE Times: The PIC32A MCUs integrate a 40 Msps 12-bit ADC, a 5-nanosecond high-speed comparator and a 100 MHz GBWP operational amplifier. How do these devices work together to improve efficiency? How do you balance high-performance analog peripherals with power consumption during design time?
Pramit: The integrated 40 Msps 12-bit ADC, 5-nanosecond high-speed comparator, and 100 MHz GBWP operational amplifier in PIC32A MCUs work together to improve efficiency by enabling fast and accurate signal processing, reducing latency, and enhancing performance. The ADCs support up to 22 channels, enabling rapid and accurate data collection crucial for real-time applications. The DACs with high-speed comparators provide fast and precise signal generation, while the high-frequency op-amps ensure stable and efficient signal processing. The PIC32A family of MCUs are optimized for performance and not for low power consumption. Balancing high-performance analog peripherals with power consumption is achieved by optimizing the use of analog peripherals based on application requirements, leveraging power-saving modes, and efficient design practices.
ELE Times: How do hardware security features such as ECC, MBIST, and I/O integrity monitoring ensure the security of embedded systems? In which application scenarios are these functions particularly critical?
Pramit: Features such as ECC (Error-Correcting Code), MBIST (Memory Built-In Self-Test), and I/O integrity monitoring ensure the security of embedded systems by providing robust mechanisms to detect and correct errors, verify memory integrity, and monitor input/output operations for anomalies respectively. These functions are particularly critical in applications such as automotive systems, medical devices, and industrial control systems, where safety, security, reliability and data integrity are paramount.
ELE Times: The PIC32A MCUs are priced at less than $1 per unit, making them highly competitive in the 32-bit MCU market. How does Microchip achieve such a low cost while maintaining high performance?
Pramit: Microchip achieves low costs for PIC32A MCUs through efficient manufacturing processes, economies of scale, and optimized design that balances performance with cost-effective production.
ELE Times: How do you view the market prospects of the PIC32A MCUs in the coming years? What are Microchip’s market strategies for sectors in intelligent edge sensing, AI/ML and automotive electronics?
Pramit: The market prospects for PIC32A MCUs are promising, driven by increasing demand in intelligent edge sensing, AI/ML, and automotive electronics. Microchip’s strategies include enhancing product performance, expanding software and development tools, and forming strategic partnerships to address these growing sectors.
ELE Times: With the rapid development of IoT, AI/ML and intelligent edge computing, what new technological trends do you foresee in the MCU market, and how is Microchip responding to these trends?
Pramit: With the rapid advancement of IoT, AI/ML, and intelligent edge computing, the MCU market is experiencing new technological trends, including increased processing power, enhanced connectivity, and improved energy efficiency. In response, Microchip is developing MCUs that offer superior performance for efficiently running AI/ML algorithms, robust security features, and support for edge computing as well as IoT applications.
