Featuring robust security, heterogeneous compute solutions, and seamless ecosystem integration, these MPUs redefine edge computing standards.
Real-time, compute-intensive applications like smart embedded vision and machine learning (ML) are continuously expanding the demands on embedded processing capabilities. These applications require increased power efficiency, hardware-level security, and high reliability at the edge. Microchip Technology is expanding its computing range with the introduction of the PIC64 family, a new line of 64-bit MPUs designed to meet the evolving demands of embedded designs across various sectors. This move catering to markets such as industrial, automotive, communications, IoT, aerospace, and defense.
They are designed to support intelligent edge designs that require heterogeneous compute solutions. It features a 64-bit RISC-V quad-core processor with Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP) capabilities, facilitating the simultaneous operation of Linux, real-time operating systems, and bare metal applications within a single processor cluster. The MPU also includes secure boot capabilities, ensuring robust security measures for embedded systems.
Key features include:
- Quad-core CPU cluster
- Fifth microcontroller class monitor
- Flexible 2 MB L2 Cache running at 625 MHz
- Pin-compatible with PolarFire SoC FPGA devices, enhancing flexibility in embedded system development
The portfolio is supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of tools and software, simplifying the configuration, development, debugging, and qualification processes for embedded designs. The company is also launching the PIC64 High-Performance Spaceflight Computing (PIC64-HPSC) family. These space-grade MPUs are designed to significantly enhance compute performance while ensuring unprecedented radiation and fault tolerance, specifically tailored for aerospace and defense applications. This initiative marks a new era of autonomous space computing, supported by a partnership with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA-JPL).
The company solidifies its position as the only provider actively developing a full spectrum of 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-bit microcontrollers and microprocessors. Future additions to the PIC64 family will include devices based on both RISC-V and Arm architectures, empowering embedded designers with comprehensive solutions—from silicon to embedded ecosystems—to accelerate time-to-market.
“The addition of our 64-bit MPU portfolio allows us to offer low-, mid- and high-range compute processing solutions,” said Ganesh Moorthy, CEO and President of Microchip Technology.
