32-Bit Microcontrollers Optimized for Motor Control

The newest family of PIC32 microcontrollers (MCUs) is now available from Microchip Technology Inc. The PIC32MK family features four highly-integrated MCUs for precision dual motor control applications (PIC32MK MC) and eight MCUs packed with serial communication modules for general purpose applications (PIC32MK GP). All MC and GP devices feature a 120MHz 32-bit core that supports DSP instructions. Additionally, to ease control algorithm development, a double-precision floating point unit is integrated into the MCU core enabling customers to utilize floating-point based modeling and simulation tools for code development.

To increase efficiency and decrease the number of discrete devices needed in motor control applications, the high-performance PIC32MK MC devices combine 32-bit processing with advanced analog peripherals such as a quad 10MHz op amp, high-speed comparators and motor-control optimized pwm modules. The devices also have ADC modules capable of total throughput of 25.45 Mega-Samples Per Second (MSPS) in 12-bit mode or 33.79 MSPS in 8-bit mode, enabling higher precision in motor control applications. The devices come with up to 1MB Live Update Flash, 4kB of EEPROM and 256kB SRAM.

“The PIC32MK family represents a continuation in the Microchip motor control lineup enabling traditional 8- and 16-bit customers to move to a 32-bit MCU for motor control while maintaining support through classic Microchip development tools,” said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s MCU32 business unit. “The family also has general purpose MCUs with an extensive array of serial communications modules ideally suited for the industrial space.”

Claiming class-leading connectivity integration, the PIC32MK devices have up to four independent CAN 2.0 ports as well as six Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) modules, Local Interconnect Network (LIN) 1.2 and six Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) or Inter-IC Sound (I2S) modules. Additionally, two complete full-speed USB modules are included on select devices enabling simultaneous USB host and USB device to be active at the same time. A single MCU can be used to communicate to multiple bus protocols for reduced design complexity and cost, making PIC32MK devices ideal for dual-USB applications such as digital audio or CAN-based implementations in the automotive and industrial markets.

Several tools are available including: PIC32MK GP Connectivity Developers Kit, part number DM320106, for $120.00; and PIC32MK Motor Control Plug-In Module (PIM), microchipDIRECT part number MA320024 ($25.00) compatible with dsPICDEM MCLV-2 Low Voltage Motor Control Kit part number DM330021-2 ($199.99).

Devices in the PIC32MK family are offered with up to 1MB Flash and 256kB SRAM in 64- and 100-pin TQFP and QFN packaging options. All devices are available today in volume production starting at $4.50 in 10K quantities.