Microchip Technology’s dsPIC33CK DSCs have expanded context selected registers to reduce interrupt latency and faster instruction execution to accelerate Digital Signal Processor (DSP) routines. With 100 MIPS performance, the core delivers almost double the performance of previous single-core dsPIC DSCs, making it viable for motor control, digital power and other applications requiring sophisticated algorithms such as automotive sensors and industrial automation. It has been designed specifically for controlling multiple sensor-less, brushless motors running field-oriented control algorithms and power factor correction.
The devices include integrated functional safety features such as: RAM Built-In Self-Test (BIST) for checking RAM health and functionality; Deadman Timer for monitoring the health of application software through periodic timer interrupts within a specified timing window; Dual Watchdog Timers (WDT); Flash Error Correction Code (ECC); Brown Out Reset (BOR); Power On Reset (POR); and Fail Safe Clock Monitor (FSCM).
The dsPIC33CK family features a CAN-FD communication bus to support automotive communication standards. It integrates high-speed ADCs (3.5 Msamples/s), analog comparators with DACs, and operational amplifiers, enabling motor control applications with smaller footprints and lower bill of material costs. The DSCs include a 250 ps resolution PWM which is ideal for advanced digital power topologies. Live update of firmware (with up to 2 × 128 KB blocks) is also offered to support high-availability systems, especially important for digital power supplies.
The dsPIC33CK is available in eight different packages. The 28-pin dsPIC33CK32MP202 is priced at $1.34 each in high volume. Variants include packages from 28 to 80 pins and as small as 5 x 5 mm. Memory sizes range from 32 to 256 KB of Flash. The dsPIC33CK Curiosity development board will be available in November for $39.99 each. The dsPIC33CK PIMs for the MCLV-2 and MCHV-2/3 motor control development platforms are available now for $25.00 each. The dsPIC33CK PIM for use with Explorer 16/32 boards is available now for $25.00 each. The Digital Power Starter Kit will be available in October for $129.99. For more details, visit Microchip’s dsPIC33CK product page.