Microchip Technology Inc. (www.microchip.com) has announced its support to 16-bit processors with the unveiling of 60 MIPS 16-bit dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and PIC24 microcontrollers (MCUs).

Based on the next generation dsPIC DSC/PIC24 MCU core, the new dsPIC33 and PIC24 “E” devices provide larger Flash memory (536 KB), a USB 2.0 OTG interface, greater I/O capability with 144-pin packages, more RAM (52 KB), and expanded graphics, audio, motor-control, and real-time embedded-control capabilities compared to the previous-generation dsPIC DSC/PIC24 MCU core.

Offering customers a solid growth path, the company’s dsPIC33E DSCs and PIC24E MCUs are fully compatible with the current lineup of dsPIC33F DSCs and PIC24H/PIC24F MCUs, software libraries and tools. Its USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) peripheral offers easy connection to a Flash drive, PC and other USB-enabled devices, while its 60 MIPS performance allows new devices to support high-end commercial and industrial applications such as solar inverters, Servo motor control and running dual three-phase motors in parallel. Its independent Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) mode reduces software overhead since it supports dead-time compensation and multiple stepper motors. Aside from reducing system cost, its three on-chip analog comparators also reduce the required number of external components.

“Microchip continues to invest in its 16-bit product lines,” remarked Sumit Mitra, Vice President of Microchip’s High-Performance Microcontroller Division.

“Building upon the success of previous-generation dsPIC DSCs and PIC24 MCUs, the new ‘E’ core devices, and their extensive support resources, provide the increased performance, integration, and whole-product solution that customers need for their increasingly complex designs.”

Featuring enhanced timer capabilities, the new dsPIC33 and PIC24 “E” devices deliver more flexible and powerful Input-Capture and Output-Compare modules.