Microchip expands dsPIC33A controllers for AI data center power

Microchip has recently introduced the dsPIC33AK256MPS306 digital signal controllers as part of its dsPIC33A family, with a focus on high-density power conversion, motor control, and intelligent sensing designs. These devices are designed to offer real-time control, integrated analog functions, and support for post-quantum cryptography. This development is particularly significant for the readers of eeNews Europe, as it underscores the increasing design challenges in AI-driven power infrastructure and industrial control, where the demands for integration, efficiency, and security are becoming more intertwined.

The dsPIC33AK256MPS306 family is centered around a 200MHz 32-bit core with a double-precision FPU. It incorporates 78ps high-resolution PWMs, multiple 40MSPS 12-bit ADCs, 5ns comparators, and DACs with slope compensation. These features are intended to facilitate deterministic control loops in DC/DC converters, auxiliary power rails, and sensing systems, including applications utilizing SiC and GaN devices at higher switching frequencies.

According to Joe Thomsen, the corporate vice president of Microchip’s digital signal controller business unit, customers are increasingly looking beyond individual components and focusing on the speed and confidence with which they can bring a system to life. The DSCs address these needs by amalgamating a wide array of control, analog, and security capabilities into a single device. This integration, coupled with a comprehensive development ecosystem, assists teams in managing complexity and meeting evolving performance and cybersecurity requirements from the early design phase through deployment.

The dsPIC33AK256MPS306 devices come equipped with hardware support for secure boot, secure firmware updates, and secure debug. Microchip also offers library support for CNSA Suite 2.0 recommended post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. These devices feature hardware-accelerated cryptographic functions necessary in Open Compute Project power supplies and other connected real-time control applications. Live update support enables full-cycle firmware updates without disrupting operation.

Connectivity options for the dsPIC33AK256MPS306 include I3C for low-latency telemetry and sensor networks, as well as support for CANFD, LIN, SPI, I2C, and SENT protocols. In terms of motor control, the dsPIC33A architecture supports 20ns sine and cosine function execution for field-oriented control and position-control algorithms. The family also offers interfaces for BiSS-C, EnDat, quadrature/optical encoders, and resolvers. These devices are being developed under automotive ISO 26262 and industrial IEC 61508 functional safety processes, with automotive qualification planned for operation up to 150°C.