The Invisible Computers in Our Lives - Microchip

At the recent Semico Summit Ganesh Moorthy, Chief Operating Officer of Microchip Technology, examined how much embedded computing permeates our lives.  But he also pointed out how much more opportunity there is for microcontrollers.  Microchip is a leading vendor of microcontrollers

Mr. Moorthy showed how several applications that have evolved from very simple solutions to solutions that utilize sensors and intelligence.  This has enabled products that are adaptable, have more security, simplified user experience, improved energy efficiency and more.  Among these are developments in automotive, lighting, thermostats and appliances.  There are new applications for microcontrollers providing support management in personal computing, data centers, handsets, asset tracking & management and personal medical equipment.  Embedded computing is found throughout various applications within the smart power grid.

Mr. Moorthy cited several innovation enablers.

• More integrated features, lower cost
• Higher performance, lower power
• Smaller size
• Wired and Wireless connectivity
• High quality, low cost graphics
• Touch – buttons, sliders, screens
• Energy Efficiency building blocks

Chip vendors need to invest in customer support.  There are more software engineers than hardware engineers involved in the development of MCUs.  A chip vendor cannot just produce silicon, it must also help system designers with tools and expertise.  Today’s applications are just the tip of the iceberg, according to Mr. Moorthy.  There are many more innovations yet to come.

Tony Massimini

Chief of Technology

tonym@semico.com