Microchip Expanding 16-bit MCU Line

Last week Microchip Technology announced further expansion of its burgeoning 16-bit product line. Microchip has become the leading vendor of 8-bit MCUs. However, it is also growing in the 16-bit MCU space with both standard MCU and Digital Signal Controllers (DSC) which are MCUs with DSP functionality. The new products are PIC24 and dsPIC33.

Microchip is targeting the smart sensor and motor control markets with these devices. The company offers a seamless path among its PIC24 and dsPIC product lines enabling customers to trade off price, performance, and features. The dsPIC33 offers self-calibration for the sensor market. There are motor control versions which integrate several power functions such as PFC and load control. The general purpose versions offer CAN.

One key element in the recent announcement is Field Oriented Motor Control. This is an algorithm Microchip provides for free. It runs on the dsPIC12MC202. This algorithm provides complex control of such motor control features as torque control, noise reduction and power efficiency.

Semico Spin

The lowest price offered in 10Ku for the PIC24 and dsPIC33 is $1.99, making this a cost competitive solution. More so than the price, what Microchip is offering are features that will open up opportunities in various markets such as industrial control, appliances and refrigeration. The Field Control Motor Control algorithm is an important element to help designers with motor control applications.

The 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs draw a great deal of attention. However, the 16-bit MCU market ships in volume close to that of 8-bit MCUs and four times that of 32-bit MCUs. Semico projects that 16-bit MCU unit shipments will grow 17.6% in 2007.