Microchip recently unveiled the PIC64HX1000 64-bit RISC-V AI microprocessor (MPU) family designed for mission-critical intelligent edge applications in the aerospace, defense, industrial, and medical sectors thanks to a quantum-resistant design. These new MPUs feature eight SiFive’s Intelligence X280 cores, each clocked at 1 GHz. The MPUs are engineered with a decoupled vector pipeline enabling 512-bit operations enabling the PIC64HX1000 to achieve up to 2 TOPS for AI/ML processing and come equipped with integrated Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet connectivity.
This new microprocessor includes a dedicated system controller for runtime monitoring and fault management, WorldGuard architecture for workload isolation, and post-quantum defense-grade cryptography, which includes the NIST-standardized FIPS 203 and FIPS 204 cryptographic algorithms, ensuring protection against future quantum computing threats.
PIC64HX1000 64-bit AI MPU specification
- MPU variants
- PIC64HX1000 – IN (Industrial)
- PIC64HX1000 – AV (Aviation)
- PIC64HX1000 – MI (Military)
- CPU – 8x 64-bit RISC-V cores (SiFive X280), up to 1 GHz, DCLS, 26K DMIPS, 2 TOPS (int8), 1 TFLOPS (bfloat16)
- System controller
- 64-bit RISC-V core (SiFive S7) at 500 MHz, with SPI/QSPI, I2C, UART, 32 GPIO
- Supports runtime monitoring and fault management for mission-critical applications
- Memory
- DDR4-3200 with ECC, up to 32GB per interface
- Support for SRAM, MRAM
- Storage – Support for eMMC, SD, EEPROM, NAND/NOR Flash
- Networking
- 240 Gbps TSN Ethernet switch, 16 external ports (10M-10G)
- 80 Gbps DMA, RDMA with RoCEv2 for low-latency transfers
- 2x identical Gigabit Ethernet MACs (GEM)
- Camera I/F – Two-lane MIPI CSI-2 at 1 Gbps for connection to cameras and sensors
- USB – 1x USB 2.0 and USB 3.0
- Expansion
- 2x PCIe Gen 3 x8 or 4x PCIe Gen 3 x4, CXL 2.0 (8 GT/s)
- SPI, UART, I2C, 64 GPIO
- Security
- Defense-grade: secure boot, post-quantum cryptography (ML-KEM, ML-DSA)
- Anti-tamper, user-level security acceleration
- Packages
- 45 x 45 mm Plastic, 1932 balls
- 19 x 19 mm FCVG484 with 244x I/Os
- Temperature Range
- Industrial (-40°C to +105°C)
- Aviation (-40°C to +125°C)
- Military (-55°C to +125°C)
Previously, we wrote about the PIC64GX1000 MPU, a quad-core RISC-V processor designed for edge applications with features like asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) for mixed-criticality, DDR4-1333 memory support, HDMI, and dual Gigabit Ethernet. The new PIC64HX1000 microprocessor family adds higher processing power and advanced security features, making it ideal for next-gen industrial and mission-critical applications.
Microchip provides various tools, libraries, drivers, and boot firmware and supports multiple OS options, such as Linux, RTEMS, and hypervisors like Xen. They also mention that this chip will be compatible with Microchip’s Mi-V ecosystem to boost RISC-V development.
The company also mentions the release of the PIC64HX Curiosity Ultra+ Evaluation Kit which features dual-rank DDR4 SO-DIMMs, 256GB eMMC, and 2Gb NOR flash. Connectivity options include a mikroBUS, Raspberry Pi connector, CAN FD, and PCIe edge connectors, along with two M.2 slots, dual Gigabit Ethernet with TSN support, twelve SFP+ ports (up to 10GbE), and USB 3.0. But at the time of writing, it’s not available and the company provides a render of the board.
Microchip’s PIC64HX1000 MPU is not yet available, but samples are expected to be accessible to Microchip’s early access partners in 2025. For more information, visit Microchip’s product page or press release.
Sayantan Nandy, an electronics engineer with over four years of hands-on experience in PCB design, circuit development and power electronics, is proficient in EAGLE CAD, Ki-Cad, and Altium. He has a proven track record of delivering efficient and effective systems. His expertise extends from R&D, and prototyping to production support, making him a valuable asset to any engineering team.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
