Microchip Technology PIC32A is a new family of 32-bit microcontrollers clocked at up to 200 MHz with high-speed analog peripherals that include up to 40 Msps 12-bit ADCs, high-speed 5 ns comparators and 100 MHz operational amplifiers for smart edge sensing.
The PIC32A microcontrollers also feature up to 16KB RAM with ECC, up to 128KB flash, various I/O, and security and safety features that make them suitable for general-purpose applications across automotive, industrial, consumer, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and medical markets.
Microchip PIC32A specifications:
- MCU core – 32-bit CPU @ up to 200 MHz with 64-bit FPU, instructions optimized for speed and program code size
- Memory – Up to 16KB RAM with ECC
- Storage – Up to 128KB flash with 64x 128-bit OTP area
- Peripherals
- 4x PWM generators with up to 2.5ns resolution
- 3x 4-wire SPI
- 2x I2C
- 3x UART; automated UART handling support for LIN 2.2, Digital Multiplex 512 (DMX), Smart Card (ISO 7816), IrDA
- Analog
- 2x 12-bit ADC up to 40 Msps, up to 22x analog inputs
- 3x 5 nS analog comparators with 12-bit Pulse Density Modulation DAC
- 3x rail-to-rail 100 MHz operational amplifiers
- Security
- Secure boot
- Secure debug
- Immutable Root of Trust (IRT)
- Code protect
- ICSP program/erase disable
- Firmware IP protection
- Flash write protection
- Safety
- Windowed Watchdog Timer (WDT)
- Deadman Timer (DMT)
- 4x I/O integrity monitors (IOIM)
- Fail-Safe Clock Monitor (FSCM) with automatic switchover to backup clock source
- Flash Error Correcting Code (NVM ECC)
- RAM Error Correcting Code (RAM ECC)
- RAM Memory Built-In Self-Test (MBIST)
- 32-bit Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) module
- Entire Flash OTP by ICSP Write Inhibit
- Capless internal voltage regulator
- Virtual PPS pins for redundancy and monitoring
- Temperature sensor diode
- Functional Safety – ISO 26262/IEC 61508/IEC 60730
- Programming/Debugging
- 3x programming and debugging interfaces: two-wire ICSP interface with non-intrusive access and real-time data exchange with application
- 5x program addresses and 5x full-featured breakpoints
- JTAG/IEEE Standard 1149.2 compatible boundary scan
- Supply Voltage – 3.0V to 3.6V
- Package
- 36-Lead VQFN (5×5 mm)
- 48-Lead VQFN (6×6 mm)
- 48-Lead TQFP (7×7 mm)
- Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C or +125°C
- Qualifications – AEC-Q100 REV H (Grade 1: -40°C to +125°C)
The Microchip PIC32A MCUs are supported by the MPLAB XC32 Compiler and MPLAB Harmony embedded software development framework. The features of the PIC32A are incredibly similar ot the ones of the dsPIC33A digital signal controller introduced in August 2024, and right now, I fail to see any obvious differences, maybe because it’s getting late here… I suppose the MCU just lacks the DSP capabilities of the dsPIC33A.
Microchip also says the dsPIC33A Curiosity Platform Development Board (EV74H48A) can be used to evaluate the PIC32A when used in combination with the PIC32AK1216GC41064 general-purpose DIM (EV25Z08A) that plugs into the DIM socket for the Curiosity Platform.
The combination of the two boards is called the “BN61G23A” evaluation kit. It provides mikroBUS sockets and Xplained Pro headers to connect to extension kits, sensors and various Click boards, as well as an on-board debugger.
The Microchip PIC32A MCU family starts at less than $1 per unit in volume, while the NG61G23A evaluation kit goes for $116.00. You’ll find more details on the product page and the press release. If you are at Embedded World 2025, Microchip exhibits its solutions on stand 3A-135, but it’s unclear whether there’s any PIC32A demo. I could find an automotive interior lighting using the dsPIC33.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
