Microchip’s PIC32MZ EF series integrates 2 MB Flash, 512 KB RAM, 18 Msample/sec 12-bit ADC, FPU, crypto engine, Hi-Speed USB, 10/100 Ethernet, CAN and extended peripheral options, with improved code density, reduced latency and uprated performance for embedded applications.
These parts are a new series within the high-performance PIC32MZ family of MIPS-core 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) with integrated hardware Floating Point Unit (FPU) for high performance and lower latency in intensive single and double-precision maths applications. This 48-member series also offers a 12-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC); and an extensive DSP instruction set. This combination of DSP instructions, a double-precision FPU and a high-speed ADC will, Microchip asserts, improve code density, decreases latency and accelerates performance in process-intensive applications.
The parts employ Imagination’s MIPS M-Class core at 200 MHz/330 DMIPS and 3.28 CoreMarks/MHz, integrated with dual-panel, live-update Flash (up to 2 MB), large RAM (512 kB) and the widest selection of connectivity peripherals in the PIC32 range, including a 10/100 Ethernet MAC, Hi-Speed USB MAC/PHY and dual CAN ports. PIC32MZ EF, in the LCCG configuration, can support up to a WQVGA display without the added cost of external graphics controllers. An optional, full-featured hardware crypto engine is also available with a random number generator for high-throughput data encryption/decryption and authentication using AES, 3DES, SHA, MD5 and HMAC.
The MPLAB Harmony Integrated Software Framework provides a modular, GUI-based development ecosystem that helps to ease integration, reduce testing and speed product adaptation. The PIC32MZ EF series is also supported by Microchip’s free MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE), within which Harmony operates, as well as the MPLAB XC32 Compilers. The MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger (DV164035) priced at $199.95, and MPLAB REAL ICE In-Circuit Emulator System (DV244005) priced at $499.98, are also available.
Four new PIC32MZ EF development tools are also available today. The complete, turn-key PIC32MZ Embedded Connectivity with FPU EF Starter Kit (DM320007) is priced at $119; the PIC32MZ Embedded Connectivity with Floating Point Unit and Crypto Starter Kit (DM320007-C) is priced at $119; and the PIC32MZ2048EF PIM Explorer 16 Plug In Module (MA320019) and PIC32MZ EF Audio 144-pin PIM for Bluetooth Audio Development Kit (MA32001) are priced at $25 each.
The PIC32MZ EF series is also featured in the new version of the Arduino-compatible Digilent chipKIT Wi-FIRE development board. This board provides access to professional applications and libraries targeting new PIC32 users. It enables rapid-prototype development and eases migration into professional integrated development environments, such as Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE.
