Microchip has recently introduced the PIC32-BZ6 family of single-chip, multiprotocol wireless MCUs, also available as RF-certified modules, and designed for smart home, industrial automation, and automotive applications.
The module supports Bluetooth LE 6.0, IEEE 802.15.4-based Thread and Matter, and proprietary mesh protocols. For wired connectivity, there are two CAN-FD ports, a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC, and a USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver. Other features include CVD-based touch sensing and motor control interfaces for interactive and real-time applications. As a secure MCU, the PIC32-BZ6 integrates a hardware-based security engine, a secure boot ROM, and encryption accelerators, along with OTA update capability for long-term device management. The microcontroller offers up to 54 GPIO pins, multiple pin and package options (up to 132-pin VQFN), and automotive-grade variants rated for -40°C to +125°C operation.
Microchip PIC32-BZ6 specifications:
- MCU Core – 128 MHz Arm Cortex-M4F with FPU and DSP extensions
- Memory
- 512 KB multi-port SRAM (with ECC support and backup retention)
- 4 KB Tightly Coupled Memory (TCM)
- Storage
- 64 KB ROM for Secure Boot
- 72 KB Boot Flash (configurable for user code and security hash)
- 2 MB on-chip Flash with ECC and prefetch support (20K cycle endurance, 20-year retention)
- 3072-bit eFuse for key and configuration storage
- External QSPI interface with Execute-In-Place (XIP) support
- Display – Supports up to 480×272 TFT via LCC interface and maxTouch controller over I²C
- Connectivity/Networking
- Wireless
- Bluetooth Low Energy 6.0 (2M/1M/500K/125K)
- IEEE 802.15.4 radio for Thread 1.4, Matter, Zigbee 3.0, and 2.4 GHz proprietary
- TX Power: up to +11 dBm, RX Sensitivity: down to –108 dBm
- Wired – 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC (IEEE 1588 PTP)
- Wireless
- USB – Up to 2x USB 2.0 high-speed ports
- Other peripherals
- Up to 54x programmable I/O pins with PPS support
- 6x SERCOM (configurable as UART, SPI, I²C), 1x dedicated I²C
- Up to 2x CAN-FD
- Up to 10x 16-bit timers, 3x TCC (up to 34 PWM channels)
- Analog
- 2x 12-bit ADC (up to 1 Msps, 19 channels)
- 7-bit DAC, 2 analog comparators
- Up to 18 CVD capacitive touch channels
- Quadrature Encoder Interface (QEI)
- Security
- Immutable Secure Boot ROM, Hardware Crypto Engine
- AES (128/192/256-bit), SHA-256/384, ECC, RSA, TRNG
- 3072-bit eFuse key storage and debug lock
- Power – 1.9–3.6V, integrated PMU with Buck/LDO modes, multiple sleep states
- Packages
- PIC32CX2051BZ62132 SoC features 132-pin DQFN (10×10 mm)
- PIC32WM-BZ6204UE 83 module SMD Pin, supports U.FL connector (19×25×2.75 mm)
- Temperature – –40°C to +125°C (AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified)
- Certifications (Module) – FCC, ISED, CE, UKCA, Bluetooth SIG, RoHS, REACH
In terms of software support, the PIC32-BZ6 family is supported by Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB Harmony v3 framework with libraries for Bluetooth LE, Thread, and Matter. It is also compatible with the Zephyr RTOS for real-time IoT development.
To facilitate the development process, the company also provides the PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board (EV31U42A), a multiprotocol development platform based on the PIC32WM-BZ6204UE wireless MCU. The board features dual CAN-FD, Ethernet, and USB interfaces. It also includes mikroBUS and Xplained Pro expansion headers, an on-board programmer/debugger, and secure boot with hardware encryption. Powered via USB Type-C or Li-Po battery, it’s ideal for prototyping industrial, automotive, and IoT applications.
Previously, we’ve seen Microchip introduce the PIC32MZ-W1 wireless MCU with Wi-Fi, CAN Bus, and Ethernet, as well as the WBZ451PE module with supports Bluetooth Low Energy 5.2 and Zigbee 3.0. There was also the PIC32CZ CA Cortex-M7 microcontroller with display support. However, this must be the first time we’re seeing a multiprotocol MCU with support for BLE 6.0, Thread, and Matter that’s also designed for motor control and touch-based applications.
The PIC32CX2051BZ62132 (SoC) and PIC32WM-BZ6204UE (module) are available from the Microchip Store, where the SoC costs $5.41 for a single unit and the module goes for $7.47 for a single unit. As always, price goes down as quantity goes up. The PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board is also available on Microchip Store for $85.00, or on Digikey for $91.17. More information is available on the product page and the press release.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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