Microchip has expanded its dsPIC33 lineup with the dsPIC33CK Value Line family, a new series of low-cost 16-bit digital signal controllers (DSCs) designed for motor control applications. The devices deliver up to 100 MIPS of deterministic performance and integrate high-resolution PWM and a 12-bit ADC, making them suitable for motor Field-Oriented Control (FOC) and precision sensing tasks.
These DSCs are designed to bridge the gap between basic microcontrollers and higher-end dsPIC33A devices. It offers flash memory from 32 KB to 256 KB, supports function consolidation to reduce component count and BOM cost, and is available in automotive-grade (AEC-Q100 Grade 1) versions with secure boot.
Microchip dsPIC33CK specifications:
- MCU Core – 16-Bit dsPIC33CK CPU operating up to 100 MHz / 100 MIPS and DSP with 40-bit wide accumulators
- Memory & Storage
- 8 KB to 16 KB Data RAM
- 32 KB to 256 KB Program Flash with Error Correction Code (ECC)
- 384 Bytes of One-Time-Programmable (OTP) Memory
- Peripherals
- Up to 53x GPIOs with high-current capability (GPIO count depends on package)
- 3x UART (LIN, DMX, IrDA support)
- 1x I2C (with SMBus)
- 2x SPI/I2S
- 1x CAN FD
- SENT interface (Automotive industry)
- Peripheral Pin Select (PPS)
- 4-channel DMA controller
- Analog
- 12-bit ADC, up to 2 Msps, 20 channels, per-channel buffers, oversampling, and digital comparators
- 12-bit DAC with slope compensation
- Analog comparator (~30 ns)
- Timers
- 16-bit general-purpose timer
- SCCP (capture/compare/PWM) with 16/32-bit operation and ~2.5 ns high-resolution PWM
- Peripheral Trigger Generator (PTG)
- Clock
- Internal 8 MHz FRC oscillator
- External crystal/resonator or clock input
- Programmable PLLs
- Fail-Safe Clock Monitor (FSCM)
- Reference clock output (REFCLKO)
- Security
- Flash ECC and RAM MBIST
- Dual Watchdog Timer (WDT)
- Windowed Deadman Timer (DMT)
- CodeGuard security
- Clock monitoring and backup oscillator
- CRC module
- Debug
- JTAG boundary scan
- In-circuit programming/debugging (ICSP)
- Trace buffer and breakpoints
- Power
- Operating voltage – 3.0V to 3.6V
- Sleep, Idle, and Doze modes
- Power-on Reset (POR) and Brown-out Reset (BOR)
- Packages
- 28-pin SSOP
- 36-pin UQFN
- 48-pin TQFP
- 64-pin TQFP
- Temperature – -40°C to +125°C (AEC-Q100 Grade 1)
On the software side, the dsPIC33CK Value Line DSCs are supported by the MPLAB X IDE, along with the MPLAB XC-DSC compiler and MPLAB Code Configurator, similar to other Microchip MCUs and DSCs. The company mentions that the DSCs can be used with touch/HMI, advanced sensing, consumer appliances, industrial automation, and entry-level automotive (sensors/actuators).
Microchip offers a Curiosity Nano low-cost development board designed for rapid prototyping of motor control applications with the dsPIC33CK256MC005 DSC. It features a 100 MHz DSC with 256 KB ECC Flash, 16 KB RAM, a 12-bit 2 MSPS ADC, DAC, comparator, and high-speed PWM, along with an onboard debugger for programming and debugging without external tools. The board can be expanded using Click boards, touch adapters, and other Curiosity Nano accessories for motor control, sensing, and embedded applications.
The company also offers the dsPIC33CK256MC006 Motor Control DIM, a dual-in-line module designed for dsPIC33CK Value Line DSCs for motor control applications. It features a 64-pin dsPIC33CK256MC006 and supports external inverter boards for motor current feedback, enabling development and testing with Microchip’s MCS inverter platforms such as MCLV-48V-300W and MCHV-230VAC-1.5kW. The module is designed for rapid prototyping of motor control designs, but the company mentions it is not compatible with older PIM-based inverter boards.
The dsPIC33CK Value Line DSCs, along with the Curiosity Nano Evaluation Kit and Motor Control DIM, can be purchased directly from Microchip. The DSCs start at $0.51, while the development boards are priced at $9.90 and $12.99, respectively. Interestingly, the company mentions that the “pricing is consistent regardless of order volume”. More details can be found on the product page and in 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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