Microchip Technology announced the launch of the SAM D5x and SAM E5x microcontroller (MCU) families. This new 32-bit MCU family provides robust performance and robust hardware-based security, along with extensive connectivity interfaces for a wide range of applications.

The SAM D5/E5 microcontroller combines the performance of the ARM Cortex-M4 processor with a Floating Point Unit (FPU). By relieving the load on the Central Processing Unit (CPU), it increases system efficiency and enables the execution of process-intensive applications on low-power platforms.

D5x and E5x MCUs operating at up to 120 MHz have built-in dual-panel flash of up to 1 MB with Error Correction Code (ECC) functionality, allowing for easy real-time updates without interrupting the running system. In addition, these product families have built-in up to 256KB of SRAM with ECC functionality, making them suitable for mission-critical applications such as medical devices or server systems that must not be interrupted.

This new MCU provides design flexibility by incorporating various interfaces to meet even the most demanding connectivity requirements, and both product families include Execute in Place (XIP) functionality and Quad Serial Peripheral Interface (QSPI) interfaces. If external memory is required, high-performance serial flash memory can be used, which is smaller and cheaper than conventional pin parallel flash.

The SAM D5/E5 devices provide a Secure Digital Host Controller (SDHC) for data logging, a Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) for capacitive touch functions, and industry-leading effective power performance (65uA/MHz) for applications requiring power efficiency. In addition, the SAM E5 family includes two CAN-FD ports as well as a 10/100Mbps Ethernet Media Access Controller (MAC) supporting IEEE 1588, making it suitable for industrial automation, connected homes, and other Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Both the SAM D5x and E5x product families provide comprehensive encryption hardware and software support, allowing developers to incorporate security features from the design stage. Hardware-based security features include a public key cryptographic controller (PUKCC) that supports ECC and RSA methods, as well as advanced cryptographic standards (AES) ciphers and secure hash algorithms (SHA).

Rod Drake, Vice President of Microchip’s MCU32 Business Unit, stated, “As applications become increasingly complex, there is a growing need to switch to faster MCUs with superior connectivity options and flexible peripheral support,” adding, “The SAM D5/E5 microcontrollers offer an excellent migration path for developers seeking cost-effective solutions through powerful performance, diverse interface options, and built-in security features.”