Digital Signal Controller with Enhanced DSP Performance Launched
dsPIC33CK, Microchip's highest performance single-core DSC
On September 27, Microchip Technology released a new family of 16-bit digital signal controllers (DSCs) for system developers who require digital signal processing performance based on a simple design consisting of a single MCU.

The new dsPIC33CK DSC is designed to provide faster decision-making performance in time-sensitive control applications. Accordingly, it expands context-selective registers to reduce interrupt latency and performs newer, faster instruction execution to accelerate digital signal processor (DSP) routines. The dsPIC33CK single-core family complements the recently released dsPIC33CH dual-core family based on the same core.

With 100 MIPS performance, this product provides nearly double the performance of previous single-core dsPIC microcontrollers, making it suitable for applications requiring sophisticated algorithms such as motor control, digital power, automotive sensors, and industrial automation. In particular, it is designed to control multiple sensorless brushless motors that drive the FOC (Field-Oriented Control) algorithm and power factor correction function.

In addition, it is designed to achieve functional safety required in various applications such as automotive, medical, and consumer electronics, where safe operation and shutdown in the event of a failure are critical. For safety-sensitive design, this product family includes integrated functional safety features such as RAM BIST (built-in self-test) for RAM health and functionality testing, a Deadman Timer that monitors the health of application software via periodic timer interrupts within a defined timing window, a Dual Watchdog Timer (WDT), Flash Error Correction Code (ECC), Brown Out Reset (BOR), Power On Reset (POR), and Fail Safe Clock Monitor (FSCM).

Joe Thomsen, Vice President of the MCU16 Business Unit at Microchip, stated, “The feature configuration and performance of the dsPIC33CK family are suitable for time-sensitive applications, such as precise control of motor speed or rotation, and provide safety-sensitive features that facilitate easier functional safety certification and ensure reliable operation.”

The dsPIC33CK family supports CAN-FD communication bus functions to support new automotive communication standards. By integrating multiple analog functions, such as a high-speed ADC (3.5 Msps), analog comparator, DAC, and operational amplifier, it enables the miniaturization of the footprint for motor control applications and reduces the bill of materials (BOM) costs. This DSC includes 250 ps resolution PWM, making it ideal for advanced digital power topologies. Additionally, real-time firmware updates (up to 2 x 128 KB blocks) are supported to enhance system availability.