Real-time, compute-intensive applications such as smart embedded vision and Machine Learning (ML) are driving the need for more power-efficient, hardware-secure, and highly reliable processing at the Edge. To meet these demands, Microchip Technology has launched its PIC64 portfolio, expanding its computing range to support contemporary embedded designs.
The PIC64 family is aimed at providing a comprehensive solution for MPUs, catering to markets that require both real-time and application-class processing. The PIC64GX MPUs, the first products in this new line, are designed to support intelligent Edge designs across industrial, automotive, communications, IoT, aerospace, and defence sectors.
“Microchip is a leader in 8- 16- and 32-bit embedded solutions and, as the market evolves, so must our product lines. The addition of our 64-bit MPU portfolio allows us to offer low-, mid- and high-range compute processing solutions,” said Ganesh Moorthy, CEO and President of Microchip Technology. “The PIC64GX MPU is the first of several 64-bit MPUs designed to support the intelligent Edge and address a broad range of performance requirements across all market segments.”
The intelligent Edge frequently necessitates 64-bit heterogeneous compute solutions with asymmetric processing to run Linux, real-time operating systems, and bare metal within a single processor cluster, complete with secure boot capabilities. Microchip’s PIC64GX family addresses mid-range intelligent Edge compute needs with a 64-bit RISC-V quad-core processor featuring Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP) and deterministic latencies. The PIC64GX MPU stands out as the first RISC-V multi-core solution with AMP capabilities for mixed-criticality systems. It includes a quad-core, Linux-capable CPU cluster, an additional microcontroller-class monitor, and a 2 MB flexible L2 Cache running at 625 MHz.
The PIC64GX family offers pin compatibility with Microchip’s PolarFire SoC FPGA devices, providing significant flexibility in developing embedded solutions. Additionally, the 64-bit portfolio benefits from Microchip’s user-friendly ecosystem of tools and supporting software, which include numerous powerful processes to assist in configuring, developing, debugging, and qualifying embedded designs.
Microchip is also launching the PIC64 High-Performance Spaceflight Computing (PIC64-HPSC) family as part of its initial wave of 64-bit products. These space-grade, 64-bit multi-core RISC-V MPUs are designed to enhance compute performance by over 100 times, offering exceptional radiation and fault tolerance for aerospace and defence applications. In August 2022, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA-JPL) selected Microchip to develop an HPSC processor as part of its commercial partnership efforts. The PIC64-HPSC family marks a new era of autonomous space computing for NASA-JPL and the wider defence and commercial aerospace sectors.
With the PIC64 portfolio, Microchip becomes the sole embedded solutions provider actively developing a full spectrum of 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) and microprocessors (MPUs). Future PIC64 families will include devices based on RISC-V or Arm architectures, allowing embedded designers to leverage Microchip’s end-to-end solutions—from silicon to embedded ecosystems—for faster design, debugging, verification, and a reduced time to market. For more information, visit the Microchip 64-bit web page.
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