Microchip expands DSC family for power and motor control applications

Power electronics, data centers, industrial automation and motor control applications are placing increasing demands on real-time control, efficiency and cybersecurity. In response, Microchip Technology Inc. has expanded its dsPIC33A Digital Signal Controller (DSC) family with the dsPIC33AK256MPS306 series, designed for power conversion, motor control and intelligent sensing applications.

The new devices are built on a 200 MHz 32-bit core with a double-precision floating point unit (FPU), combining high-resolution control, integrated analog capabilities and embedded security features. This level of integration helps reduce external components, simplify board design and accelerate time to market.

High-resolution real-time control for power electronics
The DSCs feature Pulse Width Modulators (PWM) with resolution down to 78 ps, along with multiple 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) operating at 40 MSPS. These are complemented by high-speed comparators with 5 ns response time and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) with slope compensation.

This architecture enables fast, deterministic control loops required in applications such as DC/DC converters, auxiliary power supplies and systems based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors. These capabilities are particularly relevant for high switching frequency designs where efficiency and control accuracy are critical.

Integrated security and post-quantum cryptography
To address evolving cybersecurity requirements, the devices include hardware-based features for secure boot, firmware updates and debugging. They also support cryptographic libraries aligned with CNSA Suite 2.0, including post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms.

These features are relevant for connected systems such as data center power supplies and industrial control units, where long-term security and resilience against emerging threats are essential. Support for live firmware updates enables uninterrupted system operation during updates.

Advanced connectivity and motor control capabilities
The controllers include multiple communication interfaces, such as I3C for low-latency telemetry and scalable sensor networks, as well as CAN FD, LIN, SPI, I2C and SENT. This range of interfaces supports integration into complex embedded systems across industrial and automotive environments.

For motor control, the architecture supports fast trigonometric calculations and interfaces for feedback systems including BiSS-C, EnDat and encoder technologies. This enables efficient implementation of control methods such as field-oriented control (FOC), improving motor performance and responsiveness.

Integrated sensing and compact system design
An integrated touch controller and ADCs with oversampling capabilities support sensing and human-machine interface (HMI) applications. The high level of integration reduces the need for external components, helping designers implement advanced features within compact form factors.

The devices are developed in accordance with functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 and IEC 61508 and are designed for operation in safety-critical applications. They are also qualified for operation at temperatures up to 150°C, supporting use in demanding environments.

Development ecosystem and system integration
The dsPIC33AK256MPS306 series is supported by Microchip’s development ecosystem, including MPLAB X IDE, Code Configurator and Machine Learning Development Suite. Compatibility with real-time operating systems such as Zephyr, FreeRTOS and SafeRTOS further supports scalable application development.

Reference designs and development platforms for motor control and power conversion enable rapid prototyping and system validation.

Compared to conventional microcontrollers, integrated DSC solutions combine control, analog processing and security in a single device, making them suitable for high-performance applications in power electronics and industrial systems.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.

www.microchip.com