The new Microchip product will benefit from the support of both internal and external ecosystems. This means that at launch time--Microchip will officially unveil the MCU Nov. 12--all the partners will announce their support for the PIC32. This includes embedded real-time operating system support from CMX Systems, Express Logic and Micrium, among others. Integrated development environments (IDEs), compilers and debuggers will be available from Ashling, Green Hills Software and Hi-Tech Software. And GUI support will be offered by EasyGUI, Micrium, Ramtex and Segger.
These third-party tools and IP are in addition to Microchip's offerings. The MPLab IDE has been upgraded (to version 8) to include everything that's needed to support a 32-bit MCU. It can be downloaded free from Microchip's Web site. The IDE works with the existing in-circuit emulator (ICE) probes. Two versions of the 32-bit C compiler are available. The "student" version is free, but it only supports up to 64 kbytes of memory. The full version sells for $1,195. An in-circuit debugger and emulator are also offered.
One of my favorite tools is the PIC32 Starter Kit ($49.95), which lets you quickly get involved in serious design. Unlike the previous-generation starter kit, which was housed in a "USB stick," the PIC32 version has a full, expandable connector on the back, although it's still USB-powered. Using this connector, a designer can connect a series of expansion boards.
Included with the starter kit are sample projects, 35 code examples, full documentation, and TCP/IP and FAT16 stacks. The expansion boards that will be available by the end of the year include Ethernet (with an RJ45, an SD card slot and an OLED display); a QVGA display (with a touchscreen interface); and an I/O expander. The expander lets designers connect a series of daughterboards, called PICtails, that are offered by Microchip.
The PIC32 family initially comprises seven members. They all run at 72 MHz but one, which runs at 20 MHz. Microchip claims that the core runs at 1.5 Mips/MHz, which calculates to 108 Mips at the high end. With some tweaks to the compiler, that number may go even higher.
The key difference among the various parts in the family is the amount of memory that each contains. The flash runs from 32 to 512 kbytes, while 8, 16 or 32 kbytes of RAM are available (and the part can execute from RAM). Each part contains 16 10-bit ADC channels and zero to four DMA channels, five timers, two UARTs, and SPI and I2C interfaces. Nine power-saving modes are available.
Some enhancements were made to simplify debugging because the 8- and 32-bit worlds traditionally use different debug methods. As a result, Microchip decided to incorporate both methods: its standard two-wire interface and JTAG. Furthermore, the hardware breakpoints can save debugging time.
All of the parts are housed in TQF packages, with either 64 or 100 pins. Unit prices for 10k orders run from $2.95 to $5.30. Volume production will commence in the second quarter.
Some additions being considered for the next generation of parts include USB, Ethernet, more memory and higher frequencies. Microchip wouldn't comment, but it would come as no surprise if a second M4K core appeared within the same silicon.
In addition, plans include parts that can withstand higher temperatures, for the automotive market.
