Microchip announces 25 percent performance increase to dsPIC DSCs for digital-power apps

CHANDLER, USA: Microchip Technology Inc. announced a 25 percent performance increase on its dsPIC33F “GS” series of Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) for Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPSs).

Now featuring 50 MIPS performance, the dsPIC33F “GS” series of DSCs include on-chip peripherals for digital-power applications, such as an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) peripheral and analog comparators. The dsPIC33F “GS” family supports applications such as Induction Cooking, Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPSs), Inverters, Intelligent Battery Chargers, Power Factor Correction, HID Lighting, Fluorescent Lighting, LED Lighting, and AC-to-DC, as well as DC-to-DC Power-Conversion applications.

The dsPIC33F “GS” DSCs are available in 28- to 100-pin packages, with 16 – 64K of Flash. The on-chip ADC operates at up to 4 Msps, and the PWM peripherals provide up to 1 nanosecond resolution, with modes supporting all power-conversion topologies. Additionally, the DSCs feature up to four on-chip analog comparators with integrated on-chip Digital-to-Analog Converters, enabling designers to set trip levels dynamically. The analog comparators can be used to directly control the PWM functions.

“With 50 MIPS of performance, our customers can now aim to achieve better efficiencies in their power-supply applications,” said Sumit Mitra, VP of Microchip’s High-Performance Microcontroller Division. “These new devices feature industry-leading on-chip peripherals specifically designed for digital power supplies. Customers can fully control their products using a single ‘GS’ dsPIC DSC at a lower system cost, with more features.”