Microchip Technology launches advanced microprocessor for edge computing applications

Microchip Technology has unveiled a new line of microprocessors (MPUs) within their 64-bit portfolio, aimed at revolutionising edge computing applications across various industries, including aerospace, defence, military, industrial, and medical sectors. The PIC64HX family has been specifically engineered to meet the increasing demand for intelligent edge designs, as the global edge computing market is projected to grow by over 30% in the next five years.

The PIC64HX MPU represents a significant advancement in microprocessor technology, featuring high-performance, multicore 64-bit RISC-V architecture. It is designed to handle advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) tasks, integrating Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet connectivity and offering defence-grade, post-quantum security measures. Maher Fahmi, corporate vice president of Microchip’s communications business unit, highlighted the MPU’s capability of delivering fault tolerance, scalability, and power efficiency, stating, “The PIC64HX MPU is truly groundbreaking in the number of advanced features we are able to provide with a single solution.”

One of the standout elements of this MPU is its incorporation of TSN Ethernet switching, which aligns with several emerging standards such as IEEE P802.1DP for aerospace and IEEE P802.1DG for automotive industries. This integration aims to streamline system designs, reduce costs, and expedite market entry.

The processor’s architecture includes eight 64-bit RISC-V CPU cores equipped with SiFive Intelligence X280 vector extensions. This setup facilitates high-performance computations for mixed-criticality systems, offering support for various operational configurations including Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP), Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP), and dual-core lockstep operations. Additionally, the WorldGuard hardware architecture is employed to ensure hardware-based isolation and partitioning.

Christophe Vlacich from the OHPERA Consortium, which comprises leading aerospace firms, acknowledged the processor’s potential impact on aviation technology. “Next-generation aircraft require a new generation of processors for mission-critical applications,” he noted, indicating that Microchip’s PIC64HX MPU could play a critical role in shaping the future of safe and sustainable aircraft design.

As quantum computing evolves, current security infrastructures are at risk of becoming obsolete. In a proactive measure against this, the PIC64HX incorporates post-quantum cryptography, supporting the latest National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-standardised algorithms, including FIPS 203 and FIPS 204. This makes it one of the early market entrants offering comprehensive defence-grade security features.

The development of PIC64HX is bolstered by a robust suite of tools, libraries, and design resources, facilitating compatibility with multiple open-source, commercial, and real-time operating systems like Linux and RTEMS. Microchip also presented the Curiosity Ultra+ PIC64HX evaluation kit, aimed at reducing development time and speeding up the transition to market. Andreas Widder, CEO of Aries Embedded, a major supporter of the RISC-V ecosystem, reinforced their partnership with Microchip in deploying mission-critical intelligent edge solutions.

Microchip plans to provide samples of the PIC64HX MPU to early access partners by 2025, marking a pivotal step in their strategy to address the evolving needs of edge computing infrastructure. This initiative underscores Microchip’s commitment to innovation in embedded solutions for complex, data-driven environments.

Source: Noah Wire Services