Microchip Technology has announced the expansion of its 64-bit microprocessor portfolio with the launch of the PIC64HX family, a high-performance solution designed to meet the growing demand for edge computing applications in critical sectors such as aerospace, defense, industrial, and medical. Built on a RISC-V architecture, these new microprocessors offer advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) processing, as well as military-grade security resistant to future quantum computing attacks.
A Microprocessor Designed for the New Generation of Critical Systems
The PIC64HX stands out by integrating an Ethernet switch with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities, simplifying connectivity in complex systems and helping to reduce development costs. This technology is compatible with emerging standards such as IEEE P802.1DP for onboard communications in aircraft, IEEE P802.1DG for automotive applications, and IEEE/IEC 60802 for industrial automation.
“The PIC64HX MPU is truly innovative as it offers an advanced feature set in a single solution, including the integration of the TSN Ethernet switch for improved connectivity and performance,” said Maher Fahmi, vice president of Microchip’s communications unit. “With this capability, we are helping developers simplify their system design and accelerate time-to-market.”
Powerful Performance with Multicore Processing and AI Support
Equipped with eight 64-bit RISC-V cores, the PIC64HX utilizes the SiFive Intelligence™ X280 architecture with vector extensions, enabling the acceleration of AI workloads and vector processing for mixed-criticality systems. This design allows for versatile configurations such as symmetric (SMP), asymmetric (AMP), or even lockstep mode operations for enhanced safety.
The PIC64HX features a hardware isolation and partitioning architecture known as WorldGuard, ensuring proper resource separation and enhancing security in critical systems. This versatility is essential for applications such as flight control, cabin networks, and engine control systems in next-generation aircraft. Christophe Vlacich, technical lead of the OHPERA consortium, noted that “processors like the PIC64HX are essential for shaping the future of safe and sustainable aviation.”
Advanced Security for a Post-Quantum Era
Quantum computing threatens to render current encryption methods obsolete, which is why government agencies and critical sectors are demanding the implementation of quantum-resistant security algorithms. The PIC64HX is one of the first microprocessors to incorporate FIPS 203 and FIPS 204 cryptographic algorithms, recently standardized by NIST, which ensure lasting protection against future threats.
This robust security approach makes the PIC64HX an ideal choice for systems that require extreme levels of protection, such as defense systems and critical infrastructure. The inclusion of this technology ensures that devices and systems relying on the PIC64HX can operate safely in a post-quantum world.
Extensive Development Support and Tools
The PIC64HX comes with a development toolchain that includes libraries, drivers, and boot firmware, compatible with operating systems like Linux and RTEMS, as well as open-source hypervisors like Xen. Additionally, Microchip provides a Curiosity Ultra+ PIC64HX evaluation kit to facilitate rapid development and reduce time-to-market cycles. Aries Embedded has joined as a key System-on-Module partner for the PIC64HX, helping Microchip expand its platform for edge applications.
Availability and Early Access
Initial samples of the PIC64HX will be available for Microchip’s early access partners in 2025, allowing developers and manufacturers to begin integrating this technology into mission-critical systems in the coming years.
With the PIC64HX, Microchip expands its embedded control and processing solutions, offering customers advanced technology to address challenges in security and performance across high-demand sectors.
via: Microchip