Microchip has announced the PIC64HX family of microprocessors
The global edge computing market is expected to grow by more than 30 percent in the next five years, serving mission-critical applications in the aerospace, defence, military, industrial and medical sectors. To meet this increasing demand for reliable, embedded solutions for mixed-criticality systems, Microchip has announced the PIC64HX family of microprocessors (MPUs). Unlike traditional MPUs, the PIC64HX is purpose built to address the unique demands of intelligent edge designs.
The latest in Microchip’s 64-bit portfolio, the PIC64HX is a high-performance, multicore 64-bit RISC-V MPU capable of advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) processing and designed with integrated Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet connectivity and post-quantum-enabled, defence-grade security. PIC64HX MPUs are specifically designed to deliver comprehensive fault tolerance, resiliency, scalability and power efficiency.
The integrated Ethernet switch includes a TSN feature set with support for important emerging standards: IEEE P802.1DP TSN for Aerospace Onboard Ethernet Communications, IEEE P802.1DG TSN Profile for Automotive In-Vehicle Ethernet Communications and IEEE/IEC 60802 TSN Profile for Industrial Automation.
Eight 64-bit RISC-V CPU cores—SiFive Intelligence X280—with vector extensions help enable high-performance compute for mixed-criticality systems, virtualisation and vector processing to accelerate AI workloads. The PIC64HX MPU allows system developers to deploy the cores in multiple ways to enable SMP, AMP or dual-core lockstep operations. WorldGuard hardware architecture support is provided to enable hardware-based isolation and partitioning.
The expected arrival of quantum computers poses an existential threat as it will make current security measures ineffective. As a result, government agencies and enterprises worldwide are beginning to call for the inclusion of post-quantum cryptography in any critical infrastructure. Addressing current and future security needs, the PIC64HX is one of the first MPUs on the market to support comprehensive defence-grade security including the recently NIST-standardised FIPS 203 (ML-KEM) and FIPS 204 (ML-DSA) post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.
The PIC64HX MPU is a powerful and versatile solution for intelligent edge applications, addressing key requirements for low latency, security, reliability and compliance with industry standards.
The PIC64HX MPU is supported by a comprehensive package of tools, libraries, drivers and boot firmware. Multiple open-source, commercial and real-time operating systems are supported including Linux and RTEMS, as well as hypervisors such as Xen. PIC64HX MPUs leverage Microchip’s extensive Mi-V ecosystem of tools and design resources to support its RISC-V initiatives. To help reduce development cycles and accelerate time to market, Microchip offers the Curiosity Ultra+ PIC64HX evaluation kit and is partnering with single-board computer partners.
