Microchip Technology Inc. has officially launched the SAM D5x and SAM E5x microcontroller (MCU) families. These new 32-bit MCU families offer extensive connectivity interfaces, powerful performance, and robust hardware-based security for a wide variety of applications. 

 

These microcontrollers combine the performance of an ARM Cortex-M4 processor with a Floating Point Unit (FPU) which offloads the Central Processing Unit (CPU). This, in turn, increases the system efficiency and enables process-intensive applications on a low-power platform. 

 

The D5x and E5x MCUs run up to 120 MHz and feature up to 1MB of dual-panel Flash with Error Correction Code (ECC). This enables live updates without causing any harm to the running system. In addition, these devices can be availed along with up to 256 KB of SRAM with ECC, vital to mission-critical applications like medical devices or server systems.

 

 

The new microcontrollers have multiple interfaces that offer design flexibility for the most demanding connectivity needs. Owing to the presence of a Quad Serial Peripheral Interface (QSPI) with an Execute in Place (XIP) feature, the system is enabled to utilize high-performance serial Flash memories.

 

Moving on, the devices are equipped with a Secure Digital Host Controller (SDHC) for data logging, a Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) for capacitive touch and best-in-class active power performance (65 µa/MHz) for applications requiring power efficiency. Besides, the SAM E5 family consists of two CAN-FD ports and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Media Access Controller with IEEE 1588 support.

 

Additionally, both the SAM D5x and E5x families contain comprehensive cryptographic hardware and software support, allowing developers to incorporate security measures at a design’s inception. The hardware-based security features include a Public Key Cryptographic Controller (PUKCC) supporting Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cipher and Secure Hash Algorithms (SHA).

 

“Applications are becoming increasingly complex and there is a great need to move to faster MCUs with better connectivity options and flexible peripheral support,” said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s MCU32 business unit. “The SAM D5/E5 microcontrollers provide an excellent migration path for developers wanting a cost-effective solution with powerful performance, comprehensive interface options, and built-in security.”

SAM D5x and SAM E5x devices are available today in a variety of pin counts and package options in volume production quantities. 

•  Devices in the SAM D5/E5 series are available starting at $2.43 each in 10,000 unit quantities.

•  The SAM E54 Xplained Pro Evaluation Kit is available for $84.99 each.

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality.