Microchip Technology has introduced the industry’s first MCU with an integrated 2D Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and up to 32 MB integrated DDR2 memory. This combination enables the customers to increase their application’s color resolution and display size by up to 12 inches with easy-to-use MCU-based resources and tools like the MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and MPLAB Harmony software framework. 

 

The 32-bit PIC32MZ DA microcontroller family fills the graphics performance gap between MCUs and microprocessor units for customers who wish to continue using the familiar design environment. The devices offer MPU-like graphics capabilities along with seamless integration and programming model of Microchip’s PIC32 and MPLAB IDE and Harmony software framework. These tools render a visual graphics design environment, custom display driver creation, graphics libraries, and as asset converter.

 

 

 

• 3-layer graphics controller with 24-bit color Super eXtended Graphics Array (SXGA) displays

• High-Performance 2D Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

• 32 MB integrated SDRAM OR 128 MB externally addressable SDRAM option with expansive storage

• Ample on-chip Flash, SRAM, and connectivity options

 

This is the first time for MCUs throughout the industry that DDR2 memory has been added enabling 2 times faster throughput and large graphics buffers and/or storage for increasingly complex communications protocol stacks and algorithms. This results in smooth, striking interfaces and fewer product variants in a crowded communications control market. 

 

 

The devices in PIC32MZ DA family are available in a variety of package options including a 169-ball BGA, a 176-pin LQFP and a 288-ball BGA for external DDR2 applications. the prices start at $7.73 in 10,000 unit quantities.

 

 

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, 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.