Microchip Doubles Flash Memory and Adds Security Options in Microcontrollers

Microchip Technology Inc.expanded its eXtreme Low Power (XLP) PIC microcontroller (MCU) portfolio.

Features of the PIC24F GB4 family include an integrated hardware crypto engine with both OTP and Key RAM options for secure key storage, up to 256KB of flash memory and a direct drive for segmented LCD displays, in 64-, 100 or 121-pin packages. Dual-partition flash with live update capability allows the devices to hold two independent software applications, and permits the simultaneous programming of one partition while executing application code from the other. These features make the PIC24F GB4 family for designers of industrial, computer, medical/fitness and portable applications that require secure data transfer and storage, and a long battery life.

“Securing your data is one of the key challenges in today’s Internet of Things world,” said Joe Thomsen, VP, MCU16 division, Microchip. “The combination of our XLP technology and encryption capabilities enables this new PIC24 GB4 family to increase the integrity of embedded data for a broad range of applications, without sacrificing power consumption.“

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To protect embedded data, several company’s Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) that run without the CPU are integrated into the PIC24F GB4 family. The fully featured hardware crypto engine, which includes support for the AES, DES and 3DES standards, reduces software overhead, lowers power consumption and enables faster throughput. A Random Number Generator is used for generating random keys for data encryption, decryption and authentication, enabling a higher level of security. For additional protection, this family offers the flexibility of choosing from two crypto-key storage options: One-Time-Programmable (OTP) to prevent overwriting keys, or Key RAM that erases keys if power is lost. To allow the application’s Real-Time Clock to continue running when primary power is removed, a VBAT pin can be used to supply backup power.

Reducing system components, a segmented LCD display driver provides the ability to directly drive up to 512 segments, enabling more informative and flexible displays that include descriptive icons and scrolling.

Development support
The PIC24F GB4 family is supported by the company’s standard suite of development tools, including the PIC24FJ256GB410 plug-in module (part # MA240038, $25.00) for the Explorer 16 development board (part # DM240001, $129.99).

Pricing and availability
Product variants are available with USB (PIC24FJXXXGB4XX) and without USB (PIC24FJXXXGA4XX), and the family table shows all options. These latest PIC24F MCUs are available for sampling and production volumes are available within typical lead times. Pricing starts at $1.80 each in high volume.