Microchip Technology has announced the PIC64HX family of microprocessors, designed to meet the growing demand for reliable, embedded solutions in mission-critical applications such as aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. The PIC64HX is a high-performance, multicore 64-bit RISC-V microprocessor capable of advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning processing, with integrated Time-Sensitive Networking Ethernet connectivity and post-quantum-enabled, defense-grade security.
Maher Fahmi, corporate vice president of Microchip’s communications business unit, highlighted the groundbreaking features of the PIC64HX MPU, which includes a TSN feature set supporting emerging standards for aerospace, automotive, and industrial automation. The microprocessor is also supported by a comprehensive package of tools, libraries, drivers, and boot firmware, with multiple open-source, commercial, and real-time operating systems available.
Christophe Vlacich, OHPERA technical leader, praised the PIC64HX MPU’s potential to shape the future of aviation. At the same time, Andreas Widder, Aries Embedded CEO, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Microchip to enable mission-critical intelligent edge applications.
High-Performance Microprocessors for Intelligent Edge Applications
The increasing demand for reliable, embedded solutions in mission-critical applications has led to the development of high-performance microprocessors (MPUs) that can address the unique demands of intelligent edge designs. Microchip Technology has announced the PIC64HX family of MPUs, which are purpose-built to deliver comprehensive fault tolerance, resiliency, scalability, and power efficiency.
The PIC64HX MPU is a 64-bit RISC-V-based multicore processor capable of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) processing. It features integrated Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet connectivity and post-quantum-enabled, defense-grade security. This makes it an ideal solution for intelligent edge applications in various industries, including aerospace, defense, military, industrial, and medical sectors.
The PIC64HX MPU is designed to provide a high level of performance, scalability, and power efficiency. It features eight 64-bit RISC-V CPU cores with vector extensions, which enable high-performance compute for mixed-criticality systems, virtualization, and vector processing to accelerate AI workloads. The MPU allows system developers to deploy the cores in multiple ways to enable Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP), Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP), or dual-core lockstep operations.
Integrated Ethernet Switching and TSN Connectivity
The PIC64HX MPU features an integrated Ethernet switch with a TSN feature set that supports important emerging standards, including 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. This enables developers to bring standards-based networking connectivity and compute together, simplifying system designs, reducing system costs, and accelerating time-to-market.
The integrated Ethernet switch also provides a high level of security, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. It is designed to meet the stringent requirements of mission-critical applications, where downtime or data breaches can have severe consequences.
Post-Quantum Cryptography and Defense-Grade Security
The PIC64HX MPU is one of the first MPUs on the market to support comprehensive defense-grade security, including the recently NIST-standardized FIPS 203 (ML-KEM) and FIPS 204 (ML-DSA) post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. This makes it an ideal solution for applications that require high-level security, such as government agencies, financial institutions, and other organizations that handle sensitive data.
The inclusion of post-quantum cryptography in the PIC64HX MPU is a response to the expected arrival of quantum computers, which poses an existential threat to current security measures. By supporting post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, the PIC64HX MPU provides a future-proof solution for secure data processing and transmission.
Development Tools and Ecosystem
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. The MPU also leverages 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. This provides developers a comprehensive platform for designing and testing intelligent edge applications.
Availability and Partnerships
PIC64HX MPU samples will be available to Microchip’s early access partners in 2025. For additional information, please contact a Microchip sales representative. The company is also partnering with leading organizations, such as Aries Embedded, to enable mission-critical intelligent edge applications.
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. Its high-performance capabilities, integrated Ethernet switching, and post-quantum cryptography make it an ideal choice for developers designing next-generation intelligent edge systems.
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