Microchip has unveiled the dsPIC33EP GS family of Digital Signal Controllers, which the company says will be able to support more sophisticated non-linear, predictive and adaptive control algorithms at higher switching frequencies.
"These higher frequencies will enable the development of much smaller power supplies," according to Mike Sproher, product manager for the company's MCU16 division, "offering both higher densities and lower costs."
Compared to previous products, these new devices provide less than half the latency when used in a three pole, three zero compensator, and consume up to 80% less power in any application.
New features include advanced features such as a live update flash capability, which can be used to change the firmware of an operating power supply, including the active compensator calculation code, while maintaining continuous regulation.
The parts include up to five 12bit A/D converters, with up to 22 inputs, providing a throughput of 16Msample/s at a latency of 300ns. The GS devices also come with 12bit D/A converters for each of the four analogue comparators, while two on chip programmable gain amplifiers can be used for current sensing and other precision measurements.
Author
Neil Tyler
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk