Microchip launched the PIC32CXMT series of 32-bit microcontroller

     The design complexity of smart meters is increasing as different communication solutions are integrated into the design framework and regulatory compliance requirements are specified. In response to the growing demand for developing feature-rich and simple smart meter design solutions, Microchip Technology announced the launch of the PIC32CXMT family of 32-bit microcontroller equipped with a new MPL460 Powerline communication (PLC) modem. The new single-chip microcomputer (MCU) device is a next-generation smart meter platform for industrial Internet of Things, commercial and industrial meter applications. The platform boasts operating performance up to 200 MHz and extensive scalability of up to 560 KB of storage space (SRAM).

     To provide developers with the best flexibility to expand the product, the PIC32CXMT family includes three models based on a single Arm® Cortex-M4F kernel, a dual Arm Cortex-M4 kernel, and system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices. The MPL460 PLC modem integrates line drivers for signal amplification, reduces bill of materials due to the Class D topology, and maintains signal injection efficiency of over 40% of top performance. PLC modems help improve efficiency and reliability, reducing source consumption across the board during transmission based on the power delivered to the load and the power taken from the power supply.

     "Paired with MPL460 PLC modems, the new PIC32CXMT microcontroller delivers unmatched scalability and performance to support a variety of meter architectures," said Kourosh Boutorabi, Director of Microchip's Intelligent Energy Business Unit. "Our highly successful second-generation instrumentation products demonstrate our commitment to delivering a rich portfolio of system-on-chip (SoC) solutions to enable flexible and secure smart instrumentation platforms that support best-in-class metering design as well as leading-edge connectivity."

     The platform offers a variety of transceiver solutions including radio /PHY, PLC/PHY, and hybrid PLC+RF solutions. Also available is a metrology and communication software suite that complies with ANSI and IEC metrology standards with accuracy up to 0.2%. It also supports wired and wireless communications standards such as G3-PLC and PRIME.

     As smart meter devices are networked, security requirements are critical in any design. PIC32CXMT SCM provides standard and proprietary on-chip hardware security features to ensure optimal performance and storage utilization.