Microchip’s PIC32CXMT provides maximum flexibility with three device levels, including single-core, dual-core, and system-on-a-chip (SOC), to streamline the development of smart meters and communications infrastructure
The complexity of smart meter design continues to evolve as various communication solutions are integrated into the framework and regulatory compliance requirements are imposed. To meet the growing demand for a feature-rich yet simple design solution for smart meter development, Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announced the PIC32CXMT family of 32-bit microprocessors with a new MPL460 Power Line Communication (PLC) modem. The new suite of MCU devices is a next-generation smart metering platform targeting industrial IoT, commercial and industrial metering applications. The platform boasts increased performance with up to 200MHz operation and wide scalability with up to 560KB of memory (SRAM).
To provide developers with optimal flexibility to scale their products, the PIC32CXMT family is available in three variants based on a single-core Arm®Cortex®-M4F, a dual-core Arm Cortex-M4 and a system-on-chip (SoC) device . The MPL460 PLC modem integrates the linear driver for signal amplification, which reduces material consumption and maintains the best signal injection efficiency above 40% due to its class D topology. The PLC modem helps to increase efficiency and reliability based on power, delivered to load and power taken from the supply, resulting in an overall reduction in consumption from the source during transmission.
“The new PIC32CXMT MCUs combined with the MPL460 PLC modem provide an unparalleled level of scalability and performance to support the architecture of a wide range of meters,” said KouroshBoutorabi, director of Microchip’s Smart Energy business unit. “This second generation of our highly successful measurement products demonstrates our commitment to offering a broad portfolio of SoCs that enable a flexible and secure smart measurement platform with options to choose from best-in-class metrology to leading connectivity.”
The platform provides several transceiver solutions, including radio/PHY, PLC/PHY, or the option to choose a hybrid PLC+RF solution. There is also an option for a metrology and communications software package that is compliant with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) measurement standards to 0.2 percent accuracy class. It also supports wired and wireless communication standards such as G3-PLC and PRIME.
As smart meters are connected, the need for security is critical to any design. The PIC32CXMT MCUs offer standard and proprietary on-chip security features to ensure optimal performance and memory utilization.
Development tools
The PIC32CXMT family and MPL460 modems are supported by Microchip’s MPLAB® Harmony v3 embedded software framework. Other resources include IAR Systems, Arm, Keil Development Environment, G3-PLC and PRIME software.
Prices and availability
The PIC32CXMT and MPL460 family are now sampling on a limited basis. For additional information, contact a Microchip sales representative.
- Single core, SAM4C series, PIC32CXMT-G
- Dual core, PIC32CXMT-C series
- System on a chip, SAM4CM series, PIC32CXMT-SH
Smart Metering Platform Available on 32-bit MCU Product Family Equipped with an MPL460 PLC Modem
