“Microchip’s latest PIC64 multicore 64-bit MCUs are next-generation embedded solutions with real-time processing and robust security that can be used in a wide range of application environments from industrial to aerospace.”

Microchip Technology Inc. introduced the 'PIC64 multicore 64-bit microprocessor' through the e4ds ee webinar on the 24th.

Kim Ki-nam, who was in charge of the announcement, said that Microchip's recently announced PIC64 series is a 64-bit RISC-V-based microprocessor (MPU) that represents a groundbreaking technological advancement for high-performance computing and real-time application processing.

In particular, it provides a scalable processing solution that surpasses the performance of existing 32-bit microcontrollers and MPUs, and is expected to be applied to a wide range of markets from industrial to aerospace applications.

The PIC64 series supports a multicore architecture with up to 8 cores and provides an asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) mode for Linux operation and real-time RTOS-based application processing.

This allows different OSs to run on separate cores. For example, an efficient system can be built by handling sensor interrupts in RTOS and handling network communication in Linux.


The most notable models in this PIC64 series are the PIC64 GX and PIC64 HX.

The GX model includes a quad-core and one system monitoring core, and operates at speeds of up to 600MHz.

The HX model features an octa-core, 1 system monitoring core, and 1 secure core, and offers a maximum operating speed of 1GHz and an outstanding performance of 26K DMIPS.

In particular, the HX series can be utilized in systems requiring high reliability because it enables real-time error detection and recovery through the dual-core lockstep function.

The PIC64 series supports PCI Express Gen2 and Gen3 interfaces and delivers powerful performance in environments that require high-speed data transmission.

It also provides multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it optimized for network processing. The PIC64 HX models provide an additional Ethernet port based on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), making them suitable for designing industrial and robotic systems that reliably transmit data within a specified time.

Microchip's PIC64 series meets next-generation security requirements by applying post-quantum cryptography technology, which is attracting attention recently.

In particular, it supports lattice-based digital signatures and key encryption algorithms, and is designed to maintain strong security even in the era of quantum computers.

Additionally, PIC64 products provide a Secure Boot feature designed to ensure that only integrity-verified bootloaders can be executed.

The HX model is equipped with a separate secure core and has an independent controller for security management, enabling reliable system operation.

The PIC64 series has a wider range of applications than existing 64-bit MPUs.


Typical applications include automotive in-vehicle networks and power management systems that require real-time data processing and network communications simultaneously in automotive and electric vehicle (xEV) systems.

In the industrial automation and IoT fields, it provides powerful performance in smart factories and IoT edge devices based on real-time responsiveness through sensor interrupt processing and support for high-speed network communication.

In AI and machine learning, vector expansion capabilities and high-speed computational capabilities enable edge AI computation and machine learning applications. It is suitable.

In aerospace and defense, the P64 HPSC model with radiation-tolerant capabilities can be used for applications ranging from low-orbit satellites to space missions.

“With the launch of the PIC64 series, Microchip has further strengthened its position in the high-performance 64-bit microprocessor market,” said Kim Ki-nam, senior vice president and general manager. “With expanded multicore capabilities, strong security, and high-speed interface support, we expect that these devices will find use in a variety of fields, including industrial automation, electric vehicles, AI, and aerospace.”