16-bit dsPIC33C Family Boards

The 15W Wireless Power Transmitter board, based on the dsPIC® Microcontroller, is compatible with Qi medium power receivers. The development board enables a system efficiency of about 80% at full load and includes status LEDs and LEDs for power level indication.

Microchip’s dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) offer a strong feature set for wireless power/charging applications in multiple market segments. The devices include a powerful CPU core, multiple PWM generators and advanced analog modules, allowing the customization of solutions. The multiple PWMs allow the control of the full bridge inverter and a front end Buck-Boost converter (required for fixed frequency topologies). In applications where the final solution requires the implementation of a proprietary protocol in addition to the standard, the dsPIC® DSC is ideal because of its computation capability. The CAN/LIN feature in the dsPIC® DSC makes it a good fit for automotive in-car wireless charging. The software structure can be setup efficiently for wireless charging such that basic kernel functions are packaged in library form and add-on/customized functions (such as foreign object detection, CAN, I2C etc.) are provided as API interfaces.

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The 200W  Wireless Power reference design implements a proprietary protocol developed from several years of R&D and granted U.S patents in the field of wireless power. The 200W solution is ideal for applications such as Power Tools, Vacuum Robots, Industrial Slip Rings, Small Electric Vehicles and Drones.

The Transmitter can be powered from an 8- 24V D.C input and the receiver can regulate it's output voltage within this range. The system operates at 90% efficiency at 100W power and a Z-distance of 5-10mm.



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This reference designs hardware is not currently available for purchase. You can request a demonstration. Please contact local sales office in your geography to request a demonstration. Click here to find worldwide network of Sales & Support

Air conditioner (A/C) designs need to meet stringent energy efficiency ratings and power factor specifications to reduce overall power consumption. High energy efficiency is achieved by using an inverter-based variable speed drive for the brushless motor-based compressor and condenser fans. The variable speed drive and the sensorless field-oriented control (FOC) of brushless motors allow an appliance to operate at an optimal power setting compared to a fixed speed single phase AC induction motor (ACIM) drive. Power factor correction (PFC) is required for all high-power appliances to connect to the electrical grid.

Microchip’s Air Conditioner reference design, based on the dual core dsPIC33CH family of digital signal controllers, demonstrates efficient control of the condenser fan, compressor, PFC and the overall application logic implementation. The high-performance dsPIC33C DSCs (Dual core dsPIC33CH DSCs and Single core dsPIC33CK DSCs) offer the right set of peripherals that is ideal for dual motor control and enables replacing three controllers with one for a cost advantage in your design.

This reference design has proven power stages for high power PFC (220V, 1.8 KW), condenser fan (120 W) and compressor (1.34 KW) motor control. Additional features like temperature sensor interfaces, field communications and valve drives will enable you to develop on this platform for a wide variety of air conditioner systems like window A/Cs and the outdoor unit of split A/Cs.

Read more about the cost advantage of our air conditioner reference design.

Ready for a live demonstration? This reference design is provided with full user’s guide, source code, schematics and PCB layout. Contact Microchip sales for demonstration, design files and firmware.

Benefits

• Single chip solution to optimize cost 

• Simplifies the development by enabling independent code development for the PFC and Dual motor control using the dual core dsPIC33CH DSCs 
  • Slave core implements dedicated time-critical dual motor control algorithms  
  • Master core implements Interleaved Boost PFC, system functions and other custom features 
• 3-phase motor control power stage for driving Low Power High Voltage BLDC/ PMSM motors

The Digital Compensator Design Tool (DCDT) helps power supply designers by simplifying the overall process of determining the digital compensator coefficients and analyzing the control system performance. The DCDT incorporates all feedback gains and delays to provide the most accurate model of the control system. Along with analyzing the closed loop performance via Bode Plots, the user can verify stability by using the DCDT’s root locus and Nyquist plots. Once the desired performance is obtained the DCDT will automatically calculate the compensator coefficients and scaling parameters and generate software files to be used with the free SMPS Control Software Libraries.

The DCDT is topology independent which allows the most sophisticated converters to be analyzed. With a topology independent architecture, the tool requires a mathematical expression of the plant transfer function. This can be entered as a polynomial equation or in pole/zero form (up to 5th order systems). The tool also supports a data import option where the plant transfer function is a table of phase/gain vs. frequency data points that can be generated from a simulation environment or even from a network analyzer.
 
The DCDT currently allows users to develop voltage mode control and peak current mode control applications with support for average current mode control to be available shortly. Depending on the control scheme, different compensators may be required. The DCDT supports many different compensator types such as the digital 3-pole/ 3-zero (3P3Z), digital 2P2Z, digital PID, and analog type II/III. The analog type II/III compensators allow analog designers to input their existing analog compensator designs into the tool either by passive R/C components or by entering pole/zero frequency points. The tool will then generate the equivalent digital compensator streamlining the transition from analog to digital compensator design.

All MPLAB® X IDE. plug-ins, including this Digital Compensator Design Tool, are free, available and ready to install once the MPLAB® X IDE has been installed. Just follow the simple steps in the getting started tab to see all the available plug-ins and to install the DCDT.

The Digital Power Development Board is a demonstration board that provides the user a flexible measurement platform for all compatible Microchip dsPIC33’s Digital Power Plug-In Modules (DP PIMs).

DP PIM modules can be inserted into the mating socket in the middle of the Digital Power Development Board. All pins of the DP PIM are accessible via test loops or pin headers. The on-board Micro USB connector provides a DC power input to all circuitry. In addition, a mikroBUS™ socket is provided to extend functionality.

High performance power supplies are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from telecommunication equipment, industrial equipment, digital televisions, lighting, air conditioners and other home appliances. They all need solutions for power factor correction to improve overall efficiency, improve the input power factor, voltage regulation and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the input current. Digital interleaved power factor correction methods provide many benefits over older PFC techniques including:

-Lower Cost for High Power Applications
-Smaller PFC Inductor and Magnetic volume
-Higher Power Density
-Lower Ripple
-Easy implementation of sophisticated control algorithms
-Flexible software modifications to meet specific customer needs
-Simpler integration with other applications

This reference design provides an easy method to evaluate the power, and features of SMPS dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers for an Interleaved Power Factor Correction application. The Interleaved PFC reference design unit works with universal input voltage range, and produces a single high voltage DC output up to 350W of power. The reference design has six main blocks:

-Input EMI filter and rectifier
-Dual Phase Interleaved PFC Circuit with feedback
-Plug in module connector with a dsPIC33FJ16GS504
-User’s interface circuit with programming connector and push buttons
-12V and 3.3V power supply circuit, and
-Fault detection circuit for hardware protection

The dual phase interleaved PFC software implements three compensators for voltage, current and load balancing. It also has a feed-forward compensator based on input average voltage.

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This reference design provides an easy method to evaluate the power, and features of SMPS dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers for high wattage AC - DC conversion application. Discover the many benefits of digital power control implementation in this reference design. The SMPS AC - DC Reference Design unit works with universal input voltage range, and produces multiple DC outputs. The design is based on a modular structure, which features three major power stages; the input stage, intermediate stage and the third stage, a Point of Load. The input stage is a PFC Boost Converter, the intermediate stage is a Phase-Shifted Zero Voltage Transition (ZVT) Converter, which includes ZVT Full Bridge Converter and Synchronous Rectification, and the third stage is Single-phase and Multi-phase Buck Converters. This reference design uses two dsPIC33F16GS504 devices; one used for the PFC Boost Converter and ZVT Full Bridge Converter, while the other dsPIC® DSC is used for Single-phase and Multi-phase Buck Converters.

This reference designs hardware is not available for purchase but you can request a demonstration. Please contact local sales office in your geography to request a demonstration.
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Refrigerator compressors are now driven by brushless DC motors or permanent magnet synchronous motor to meet high energy efficiency ratings. You must use an inverter-based variable speed drive for the brushless motor to achieve this high energy efficiency. The variable speed drive allows you to operate the compressor at an optimal speed in order to maintain a constant temperature setting as compared to a fixed-speed single-phase AC induction motor (ACIM) drive. Field-Oriented Control (FOC) of brushless motors enables you to implement the variable speed drive and add advanced motor control features like on-the-fly startup and stall detection with auto-recovery.

This refrigerator compressor reference design will help you to rapidly prototype and develop a cost-effective and innovative design using a dsPIC33EP64MC202 Digital Signal Controller. Other Microchip components utilized in the design include  a MCP16331 DC/DC converter and a MIC5239 LDO voltage regulator. The design works with a wide variety of refrigerator compressor motors, supporting both Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (IPMSM) and Surface Mount Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (SPMSM).This reference design implements sensorless control and single-shunt current sensing technique to save BOM cost. This design also addresses the challenges of reliable startup of the compressor with high pressure and low standby power consumption.

Microchip provides Class-B Safety Software libraries for the dsPIC33 to reduce your development time for appliances requiring functional safety.

Ready for a live demonstration? This reference design is provided with full user’s guide, source code, schematics and PCB layout. Contact Microchip for demonstration, design files and firmware.

dsPIC33C Digital Power Starter Kit introduces and demonstrate the capabilities and features of Microchip's SMPS families of devices. It features on-board dsPIC33CK256MP505 DSC, SMPS power stages, loads, LCD display, USB/UART bridge and programmer/debugger, which eliminates the need for any additional hardware.

Kindly consider dsPIC33CH Curiosity Development Board (DM330028-2) for your latest designs, evaluation and prototyping.

The dsPIC33CH Curiosity Development Board (DM330028) is intended as a cost effective development and demonstration platform for the dsPIC33CH128MP508 family of dual core high performance digital signal controllers.

Designed from the ground-up to take full advantage of Microchip’s MPLAB® X IDE, the board includes an integrated programmer/debugger and requires no additional hardware, making it a perfect starting point to explore the dsPIC33CH dual core family.

Visit our Curiosity Design Center for more information on the Curiosity platform.

The dsPIC33CH Curiosity Development Board (DM330028-2) is intended as a cost effective development and demonstration platform for the entire dsPIC33CH family of dual core high performance digital signal controllers.

Designed from the ground-up to take full advantage of Microchip’s MPLAB® X IDE, the board includes an integrated programmer/debugger and requires no additional hardware, making it a perfect starting point to explore the dsPIC33CH dual core family.

Visit our Curiosity Design Center for more information on the Curiosity platform.

The dsPIC33CK Curiosity Development Board (DM330030) is a cost-effective development and demonstration platform for the dsPIC33CK family of single-core high performance digital signal controllers.
Designed to take full advantage of Microchip’s MPLAB^® X IDE, the board includes an integrated programmer/debugger and requires no additional hardware, making it a perfect starting point to explore the dsPIC33CK family.
Visit our Curiosity Design Center for more information on the Curiosity platform.

The Microchip dsPICDEM™ MCHV-2 Development Board aids in the rapid evaluation and development of a wide variety of high-voltage motor control applications. This development board is targeted to control Brushless DC (BLDC) motors, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), and AC Induction Motors (ACIM) in both sensored or sensorless operation. The MCHV-2 can be configured to use with Microchip’s motor control dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), supporting 100-pin Plug-in Modules (PIMs) for the dsPIC33F, E and C motor control devices. There is also an option to mount a 28-pin SOIC dsPIC33 DSC device directly. The development board uses a three-phase Integrated Power Module device (IPM) that contains the motor inverter and the gate driver’s circuitry. The circuit drives 3-phase motors using different control techniques without requiring any additional hardware. The MCHV-2 supports using either the internal op amps found on dsPIC33E and dsPIC33C motor control DSCs, or the external op amps found on the MCHV-2 board for current sensing.

The rated continuous output current from the inverter is 6.5A (RMS). This allows up to approximately 2 kVA output when running from a 208V to 230V single-phase input voltage in a maximum 30ºC (85ºF) ambient temperature environment. Therefore, the development board is ideally suited for running a standard 3-phase AC Induction Motor of up to 1.4 kW (1.8 HP) rating or a slightly higher rated industrial servo-motor. The IPM is capable of driving other types of motors and electrical loads that do not exceed the maximum power limit and are predominantly inductive. Furthermore, single-phase loads can be driven using one or two of the inverter outputs. The unit is capable of operating from 85VAC up to a maximum of 265VAC.

The MCHV-2 (DM330023-2) replaces and is fully backwards compatible with the previous MCHV (DM330023) and all motor control PIMs.

The Microchip dsPICDEM™ MCHV-3 Development Board aids in the rapid evaluation and development of a wide variety of high-voltage motor control applications.  This development board is targeted to control Brushless DC (BLDC) motors, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), and AC Induction Motors (ACIM) in both sensored or sensorless operation.  The MCHV-3 can be configured to use with Microchip’s motor control dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), supporting 100-pin Plug-in Modules (PIMs) for the dsPIC33F, E and C motor control devices.   There is also an option to mount a 28-pin SOIC dsPIC33 DSC device directly.  The development board uses a three-phase Integrated Power Module device (IPM) that contains the motor inverter and the gate driver’s circuitry.  The circuit drives 3-phase motors using different control techniques without requiring any additional hardware.  The MCHV-3 supports using either the internal op amps found on dsPIC33E and dsPIC33C motor control DSCs, or the external op amps found on the MCHV-3 board for current sensing.  It also includes Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuitry to meet power regulatory requirements.

The rated continuous output current from the inverter is 6.5A (RMS). This allows up to approximately 2 kVA output when running from a 208V to 230V single-phase input voltage in a maximum 30ºC (85ºF) ambient temperature environment.  Therefore, the development board is ideally suited for running a standard 3-phase AC Induction Motor of up to 1.4 kW (1.8 HP) rating or a slightly higher rated industrial servo-motor.  The IPM is capable of driving other types of motors and electrical loads that do not exceed the maximum power limit and are predominantly inductive. Furthermore, single-phase loads can be driven using one or two of the inverter outputs. The unit is capable of operating from 85VAC up to a maximum of 265VAC.

The MCHV-3 (DM330023-3) complements the MCHV-2 (DM330023-2) and is fully backwards compatible with the previous MCHV-2(DM330023-2) and all motor control PIMs.

The dsPICDEM™ MCLV-2 Development Board provides a cost-effective method of evaluating and developing 3-phase sensored or sensorless Brushless DC (BLDC) and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) control applications.  The board supports Microchip’s 100-pin motor control Plug-In-Modules (PIMs) for the dsPIC33C, dsPIC33E and dsPIC33F Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and also for the PICM32MK and ATSAME70 families.  The board supports the use of the internal on-chip op amps found on certain dsPIC® or PIC32MK devices, or the external op amps provided on the MCLV-2 board.  A dsPIC33EP256MC506 Internal Op Amp PIM (MA330031) is included with the board. The board is capable of controlling motors rated up to 48V and 10A (with TC1 modifications), with multiple communication channels such as USB, CAN, LIN and RS-232.  The MCLV-2 replaces and is fully backwards compatible with the original MCLV (DM330021).

The Microchip dsPICDEM™ MCSM Development Board is targeted to control both unipolar and bipolar stepper motors in open-loop or closed-loop (current control) mode. The hardware is designed in such a way that no hardware changes are necessary for 8-, 6- or 4-wire stepper motors in either bipolar or unipolar configurations. Software to run motors in open-loop or closed-loop with full or variable micro-stepping is provided. A GUI for controlling step commands, motor parameter input, and operation modes is included. This flexible and cost-effective board can be configured in different ways for use with Microchip’s specialized dsPIC33 Motor Control Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). The dsPICDEM MCSM Development Board offers a mounting option to connect either a 28-pin SOIC device or a generic 100-pin Plug-In Module (PIM). A dsPIC33CK64MP105 External Op Amp MC PIM (MA330050-1) is included.

The dsPICDEM MCSM Development Board supports terminal voltages up to 80V and currents up to 3A. The dsPIC33C device uses the MOSFET driver to drive the two full-bridge inverters that power the motor windings. The board includes various circuits to perform the following functions:

• Drive two motor windings with the two on-board full-bridge inverters
• Measure feedback and other analog signals (i.e., current, DC voltage, Potentiometer and Fault signals)
• Communicate with a host computer or an external device via USB

The dsPIC33CK64MP105 devices feature an 4-channel, high-speed PWM with Complementary mode output, a programmable ADC trigger on the PWM reload cycle, digital dead time control, internal shoot-through protection and hardware fault shutdown. These features make the dsPIC DSC an ideal solution for high-performance stepper motor control applications where control of the full-bridge inverter is required.

Brick DC-DC converters are widely used in data center, telecommunication and automotive applications, converting a nominal 48 V to different output nominal voltages such as 5 V, 9 V or 12 V. The standard dimension of the 1/16th brick converter is 33 x 22.9 mm (1.3 x 0.9 inch). The EPC9143 1/16th brick power module reference design, developed in collaboration with Efficient Power Conversion Corp. EPC, is designed for 48 V to 12 V DC/DC applications. It features the EPC2053 enhancement mode (eGaN®) field effect transistors (FETs), as well as a Microchip dsPIC33CK32MP102 16-bit digital signal controller (DSC). The height limit for this design is set to 10 mm (0.4 inch)

In DC/DC brick power module application, there is a continuous push towards higher power density given a fixed form factor. This reference design supports up to 300 W max. output power with 25 A output current at output voltages of 12 V, peak efficiency of >95%, and maximum power density of 730 W/in3 and demonstrates how dsPIC33C® DSCs are used to fully exploit the high performance of GaN FETs in fast switching Intermediate Bus Converter (IBC) applications.

The reference design firmware includes two modes of operation:

• Conventional Average Current Mode Control (ACMC): Multiloop controller with one outer voltage loop providing the same current reference IREF to two independent inner current loops for each phase, supporting control bandwidths of 2 kHz
• Advanced Type IV Voltage Loop Control (AVMC) with Enforced Cycle-By-Cycle PWM Steering, Gain Modulation and Current Balancing: A single, high-speed type IV voltage mode controller with enforced PWM steering is used to automatically create balanced phase currents in both phases of this interleaved converter. An underlying current balancing scheme compensates component tolerances and deviations over temperature. A built-in adaptive gain control algorithm stabilizes gain variations of the voltage loop controller during input- and output voltage transients, stabilizing cross-over frequency and output impedance, supporting control bandwidths of 25 kHz, for improved transient response, helping to minimize power distribution network (PDN) decoupling capacity

For more information on hardware related documentation, design files and purchasing information, please visit EPC’s product website: https://epc-co.com/epc/Products/DemoBoards/EPC9143.aspx

The EPC9148 demonstration board is an ultra-Thin, three-level DC-DC synchronous buck converter for high performance computing systems with 60V maximum input voltage, 12.5A maximum output current, 19V output voltage, measuring only 3.5 mm component height (5 mm height total including the printed circuit board) achieving a power density of 400 W/in³. It features the high-performance dsPIC33CK Digital Signal Controller (DSC), 40 V EPC2055 and the 100 V EPC2053 and EPC2038 GaN FETs.

This reference design, uses a flying capacitor at the input side to half the input voltage, increasing the dynamic bandwidth of the converter while still using a simple, non-isolated topology. For this purpose, the classical half-bridge drive has been split into an upper and lower half-bridge sections allowing to flip the flying capacitor voltage in every switching cycle. This approach allows the usage of switching devices with lower voltage ratings which have lower on-resistance and are overall faster than their higher voltage-rating counterparts. As a result, the slightly increased losses accumulated during the charge periods of the flying capacitor are compensated by the lower commutation losses of the switch stage ending up at an equal to slightly higher total efficiency. Biasing the buck topology from the flying capacitor directly instead of the input also doubles the inductor ripple frequency and lowers the ripple current peak value. This allows using lower inductance and smaller output capacitance, which further minimizes the size and increases the power density in comparison to a conventional buck converter topology (see EPC9153 for comparison).

This driving scheme works best with low voltage Gallium-Nitride switches due to their high switching speed and very low internal capacitance. The digital control stage is key to apply the delicate switching pattern and runtime balancing of the flying capacitor voltage.

For more information on hardware related documentation, design files and purchasing information, please visit EPC’s product website:
EPC9148 – 48 V Three-level Synchronous Buck Converter

The 300 W Bi-Directional 1/16th Brick Power Module reference design, developed in collaboration with Efficient Power Conversion Corp. (EPC), features the dsPIC33CK32MP102 Digital Signal Controller (DSC) which is ideal for Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) applications as the main controller implementing interleaved, non-isolated synchronous buck converter power module. The power stage features the 12.5 A ePower™ Stage device EPC2152, a monolithic eGaN® FET half bridge power stage with integrated eGaN® FET drivers.

Embedding the driver circuit and the power FETs into the same monolithic die minimizes the common source inductance (CSI) between the high- and low-side FETs as well as the gate drive loop inductance. By matching the drivers to the power FETs results in extreme switching speeds of 48 V / 1 ns and minimum switching losses. The 3.3V compatible input levels allow directly driving the power stage from a dsPIC33 DSC’s pin without requiring additional components with maximum edge placement precision.

For more information on hardware related documentation, design files and purchasing information, please visit EPC’s product website:EPC9151KIT – 300 W Bi-Directional 1/16th Brick Evaluation Module

 

 The 6.5 mm thin EPC9153 power module is a 250W high-efficiency, high-performance synchronous buck converter with 60 V maximum input voltage, 12.5 A maximum output current, and programmable 12-20 V (default set to 20 V) regulated output voltage. Developed in collaboration with Efficient Power Conversion Corporation (EPC), it features the high-performance dsPIC33CK Digital Signal Controller (DSC), EPC2218 and EPC2038 eGaN® FETs.

While other reference designs such as EPC9148 have been optimized for highest power densities, this conventional non-isolated, hard-switching step-down converter is optimized for maximum output power capability at the highest efficiency (> 98.2%) with a maximum temperature rise of +40 K above ambient with passive cooling. With a total power density of only 112 W/in³, this converter is capable of providing up to 200% (500W / 25A max.) of its nominal output power for a limited amount of time at a peak efficiency of >98.2%. For test purposes, the over-power time limits have been set to 10ms for 150% and 1ms for 200% load. Each boost-mode time limit can be reconfigured and tailored to known test conditions by the user. On the other side of the load spectrum, the power consumption under no-load conditions has been minimized by applying a hysteretic standby mode, in which the converter still provides a regulated output voltage at only 280 mW total power consumption, supporting fast recovery of fixed frequency operation within 100 µsec.

The digital control loop in this design enables the non-linear switch-over between control modes across load conditions and self-protecting over-power boost modes, expanding the support of extreme load dynamics of high-performance loads like CPUs and FPGAs. The 250ps resolution fine-edge placement of the PWM module enables efficiency enhancements through dead-time optimization.

For more information on hardware related documentation, design files and purchasing information, please visit EPC’s product website:
EPC9153 – 250 W High Efficiency, Thin Power Module

The Explorer 16/32 Development Board is a flexible and convenient development, demonstration and testing platform for 16-bit PIC24 MCUs, dsPIC® DSCs and 32-bit PIC32 MCUs from Microchip Technology. It features all the necessary hardware to begin developing and debugging a complete embedded application. The board accepts Processor Plug-In Modules (PIMs) designed for the Explorer 16 or Explorer 16/32 development board for easy device swapping. In addition to the hardware features provided by the board, hardware expansion is possible through the use of PICtail™ Plus daughter cards and mikroBUS™ accessory boards. Coupled with the integrated PICkit™-On-Board (PKOB), MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger or MPLAB REAL ICE™ real-time emulation and debug facilities enable faster evaluation and prototyping of application.

Explorer 16/32 Development Board offers only the main board, giving the option to customize the other necessary components. Choose PIM of your choice based on MCUs and DSCs under consideration from wide range of Processor Plug-In Modules. This board is optimal for customers migrating from Classic Explorer 16 to new Explorer 16/32 platform, while all the necessary additional components like Processor Plug-In Modules and PICtail™ Plus Daughter Boards are already available. The DM240001-3 is another great option for a customer that wants a board that ships with a PIM and two USB cables.


Also read about Explorer 16/32 Development Kit


Backwards Compatibility
Explorer 16/32 Development Board is completely backwards compatible with the Classic Explorer 16 Development Board (DM240001 and DM240002) and its associated ecosystem that include:

• Processor Plug-In Modules (PIMs)

• PICTail™ Plus Daughter Boards

• Code Examples, Prototypes and Software Libraries developed on Classic Explorer 16 Development Board

Use all of existing codes, libraries, prototypes, PIMs and the PICtail Plus daughter cards interfaced via side PICtail Plus connector directly. Re-use the PICtail Plus daughter cards interfaced via vertical PICtail Plus connector using additional PICtail Plus Expansion Board (AC240100)

Getting Started

• Read the Explorer 16/32 User's Manual (available at Documentation and Software section of this page)
• Purchase a PIM of choice in order for board to work
• Download the free MPLAB X IDE
• Download the suitable MPLAB XC Compiler
• Download and unzip the appropriate firmware demo code (available at Documentation & Software section of this page)

The Explorer 16/32 Development Kit is a flexible, convenient and ready to start development, demonstration and testing platform for 16-bit PIC24 MCUs, dsPIC^® DSCs and 32-bit PIC32 MCUs from Microchip Technology. It features all the necessary hardware to begin developing and debugging a complete embedded application. The board accepts Processor Plug-In Modules (PIM) designed for the Explorer 16 or Explorer 16/32 development board for easy device swapping. In addition to the hardware features provided by the board, hardware expansion is possible through the use of PICtail™ Plus daughter cards and mikroBUS™ accessory boards. Coupled with the integrated PICkit™-On-Board (PKOB), MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger or MPLAB REAL ICE™ real-time emulation and debug facilities enable faster evaluation and prototyping of application. 
The development kit comes with Explorer 16/32 main development board, PIC24FJ1024GB610 PIM (MA240023), USB A to micro-B cable, and USB A to Type-C Cable. For out of the box experience, Explorer 16/32 Development Kit is the right choice that comes with all the necessary components to get started with the evaluation and prototyping right away!

Also read about Explorer 16/32 Development Board

Backwards Compatibility
Explorer 16/32 Development Board is completely backwards compatible with the Classic Explorer 16 Development Board (DM240001 and DM240002) and its associated ecosystem that include:

• Process or Plug-In Modules (PIMs)
• PICtail Plus Daughter Boards
• Code Examples, Prototypes and Software Libraries developed on Classic Explorer 16 Development Board

Use all of existing codes, libraries, prototypes, PIMs and the PICtail Plus daughter cards interfaced via side PICtail Plus connector directly. Re-use the PICtail Plus daughter cards interfaced via vertical PICtail Plus connector using additional PICtail Plus Expansion Board (AC240100)

Getting Started

• Read the Explorer 16/32 User’s Manual (available at Documentation & Software section of this page)
• Download the free MPLAB X IDE
• Download the suitable MPLAB XC Compiler
• Download and unzip the appropriate firmware demo code (available at Documentation & Software section of this page)

The LCD Explorer Development Board supports Microchip’s 100-pin Microcontrollers with x8 common Segment LCD Drivers. The LCD Explorer provides an ideal platform for a customer to evaluate a MCU with a x8 Common LCD Driver on a 38 segment x 8 common LCD display. PICtail Plus connections allow a customer to evaluate the selected MCU in a complex system by adding Microchip’s PICtail Plus daughter boards.

The Low Voltage Motor Control Development Bundle provides a cost-effective method of evaluating and developing dual/single motor control power stage targeted to drive two Brushless DC (BLDC) motors or Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) concurrently. The bundle comes with a dsPIC DSC Signal board, Motor Control 10-24V Driver Board and dsPIC33EP512GM710 Dual Motor Control PIM (MA330037).

The dsPIC (DSC) Signal Board supports both 3.3V and 5V operated devices for various applications and frequently used human interface features along with the communication ports. The Signal Board has two major connectors, a 120-pin connector to the driver (inverter) board and a 100-pin connector to enable connection to the PIM plug-in module, alternatives include the dsPIC33EV256GM106 Motor Control PIM (MA330036) or the dsPIC33CK256MP508 External Op Amp PIM (MA330041-1).

The Motor Control 10V–24V Driver Board (Dual/Single) along with the compatible dsPIC DSC Signal Board provides a software development platform to build and evaluate embedded motor control application software using Microchip’s high performance motor control Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and Microcontrollers (MCUs).

Low Voltage Power Factor Correction (LVPFC) Development Kit offers safe voltage levels at moderate power while designing algorithms on a boost power factor correction topology. These algorithms can be applied on real systems under development with minimal changes. The LVPFC Development Board utilizes the dsPIC33EP128GS806 device, supporting full digital and advanced power control algorithm schemes.

LVPFC development kit utilizes Isolation transformer with turn ratio of 10:1 and a 50W Active load. These additional tools are available from our third party tools provider ASCALAB .

Active Load can be bought directly from microchip Direct. For isolation transformer you can get in touch with your regional Microchip's sales executive.

 

The Three Coil Wireless Power Transmitter is based on the dsPIC33CH128MP506 device and implements a fixed frequency power control topology. The front-end buck-boost control is managed by the dsPIC33CH device. The transmitter includes CAN for ease of integration into the automotive environment. The transmitter also enables the implementation of NFC.

Microchip’s dual-core dsPIC33CH devices integrates the wireless power software stack along with CAN-FD software, Front-end Buck- Boost control, NFC software stack, and Crypto Authentication software. The software is partitioned between the two cores such that the wireless power control is implemented independently on one core and all the remaining functions are implemented in the other core. This partitioning facilitates independent code development on separate modules and enables parallel execution of the Qi protocol and other functions such as NFC

Microchip’s 200W DC/DC LLC Resonant Converter Reference Design operates over a wide input voltage range (350 - 420Vdc) with a nominal input of 400V, providing a 12V DC output, while maintaining high-voltage isolation between the primary and secondary. High efficiency is achieved through Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) on the half-bridge converter and Zero Current Switching (ZCS) on the synchronous rectifier. A synchronous rectifier is implemented over the traditional full wave rectifier for improved efficiency. The DC/DC LLC Resonant Converter Reference Design utilizes Microchip’s digital power conversion dsPIC for unique “adaptive” control of the half-bridge converter and synchronous rectifier.

This reference design is implemented using a single dsPIC33EP / dsPIC33FJ “GS” digital-power DSCs from Microchip that provides the full digital control of the power conversion and system management functions. As shown in this reference design the efficient use of dsPIC33EP / dsPIC33FJ ‘GS’ devices enable designers to easily and cost effectively create products using advanced switching techniques such as LLC that lower switching losses and enable efficiencies as high as 95%. The DC/DC LLC Resonant Converter Reference Design is royalty free when used in accordance with the licensing agreement.

Both the design packages (EP and FJ) are available to download under documents and software section. 

Microchip’s Digital Pure Sine Wave Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Reference Design is based on the dsPIC33F “GS” series of digital-power Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). This reference design demonstrates how digital-power techniques when applied to UPS applications enable easy modifications through software, the use of smaller magnetics, intelligent battery charging, higher efficiency, compact designs, reduction in audible and electrical noise via a purer sine-wave output, USB communication and low-cost overall bill-of-materials. This reference design is Royalty Free. Click here for a list of complete documentation and software & hardware design information.

This reference design is implemented using a single dsPIC33F “GS” digital-power DSCs from Microchip that provides the full digital control of the power conversion and system management functions. As shown in this reference design the dsPIC33F ‘GS’ devices enable designers to easily and cost effectively create products using advanced switching techniques such as LLC that lower switching losses and enable efficiencies as high as 95%. The DC to DC LLC Converter Reference Design is royalty free when used in accordance with the licensing agreement.

The Digital Pure Sine Wave UPS System operates in two modes:

Standby Mode – Operational in the presence of AC line voltage; battery is charged in this mode.
UPS Mode – Operational during power outage; the system switches to a function called inverter to provide power to load. Charge stored in the battery is converted to AC output.

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Microchip’s Grid-Connected Solar Microinverter Reference Design demonstrates the flexibility and power of SMPS dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers in Grid-Connected Solar Microinverter systems. This reference design has a maximum output power of 215 Watts and ensures maximum power point tracking for PV panel voltages between 20V to 45V DC. High efficiency was achieved by implementing a novel interleaved active-clamp flyback topology with Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS).

This reference design is implemented using a single dsPIC33F “GS” digital-power DSCs from Microchip that provides the full digital control of the power conversion as well as all system management functions. As shown in this reference design the dsPIC33F ‘GS’ devices enable designers to easily and cost effectively develop products using advanced switching techniques / topologies that lower switching losses and improve overall system efficiency. The Grid-Connected Solar Microinverter Reference Design is royalty free when used in accordance with the licensing agreement.

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The TDTTP4000W066C 4kW bridgeless totem-pole power factor correction (PFC) evaluation board (developed by Transphorm) achieves very high efficiency single-phase AC-DC conversion. Using GaN FETs in the fast-switching leg of the circuit and low-resistance MOSFETs in the slow-switching leg of the circuit results in improved performance and efficiency.

The development board integrates Microchip's dsPIC33CK Digital Power PIM with Transphorm’s 4 kW AC-to-DC bridgeless totem pole power factor correction (PFC) evaluation board featuring SuperGaN™, the company’s latest Gen IV GaN technology.

The firmware can be downloaded from the software section below.

TDTTP4000W066C_0v1-KIT is for evaluation purposes only and is available from Transphorm.

For more details and users guide, refer to Transphorm website.

Microchip’s Platinum-Rated 720W AC-DC Reference Design demonstrates the flexibility and power of SMPS dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers in switch-mode power supplies. This reference design has a peak efficiency of 94.1% and achieves the ENERGY STAR CSCI Platinum Level. It features a 2-phase interleaved power factor correction boost converter followed by a 2-phase interleaved two-switch forward converter with synchronous rectification. 

This reference design is implemented using two dsPIC33F “GS” digital-power DSCs from Microchip that provide the full digital control of the power conversion as well as all system management functions. As shown in this reference design the dsPIC33F ‘GS’ devices enable designers to easily and cost effectively develop products using advanced adaptive control algorithms that help improve efficiency at light loads. The Platinum-Rated 720W AC/DC Reference Design is royalty free when used in accordance with the licensing agreement.

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This reference design provides an easy method to evaluate the power, and features of SMPS dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers in high density quarter brick DC-DC converters for intermediate bus architectures(IBA). This reference design is implemented using a single dsPIC33F “GS” digital-power DSCs from Microchip that provides the full digital control of the power conversion and system management functions. As shown in this reference design the dsPIC33F ‘GS’ devices enable designers to easily and cost effectively create products using advanced switching techniques such as Phase Shift Full Bridge (PSFB) topology that lower switching losses and enable efficiencies as high as 94%. The reference design also supports the Full Bridge topology through minor hardware modifications. The Quarter brick DC to DC Converter Reference Design is royalty free when used in accordance with the licensing agreement.

This reference design works with telecom input range 36V – 76V DC and provides 12V with 200W power. Designed with planar magnetics, this reference design implements various non-linear techniques, which improves the performance and efficiency.

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This reference designs hardware is not currently available for purchase. You can request a demonstration. Please contact local sales office in your geography to request a demonstration.
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