Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has expanded its Arm® Cortex®-M0+ portfolio with the addition of PIC32CM PL10 microcontrollers, extending the PIC32C family with devices designed for applications where low power, cost efficiency, and streamlined development remain key requirements. The new PL10 MCU series includes a broad set of Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), 5V operation, integrated touch functionality, development tool support, and safety compliance features.
These devices are aimed at high-volume applications such as industrial control, building automation, consumer appliances, power tools, and sensor-driven systems. In line with Microchip’s unified MCU strategy, PL10 MCUs offer pin-to-pin compatibility with AVR® MCUs, supporting easier platform migration.
For touch interface applications, the PL10 integrates a Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC) along with a 12-bit ADC, providing fast response and strong immunity to electrical noise during analog measurement. The on-chip CIPs are designed to handle time-sensitive and repetitive tasks without burdening the CPU, improving real-time behaviour and reducing power consumption. The devices also support CMSIS, enabling modular and reusable code that helps shorten development cycles.
Beyond Microchip’s MPLAB® development tools, the PL10 family supports common third-party environments, giving engineers broader flexibility when selecting their build and debug workflow. Compatible toolchains include Microsoft Visual Studio Code, IAR Systems, Arm Keil, SEGGER, Zephyr, and MikroElektronika. Microchip also offers AI-powered developer resources such as the MPLAB AI Coding Assistant, which supports context-aware code generation and product guidance.
Greg Robinson, Corporate Vice President, Microchip MCU Business Unit, said “PL10 devices make it easier for engineers to move to higher-performance microcontrollers while preserving the straightforward development flow, power efficiency, and cost structure associated with our 8-bit solutions. With a number of new MCU releases planned over the next 12 to 18 months—from entry-level products through to AI-capable devices—we are continuing to build a portfolio that matches shifting market requirements.”
The PL10 family has been designed with compliance in mind for safety standards including ISO 26262, supporting functional safety requirements for road vehicle electrical systems. The MCUs operate across 1.8V to 5.5V, supporting use in noisy environments such as automotive electronics, industrial automation, IoT and consumer applications. With integrated Multi-Voltage I/O (MVIO), PL10 devices can connect to components operating at different voltage levels simultaneously, eliminating the need for external level shifters in many designs.
Microchip Technology Inc develops embedded control and processing solutions designed for secure, connected, and intelligent applications. With a broad product portfolio and streamlined development tools, the company supports efficient system design aimed at reducing development risk, cost, and time to deployment. Serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide, Microchip’s technologies are applied across sectors including industrial, automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, communications, and computing. Based in Chandler, Arizona, the company maintains a focus on reliable product delivery, high manufacturing quality, and strong technical support.
