Microchip Technology Inc has announced the launch of the PIC32-BZ6 microcontroller (MCU) — a highly integrated, single-chip solution designed to simplify development for connected applications requiring wireless communication, advanced control, and flexible user interfaces. As industries demand longer product lifecycles and faster upgrade paths, the PIC32-BZ6 MCU provides a unified hardware platform that minimizes redesigns, shortens time to market, and supports evolving connectivity standards.
“The PIC32-BZ6 MCU delivers exceptional versatility by combining wireless, analog, and control capabilities in one device,” said Rishi Vasuki, Vice President of Microchip’s Wireless Solutions business unit. “Its integration helps customers create smarter, connected products more efficiently, reducing the need for multiple chips and repeated design cycles.”
RF design for smart, connected products often requires multiple devices to accommodate new communication standards. The PIC32-BZ6 MCU eliminates this need with an all-in-one architecture that supports multi-protocol wireless connectivity, motor control, touch sensing, and graphics for intuitive user interfaces.
The device integrates analog peripherals for precision motor control, capacitive touch inputs for responsive interfaces, and sufficient memory resources to support Over-the-Air (OTA) firmware updates and complex workloads. The PIC32-BZ6 MCU offers expanded memory capacity and flexible packaging options to support a wide range of demanding applications.
With 2 MB of Flash memory and 512 KB of RAM, the device delivers the resources needed for advanced workloads, real-time processing, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Available in 132-pin packages, with additional variants under development, it provides scalability for both compact and feature-rich designs.
Engineered for modern wireless applications, the microcontroller supports multi-protocol connectivity across several standards. It is fully compliant with the Bluetooth Core Specification 6.0 and also accommodates 802.15.4-based technologies, including Thread and Matter. In addition, proprietary mesh networking capabilities enable robust and flexible communication for smart home systems, industrial automation, and other connected environments.
The platform is designed for comprehensive connectivity and control, combining both wired and wireless interfaces. Dual CAN-FD ports, a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet MAC, and a USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver provide seamless wired communication for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. This versatility allows developers to integrate the MCU into diverse system architectures with minimal additional hardware.
For applications requiring user interaction and visual feedback, the MCU integrates Capacitive Voltage Divider (CVD)-based touch technology with support for up to 18 channels. This enables intuitive, responsive user interfaces suitable for smart appliances, dashboards, and control panels. Complementing this are advanced analog peripherals for motor control, including 12-bit ADCs, a 7-bit DAC, analog comparators, pulse-width modulators (PWMs), and quadrature encoder interface (QEI) modules—delivering precise position and speed regulation for motion control systems.
Security is an integral part of the PIC32-BZ6’s design. The device features an immutable secure boot embedded in ROM, alongside a hardware-based cryptographic engine supporting AES, SHA, ECC, and true random number generation (TRNG). These capabilities safeguard application code, protect intellectual property, and ensure data integrity throughout the product’s lifecycle.
Built to operate reliably in challenging conditions, the PIC32-BZ6 MCU meets AEC-Q100 Grade 1 standards, with guaranteed performance up to 125°C. This qualification makes it ideal for automotive and industrial environments where durability and consistency are critical. Its combination of resilience, integration, and scalability enables developers to design next-generation connected systems that perform dependably in real-world conditions.
To accelerate design and certification, Microchip offers chip-down reference designs, wireless design check services, and pre-certified modules for various global regions. Development is supported by the PIC32-BZ6 Curiosity Board, allowing engineers to evaluate all MCU functions and connectivity features. The MCU integrates seamlessly with Microchip’s MPLAB® Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and supports the Zephyr® Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), providing a familiar workflow for embedded developers.
Microchip Technology Inc is a leading provider of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions. Its product portfolio spans microcontrollers, analog semiconductors, FPGAs, connectivity, and power management devices. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip serves customers across industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace, defense, communications, and computing sectors, offering long-term supply, technical support, and a comprehensive ecosystem of development tools.
