New MCU

Some features that we want:

• Dual Core

• CanFd support

In addition, we may need to find substitutes due to supply chain issues.

Things to consider:

• Other Considerations:

  • Clock frequency

  • More ram, 32 kB sometimes tight

  • Other cool features (such as native flash-over-CAN)

  • Prevalence in industry

  • Vendor support

    • Do lots of libraries work on it?

    • Is there a good HAL (hardware abstraction library) for it from the manufacturer?

    • Is there good tooling/build support?

    • IDE

  • Standard features (ADC, DAC, I2C, SPI, timers, UART, 3.3V digital high, 3.3 or 5V power supply, etc.)

• Sampling programs for more expensive MCUs

  • https://www.microchip.com/samples/

  • https://www.nxp.com/products/product-selector:PRODUCT-SELECTOR#/category/c731_c1770/%7B%22filters%22:%7B%22Order%22:%7B%22value%22:%5B%22Order%20sample%22%5D,%22type%22:%22checkbox%22%7D%7D%7D

• Package should have exposed pins (No BGA or QFN)

• Manufacturers checked:

  • NXP: MCUs that support CAN FD don’t seem to have an internal DAC

  • Microchip: Have checked 32-bit cores, don’t seem to have 32-bit dual cores that support CAN interface, 16-bit dual core options have max 20 kB of RAM

  • STMicroelectronics: No 16-bit dual cores, 32-bit dual cores start at $27, checked 32-bit single core

  • Texas Instruments: Dual cores start at $26 per unit. Generally don’t seem to have that great of a selection, for our purposes, especially with ones having CAN-FD. Has new C2000 MCUs in stock that might be options, but it’s in preproduction phase (can only order from Texas Instruments, no waiver / warranty, etc)

  • Renesas: No 32-bit dual core processors currently in stock

  • Infineon Technologies: Dual cores start at $29 per unit. Single core 32-bit units are mostly out of stock at Digikey and Mouser. Currently looking for available models

  • Cypress Semiconductor Corp: Bought out by Infineon so models that support CAN FD are legacy and out of stock

Spreadsheet of checked MCUs/Manufacturers

Possible short-medium term MCUs