The AVR SD family of microcontrollers (MCUs) feature built-in functional safety mechanisms and are designed to support applications requiring rigorous safety assurance. Paired with a dedicated safety software framework, this is the first entry-level MCU of its kind, at this price point, that’s been designed to meet Automotive Safety Integrity Level C (ASIL C) and Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) requirements, which mandate redundant safety checks.
These MCUs follow a functional safety management system that has been certified by TÜV Rheinland.
Hardware safety features include a dual-core lockstep CPU, dual Analogue-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), Error Correction Code (ECC) on all memories, a dedicated error controller module, error injection mechanisms and voltage and clock monitors.
These features reduce fault detection time and software complexity.
The AVR SD family also has the capability to detect internal faults quickly and deterministically, allowing applications to meet stringent Fault Detection Time Interval (FDTI) targets as low as 1 millisecond, helping prevent hazardous situations and increasing reliability.
The hardware features work with Microchip’s safety framework software to manage functional safety diagnostics so the MCUs can detect and handle errors autonomously, initiating a safe state when necessary.
These MCUs can be used as the main processor for crucial functions, such as detecting thermal runaways or monitoring sensor data like rotary positions, at minimal power consumption. They are also an excellent candidate to operate as a coprocessor in complex systems to mirror or offload safety-critical functions for applications targeting higher safety integrity levels up to ASIL D and SIL 3.
The AVR SD MCUs are designed in compliance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26262 and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61508 standards.
AVR SD MCUs are compatible with the TÜV SÜD functional safety certified MPLAB XC8 Pro compiler and Microchip’s Curiosity Nano development board. The MCUs are supported by functional safety packages that include safety documentation (Failure Modes, Effects and Diagnostic analysis report, Safety manual, Dependent Fault Analysis report), safety software and compliance reports.
