https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/ en-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/b/blog/posts/evaluating-mcu-alternatives-how-to-reduce-the-engineering-effort-of-a-microchip-migrationTue, 03 Nov 2026 22:57:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:f12190b2-ef40-4a15-a674-8ce2b9138b0eMicrochip_MCUIntroduction Engineers evaluate a new microcontroller (MCU) for many reasons. Cost, availability, power consumption, performance, new functionality or long-term platform needs can all start the process. With component lead times and pricing subject to change, selecting an MCU also means considering supply-chain reliability and product longevity. Once that evaluation begins, one of the first questions is usually which Microchip MCU is comparable to the device already in the design. Migrating to a new MCU affects hardware, firmware and timelines. Engineers must understand device differences, required changes and how to validate the design. This article walks through a staged migration workflow and the Microchip resources that support each stage, helping engineers evaluate alternatives while considering both technical requirements and long-term availability. The Engineering Challenge MCUs from different vendors and device families are rarely identical. Differences in device architecture, peripherals and software will typically require some development work, even when two devices look similar on paper. Peripheral configuration, pin assignments, initialization code, drivers or libraries may all need to be adapted. Before comparing candidate devices, establish a baseline of what the existing application requires, including must-have requirements and opportunities for improvement: Memory Performance Peripherals Real-time behavior External hardware dependencies Firmware portability Device availability and product longevity This baseline helps identify where hardware or software changes may be needed. Beyond Technical Requirements: Supply-Chain Reliability Unpredictable MCU lead times can disrupt purchasing, development schedules, production planning and time-to-market. Availability improvements for individual devices may not apply across a product family. Verify supply at the exact manufacturer part number (MPN) level. Microchip's broad MCU portfolio provides engineers with additional options when evaluating alternatives, helping reduce dependence on a single device or supplier. Combined with Microchip's commitment to product longevity and client-driven obsolescence practices, this provides a foundation for long-term design continuity. With approximately 20,000 Microchip MCUs available within a 10-week lead time, engineers have access to a wide range of device options to consider when planning their next design or migration. Explore available Microchip MCUs on Farnell/Newark to review current stock and lead times for specific devices Understanding Migration Resources Microchip provides a resource for each stage of migration, from the first device search through design review. Stage Resource What It Helps With Identify candidates Cross Reference Tool Finding comparable Microchip MCUs and reviewing device availability Understand the migration Migration Series documents and videos Knowing what to expect and the differences you may encounter Adapt software MPLAB® AI Coding Assistant Understanding unfamiliar code and adapting software for the new device Validate the design MicroCHECK Design review for supported 32-bit PIC® and SAM MCU designs How the Migration Workflow Works Step 1: Identify Candidates with the Cross Reference Tool The Microchip Cross Reference Tool identifies comparable MCUs from an existing device using key characteristics and availability, narrowing the list for evaluation. The important word is potential. A cross-reference result is a starting point, not a guarantee of a direct one-to-one replacement. If additional guidance is needed, Microchip/Avnet FAEs and sales teams can help evaluate device options and identify the best fit for the application. Engineers should also consider current availability, expected lead times and long-term sourcing requirements when reviewing potential replacements. Explore PIC32C Arm® Cortex®-based MCUs on Farnell / Newark to compare available devices and check current stock. The Cross Reference Tool Can Help Identify Additional Evaluation May Still Be Needed For Comparable device characteristics Pin and package compatibility Memory and performance similarities Peripheral implementation differences Available Microchip alternatives Software and driver compatibility Potential devices to evaluate Application-specific requirements and supply considerations Step 2: Understand the Migration Path Once a candidate is selected, the next task is understanding what will change. For example, moving an existing Arm® Cortex®-M based application to a PIC32CM MCU may require engineers to review peripheral mapping, clock and pin configuration and adapt portions of the existing software. Microchip’s Migration Series , available through migration documents and videos, helps engineers understand what to expect, the differences they may encounter and the resources available to support the transition. Step 3: Adapt Software with the MPLAB AI Coding Assistant Software adaptation is often a large part of moving from one MCU to another. The MPLAB AI Coding Assistant is integrated into Visual Studio Code and can help engineers: Understand unfamiliar code Answer Microchip-specific development questions Develop or adapt software for the new device This is useful when learning how functionality is implemented on a new MCU or working through code that needs to change during a migration. The MPLAB AI Coding Assistant video series offers additional examples and guidance on using the tool. AI does not eliminate the engineering work involved, but it can help engineers understand the new platform and move through software development more efficiently. Step 4: Validate the Design with MicroCHECK After selecting a device and adapting the design, validation becomes an important part of the process. MicroCHECK provides access to Microchip design-review expertise for supported Microchip products. For supported 32-bit PIC and SAM MCU designs, engineers can use the service when reviewing their implementation before moving further toward production. Compiling firmware and placing the new MCU on a schematic do not replace hardware review and validation. Design Considerations: Look Beyond a Direct Replacement The closest device on paper may not always be the best fit. Migration can also be an opportunity to improve the existing product. A better-suited MCU may provide: Lower power consumption More integrated peripherals Additional memory Functionality that can help reduce system cost, remove external components or add new capabilities Greater flexibility in long-term sourcing and product lifecycle planning Microchip's client-driven obsolescence policy helps engineers reduce the risk of unexpected End-of-Life (EOL) disruptions. Rather than following a fixed product lifecycle, Microchip is committed to continuing production as long as customer demand exists and manufacturing remains viable. This approach helps protect engineering investments, reduce the likelihood of forced redesigns and support products intended to remain in production for years. For engineers developing products expected to remain in production for years, product lifecycle stability can be just as important as performance or peripheral capabilities. Instead of asking only, “What replaces the MCU I have today?”, it can be useful to ask, “What Microchip MCU provides the best solution moving forward?” Why This Matters to Engineers Migration can stall during device selection, implementation, software adaptation or validation. Supply availability and product longevity introduce additional considerations that can affect the success of a migration long after the initial development work is complete. A staged workflow and dedicated resources give engineers a clearer path from device search through design review and long-term planning. Key Takeaways: MCU Migration Checklist Use this checklist to guide the migration: Define your requirements – Identify memory, performance, peripheral, hardware and long-term sourcing needs before comparing devices. Find potential alternatives – Use the Cross Reference Tool to shortlist MCUs for further evaluation. Review availability – Check Farnell/Newark for device-level stock, lead times and purchasing options. Plan your migration – Review the Migration Series documents and videos to understand potential hardware and software changes. Adapt your software – Use the MPLAB AI Coding Assistant to help understand and update existing code, then review and verify the changes. Validate your design – Use MicroCHECK for supported hardware designs and test the migrated firmware on the target hardware before production. With a broad MCU portfolio, development resources and a commitment to product longevity, Microchip helps engineers evaluate alternatives while reducing migration complexity and supporting long-term design continuity. For additional guidance on device selection or migration, contact your Microchip/Avnet FAE or sales team. Some of the key products: PIC32CMPL10- pic32cmpl10 ARM Microcontrollers | Farnell® UK PIC32 Family PIC32CM PL10 Series Microcontrollers MICROCHIP ARM Microcontrollers | Newark Electronic… PIC32CMSG00- pic32cmsg00 ARM Microcontrollers | Farnell® UK PIC32 Family PIC32CM SG00 Series Microcontrollers MICROCHIP ARM Microcontrollers | Newark Electronic… PIC32CZCA- PIC32 Family PIC32CZ CA Series Microcontrollers ARM Microcontrollers | Farnell® UK PIC32 Family PIC32CM SG00 Series Microcontrollers MICROCHIP ARM Microcontrollers | Newark Electronic…https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151487Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:35:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:7bc86885-22e2-46b0-ba4a-dd67cc74d261brooks75Designing precision analog circuits? In this video, we break down five key things you need to know about the MCP60711/2/4 precision operational amplifiers. Learn how these op amps combine ultra‑low offset, low noise, temperature stability, integra...engineerprecision operational amplifiersmicrochip technologymicrocontrollermcuengineeringoperational amplifiersMCHPpicop ampshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151485Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:27:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:bd20770e-0243-4898-9bef-3994ce269f06element14 Community1 MHz Operational Amplifier with EMI Filtering. For more information, please visit : https://www.microchip.com/MCP6006 0YHR5CMXLDT7MNV3engineeropampop ampmicrochip technologymicrocontrollermcuengineeringMCHPpichttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151483Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:25:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:6d9754f8-19bc-4eb1-aeac-e92a2e17ba58brooks75Meet the MCP6C26, a high-precision, automotive-grade current sense amplifier designed for seamless integration and reliable performance across a wide range of applications. In this quick video, we break down five key reasons engineers choose the M...INA213ina211engineerina214ina210microchip technologymicrocontrollermcuCurrent Sense Amplifiersengineeringshunt based current sensingMCHPINA212piccurrent sensinghttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151481Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:31:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3cc7b87c-086f-4f95-bac7-e1dfa1c2a088brooks75Tired of wasting power just to measure power? Meet the PAC1721 – an ultra-efficient power monitor for today’s demanding applications. The PAC1721 measures up to 9V with 12-bit resolution, consuming only 90 µA at 1024 samples per second. Unlike mos...9V power monitor IC9V digital power monitor ICengineer12-bit digital power monitor IC12-bit digital power monitormicrochip technology9V digital power monitormicrocontrollermcuengineeringMCHP9V power monitorPAC1721pichttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151479Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:22:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:6657c1b2-2277-4791-b7ad-2799076a7248element14 CommunityTired of wasting power just to measure power? Meet the PAC1821 – an precision monitor for today’s demanding applications. The PAC1821 measures up to 9V with 16-bit resolution, consuming only 145 µA at 1024 samples per second. Unlike most monitors ...9V power monitor IC9V digital power monitor ICPAC1821engineerprecision power monitor16-bit digital power monitormicrochip technology9V digital power monitormicrocontrollermcu9V precision power monitorengineeringprecision power monitor IC16-bit digital power monitor ICMCHP9V power monitorpic16-bit power monitorhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151477Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:19:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d66e7a73-7437-46e2-b0b2-5634a6907070brooks75Automotive environments are brutal: extreme temperatures, high noise, and wide voltage ranges are the norm. While switching regulators handle the heavy lifting, Low-Dropout Regulators (LDOs) are the unsung heroes delivering the clean power integri...MCP1826Spower management icMCP1726engineerHardware Validationautomotive electronicsMCP1825SMIC5233Automotive LDOMCP1793MAQ5300MCP1722microchip technologyLow-Dropout Regulatorsengineeringpower integritypmicvoltage regulationB.B.S. Evaluation Boardhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151474Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:11:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:ece1e00c-4e4f-4ca4-b114-fc6f615aa17delement14 CommunityOur Switching Converter Building Block Solution (BBS) is a modular evaluation platform featuring seven independent sub-boards designed for fast, hands-on DC-DC topology comparison and electrical validation. In this video, we break down the board a...engineermicrochip technologyEmbedded Systemsmicrocontrollerengineeringdcdcconverterelectrical engineeringMCHPpower electronicshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151472Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:07:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:ad49f062-d337-4f6f-a101-9ae75015a5b3brooks75Powering modern FPGAs isn’t just about voltage, it’s about precision, sequencing, and reliability ⚡ In this video, we break down five essential engineering insights for powering Microchip FPGAs and SoC FPGAs. From managing multiple power rails to ...FPGA power managementMCP16701Polarfiree FPGA powerengineeri2c powerFPGA power sequencingmicrochip technologyFPGA power railsFPGA PMICFPGA bring-upPowering FPGAmicrocontrollermcuengineeringMCHPpmicMulti-rail PMICpichttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151470Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:56:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c90224a6-3f59-41e5-96e9-fbfd49666586brooks75Discover Five Things You Need to Know About the MCP16701, a high-performance PMIC designed to simplify power delivery for MPUs and FPGAs. From integration to protection, this quick video covers how the MCP16701 helps you: 1️⃣ Create a complete pow...power deliverypower management icfpga designMCP16701High Efficiency Power Supplyprogrammable regulatorspower management solutionanalog designvoltage regulatorsembedded design engineercircuit protectionintegrated PMICMPU power designmicrochip technologyEmbedded Systemsthermal monitoringdc-dc converterFPGA power supplypmicPower Optimizationhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151468Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:51:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3ea890c4-9937-4dfc-a0d8-b0082cf0592felement14 CommunityLearn more about the MIC45M235, a high-current, high-efficiency, and cost-effective power module designed to meet the demands of modern industrial systems. In this quick video, we highlight five key reasons engineers choose the MIC45M235 for high-...engineerMIC45M235high current power moduleembedded power designmicrochip power modulemicrochip technologymicrocontroller35 A power modulemcuengineeringMCHPpower electronicshigh-efficiency power modulehttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151466Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:46:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:77955270-67e1-4968-9723-55a70d638cdabrooks75Discover the MCP14T0517, a compact isolated transformer driver engineered to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable gate drive performance. In this quick video, we break down five key reasons engineers choose the MCP14T0517 for high-voltage system ...engineermicrochip technologymicrocontrollermcuengineeringMCHPpichttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151464Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:41:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:43377f09-2342-42e5-9c42-8a0a0cfa7689element14 CommunityDiscover the MCP8062136, a 600V three-phase motor driver designed for high-performance, reliable motor control in demanding industrial and automotive applications. In this brief video, we highlight five key reasons engineers choose the MCP8062136 ...industrial motor controlmicrochip technologyBLDC Motor DriverMCP8062136600V motor driver3-phase motor drivermotor driver3-phase motor controlhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151462Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:34:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:8899aa38-aecf-4ba7-af62-31ecbc179104brooks75Learn more about the MCP14LH2190, a high-current 600V three-phase gate driver designed for fast, reliable switching in demanding motor control and power inverter applications. In this quick video, we highlight five key reasons engineers rely on th...bldc motor controlnoise-immune designgate driverMCP14LH2190microchip technology600 V Gate Driver3-phase gate driverhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151460Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:30:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:b1bb14a4-0bc6-4689-8ffb-60c0a7314c11element14 CommunityDiscover the MCPF1525, a high-performance, high-density power module engineered to meet the demanding power requirements of modern AI and data center applications. In this quick video, we highlight five key reasons engineers choose the MCPF1525 fo...power management icengineerPCIe powerPMBus power modulepower moduleData Center PowerAI power solutionshigh current powermicrochip technologyhigh-density power modulemicrocontrollermcpf1525engineeringhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151458Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:23:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:e53a4c0c-0929-445c-a97b-1534bf621348brooks75Meet the MCP1781, a 200mA high-voltage LDO regulator built for the toughest automotive and industrial environments. In this quick video, we break down five key reasons engineers choose the MCP1781 for efficient, reliable power regulation: 1️⃣ Wide...automotive powerLow Quiescent CurrentMCP1781embedded designDC-DC ConversionHigh Voltage LDOmicrochip technologyldo regulatoraec-q100automotive designIndustrial Powerpower managementvoltage regulationhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151456Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:12:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3e566889-e2e4-48ae-9156-ccf721950accbrooks75Discover the ATA6847L, a versatile three-phase brushless motor gate driver with an integrated LIN transceiver, engineered for modern automotive systems. In this quick video, we break down five key reasons engineers choose the ATA6847L for efficien...motor diagnosticsbldc motor controlspi interfaceautomotive electronicsAEC-Q100 Grade 0three-phase motor drivermicrochip technologyLIN transceiverfunctional safetymotor control ICMCHPATA6847Lpowertrain electronicshttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151454Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:08:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:22acb7d7-58b2-4000-b599-f2ef1b801f08element14 CommunityUncover Five Things You Need to Know About the MCPF1412, a fully integrated 12A regulator that simplifies power delivery with smart control and protection. From integration to protection, this quick video covers how the MCPF1412 helps you: 1️⃣ Max...Buck Regulator ModuleengineerHigh Power DensityHigh Efficiency POLIntegrated Power Modulemicrochip technologyMOSFET RegulatorVoltage Regulator ModuleMCPF1412switching regulatorengineeringpower managementI2C Programmable REgulatordc dc converterhttps://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/m/managed-videos/151452Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:02:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:f583226f-829c-404b-ae88-7fb199e86f71brooks75Uncover Five Things You Need to Know About the MCP19061, a fully configurable four-switch buck-boost analog front end that simplifies power delivery with precision, flexibility and USB-PD support. From integration to protection, this quick video c...Digital PWM ControllerMCP19061Current Regulation ICFour Switch Buck BoostBuck Boostanalog front endUSB PD Power Designmicrochip technologyVoltage Regulation ICAutomotive Power ManagementI2C Programmable Power Supply