Microchip Technology :: Microcontroller (MCU), Analog, Mixed-Signal & Memory Products

Microchip Technology is a leading American semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. Founded in 1987, the company designs, manufactures, and sells a broad range of microcontroller (MCU), analog, mixed-signal, and memory products used across industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace, defense, and medical markets. With over 20,000 employees and operations worldwide, Microchip is recognized for its high-reliability solutions and long product life cycles, making it a preferred supplier for embedded systems and edge computing applications.

While Microchip does not manufacture complete robots, it is a critical enabler of modern robotics through its embedded control, sensing, connectivity, and power management solutions. Its products form the “brains” and sensory backbone of thousands of robotic systems worldwide, from industrial arms and collaborative robots (cobots) to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), drones, and humanoid platforms.

Key robotics-enabling technologies and products include:

• 32-bit Microcontrollers (SAM and PIC32 Families): High-performance MCUs with advanced motor control peripherals, used for real-time motion control, trajectory planning, and sensor fusion in robotic joints and mobile bases.
• Motor Control Solutions: Comprehensive portfolio of motor drivers, gate drivers, and integrated motor control MCUs supporting brushed DC, BLDC, stepper, and servo motors — essential for precise robotic actuation.
• Sensors and Sensor Fusion: Includes MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and environmental sensors, often combined with microcontrollers for inertial measurement units (IMUs) used in navigation, balance, and gesture recognition.
• Connectivity Solutions: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, Ethernet, and CAN controllers that enable robot-to-robot, robot-to-cloud, and fleet communication.
• Power Management and Security: Efficient power ICs and hardware security modules that support safe, reliable operation in industrial and collaborative environments.

Microchip provides complete reference designs, development kits (such as the Curiosity and Curiosity Nano platforms), and software tools (MPLAB X IDE, Harmony framework) that accelerate robotics development. Their solutions are widely adopted by robot OEMs, system integrators, and research institutions for applications ranging from warehouse automation and surgical robotics to educational platforms and defense systems.