Fresh of the presses! Microchip announced their powerful new “E” series of microcontrollers today.

Via Microchip:

Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced 60 MIPS 16-bit dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and PIC24 microcontrollers (MCUs). Based upon the next-generation dsPIC DSC/PIC24 MCU core, the 60 MIPS dsPIC33 and PIC24 “E” devices offer larger (536 KB) Flash memory, more RAM (52 KB), greater I/O capability with 144-pin packages, a USB 2.0 OTG interface, and expanded motor-control, graphics, audio, and real-time embedded-control capabilities over the previous-generation dsPIC DSC/PIC24 MCU core. In support of the first nine dsPIC33 and PIC24 “E” devices released today, Microchip launched two USB starter kits and five Plug-In Modules (PIMs) that can be used with its Multimedia Expansion Board, motor-control development kits, and Explorer 16 development platforms. Also available are 30 software libraries and application notes on topics such as speech and audio, encryption/decryption, communications, and motor control. The new devices and comprehensive support package help customers create high-performance designs in less time.

Read the press release for more. It’s a pretty big announcement, with lots of new products, libraries, and tools. 144-pin packages, a staggering list of features, 60 MIPS operation, what would you use these for? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.