Microchip launches AI sensor bridge for edge computing

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Microchip Technology Inc . (NASDAQ:MCHP), a leading provider of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions, announced the release of its PolarFire FPGA Ethernet Sensor Bridge. The new product is designed to support the NVIDIA (NASDAQ:) Holoscan sensor processing platform, offering developers a tool to build AI-driven sensor processing systems with multi-protocol support.

The first solution of its kind from Microchip, the Ethernet sensor bridge is compatible with MIPI CSI-2-based sensors and the MIPI D-PHY physical layer. The company plans to extend support to a broader range of sensor interfaces in the future, including SLVS-EC 2.0, 12G SDI, CoaXPress 2.0, and JESD204B.

The PolarFire FPGA Ethernet Sensor Bridge aims to facilitate the development and deployment of AI and high-performance computing applications at the edge, providing real-time insights. It is optimized for low-latency communication and supports multiple sensor protocols. The bridge allows for the integration of real-time sensor data with NVIDIA Holoscan and other NVIDIA AI platforms such as IGX and Jetson, which are used in edge AI and robotics. This integration is expected to open up new possibilities for edge-to-cloud applications and AI/ML inferencing, particularly in the medical, industrial, and automotive markets.

Bruce Weyer, Vice President of Microchip’s FPGA business unit, highlighted the benefits of combining the company's FPGA technology with NVIDIA's AI platform to empower developers to create innovative, real-time solutions.

The PolarFire FPGA technology is noted for its low power consumption, making it suitable for applications where energy efficiency and small footprint are critical. In addition to performance, the FPGAs address security concerns in sensor applications with embedded security features, offering protection against cyber threats and ensuring device, design, and data integrity. They also boast single event upset (SEU) immunity, enhancing reliability in radiation-prone environments and reducing the risk of data corruption and system failures.

Microchip Technology serves approximately 123,000 customers across various markets, including industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, and communications. The company is known for its comprehensive product portfolio, easy-to-use development tools, and strong technical support.

For more information on the PolarFire FPGA Ethernet Sensor Bridge and its capabilities, interested parties can visit the product's webpage. This announcement is based on a press release statement from Microchip Technology Inc.

In other recent news, Microchip Technology Incorporated (NASDAQ:) has reported a sequential decrease in net sales by 6.2% to $1.164 billion in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. Despite this, the company's non-GAAP net income was reported at $250.2 million. This comes after the company amended its credit agreement terms, adjusting the maximum total leverage ratio covenant for increased financial flexibility in the coming year. Citi analysts have expressed a positive outlook on the U.S. semiconductor sector, including Microchip Technology, anticipating a 9% year-over-year increase in global semiconductor sales in 2025. These developments highlight the company's strategic financial maneuvers and the industry's potential for recovery.

InvestingPro Insights

As Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MCHP) unveils its innovative PolarFire FPGA Ethernet Sensor Bridge, investors may be interested in some key financial insights. According to InvestingPro data, Microchip's market capitalization stands at $35.76 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the semiconductor industry.

Despite the company's technological advancements, recent financial metrics paint a mixed picture. InvestingPro data shows that Microchip's revenue growth has declined by 38.55% over the last twelve months, with a more pronounced quarterly decline of 48.37%. This downturn aligns with an InvestingPro Tip indicating that analysts anticipate a sales decline in the current year.

However, it's worth noting that Microchip has demonstrated resilience in its dividend policy. An InvestingPro Tip highlights that the company has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years, showcasing a commitment to shareholder returns even in challenging times. The current dividend yield stands at 2.73%, which may attract income-focused investors.

The stock's recent performance has been challenging, with a 15.7% decline over the past month and a 28.33% drop over the last six months. This aligns with another InvestingPro Tip suggesting that the stock is trading near its 52-week low, potentially presenting a value opportunity for long-term investors who believe in the company's innovative products like the new Ethernet Sensor Bridge.

For those interested in a deeper analysis, InvestingPro offers 18 additional tips for Microchip Technology, providing a comprehensive view of the company's financial health and market position.

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