WCH CH32H417 dual-core RISC-V MCU offers USB 3.0, 500MB/s UHSIF, and Fast Ethernet interfaces
Abstract
The WCH CH32H417 is a newly released dual-core RISC-V microcontroller featuring primary cores clocked up to 400 MHz and substantial integrated memory (960 KB Flash/896 KB SRAM). Its key innovation is the inclusion of high-bandwidth connectivity options rarely found in MCUs, specifically a 5 Gbps USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface and a 500 MB/s proprietary Ultra-High Speed Interface (UHSIF). This integration positions the CH32H417 as a robust solution for embedded applications requiring high-speed data acquisition, networking, and graphics processing.
Report
WCH CH32H417 Analysis Report
Key Highlights
- High-Performance Dual-Core: Utilizes a dual-core RISC-V setup, including a high-speed QingKe RISC-V5F core clocked up to 400 MHz.
- SuperSpeed Connectivity: Breaks typical MCU boundaries by incorporating a 5 Gbps USB 3.0 Host/Device SuperSpeed interface.
- High Data Throughput: Features a dedicated 32-bit wide UHSIF (Ultra-High Speed Interface) supporting data transfer rates up to 500 MB/s.
- Integrated Networking: Includes a 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet MAC and PHY.
- Development Accessibility: An evaluation board (EVT) is available for pre-order at a highly competitive price point ($19.99), accelerating developer adoption.
Technical Details
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cores | Dual RISC-V: QingKe V5F (up to 400 MHz) and QinKe V3F (up to 144 MHz) |
| Memory/Storage | 896KB SRAM; 960KB Flash; 200MHz SDMMC controller |
| High-Speed I/O | 5 Gbps USB 3.0 Controller/PHY; 480 Mbps USB 2.0; 500 MB/s UHSIF (32-bit, 125MHz); SerDes isolated transceiver |
| Networking | 10/100Mbps Ethernet MAC and PHY; 3x CAN Bus (2.0B active) |
| Analog | 2x 12-bit ADCs (up to 5Msps); 1x 10-bit HSADC (up to 20Msps); 2x 12-bit DACs |
| Graphics/Display | Graphics Processing Hardware Accelerator (GPHA); DCT-TFT Display Controller (LTDC); 144MHz DVP Camera Interface |
| Security | ECDC encryption module; Random Number Generation (RNG) |
| Peripherals | 8x USART, 4x I2C, 1x I3C, 4x SPI, 2x QuadSPI, USB PD support |
Implications
The WCH CH32H417 is significant as it demonstrates the rapid maturity and increasing competitiveness of the RISC-V architecture in the high-performance microcontroller segment. By integrating high-bandwidth interfaces like USB 3.0 and UHSIF, WCH is challenging the dominance of traditional high-end ARM Cortex-M MCUs in data-intensive embedded applications (such as industrial control, high-speed data logging, and advanced display systems). The exceptional I/O bandwidth combined with dual high-frequency cores makes complex data processing and real-time networking feasible on a low-cost MCU platform. Furthermore, the quick release of an inexpensive development board lowers the barrier to entry, ensuring the RISC-V ecosystem expands into critical, performance-demanding product categories.
Technical Deep Dive Available
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