Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has announced the release of custom-designed firmware for its MEC1723 Embedded Controller (EC), specifically tailored to support NVIDIA DGX Spark personal AI supercomputers. The software is designed to optimize the MEC1723 EC’s capabilities for system management of AI workloads on the NVIDIA DGX platform. By focusing on firmware innovation within its controllers, Microchip is helping to improve performance and security in demanding AI computing architectures.

Embedded controllers play an important role in managing power sequencing, alerts and system-level energy regulation. In this application, the MEC1723 EC goes a step further to also manage critical firmware operations.

Secure firmware authentication: firmware code is digitally signed and authenticated by NVIDIA, helping to maintain platform integrity.
Root of Trust for system boot: cryptographic verification of the firmware using Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC-P384) public key technology. This establishes the root of trust for the supercomputer, which is critical because the EC is the first device to power on and authorize secure system boot.
Advanced power management: handles battery charging, alerts and system power state transitions to optimize energy efficiency.
System control: oversees key scan and keypad operations for reliable user input.
New host interface support: implements packet command format processing unique to the NVIDIA DGX interface, advancing beyond traditional byte-level data transfers.
Value-added integration: incorporates Embedded Memory Interface (EMI) and Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM) interfaces to improve overall system performance.

“The collaboration between Microchip and NVIDIA helps deliver secure, tailored firmware solutions that address the complex needs of modern computing platforms,” said Nuri Dagdeviren, corporate vice president of Microchip Technology’s secure computing group. “Our MEC1723 firmware is customized to provide reliable operation and advanced functionality for NVIDIA DGX architecture, supporting the evolving requirements of client computing.”

Microchip’s MEC embedded controllers are designed to support the next generation of notebook and desktop applications across industrial, data center and consumer markets. These controllers provide advanced system management, security features and efficient power management, making them suitable for today’s high-performance computing needs. To learn more, download the MEC1723 EC datasheet.