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The Microchip PIC64GX Curiosity Kit is a development board built around the PIC64GX1000 RISC-V microprocessor—not a PolarFire SoC FPGA kit. It pairs Linux-capable application cores with DDR4 memory, common I/O, and a bundled microSD card, and can be developed with Microchip’s PIC64GX SDK or, for experienced users, Zephyr.
Is the PIC64GX Curiosity Kit a PolarFire FPGA board?
No. Microchip identifies the board as the PIC64GX Curiosity Kit, part number CURIOSITY-PIC64GX1000-KIT, and centers it on the PIC64GX1000 MPU. That is distinct from Microchip’s separately named PolarFire SoC FPGA Discovery Kit, which is an FPGA development platform. The PIC64GX kit’s documentation does not establish that it includes PolarFire FPGA fabric.
The distinction matters: the PIC64GX kit is for developing software on a RISC-V processor platform, whereas a PolarFire SoC FPGA kit targets development involving FPGA logic. The word “Fire” in the names is not evidence that the boards share the same programmable-logic hardware.
What processor and memory does it have?
Microchip’s PIC64-GX datasheet, revision DS50003724C, specifies four 600 MHz RV64GC application cores (U54) and one 600 MHz RV64IMAC monitor core (E51). The board’s headline description often calls it a four-core RISC-V platform; the additional monitor processor is part of the device’s stated configuration.
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- Flexible MCU Board: Incorporate the ESP32-C3 32-bit RISC-V chip, operating up to 160 MHz, mounted multiple development ports,
- Developer Friendly: Compatible with Arduino IDE, MicroPython, CircuitPython, PlatformIO, ESP IDF, Zephyr, Matter, ESPNow, Meshtastic, WLED, ESPHome, Home Assistant, Ubidots
- Outstanding RF performance: Complete Wi-Fi functions and Bluetooth Low Energy, while supporting communication over 100m with anFL antenna
- Elaborate Power Design: 4 working modes as low as 44 μA in deep sleep mode, while supporting lithium battery charge management
- Thumb-sized Design: 21 x 17.5mm, Seeed Studio XIAO series classic form factor
The kit provides 1 GB of DDR4 memory. Microchip describes the PIC64GX1000 as a 64-bit, Linux-capable RISC-V MPU. That establishes the platform’s intended capabilities, not a guarantee that every Linux distribution or workload is supported without configuration.
What is on the board?
The board combines processor development with a range of interfaces for connecting displays, networks, storage, debug tools, and expansion hardware. Microchip’s PIC64GX1000 Curiosity Kit User Guide, DS50003727B, describes the board’s interfaces and connectors.
Rank #2
- CH32V003 Development Minimum System Board for Nano RISC-V CH32V003F4U6 Chip TYPE-C USB 22Pin
- on-board 24MHz Crystal oscillator
- Power by TYPE-C USB
| Feature | What it provides |
|---|---|
| Memory | 1 GB DDR4 |
| Networking | One Gigabit Ethernet connector; the user guide specifies 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet |
| Display | HDMI 1.4 output |
| Camera input | MIPI CSI-2 input through a Raspberry Pi MIPI connector |
| Storage | microSD slot |
| Serial and debug | Three UART connections and USB debug |
| Expansion | mikroBUS socket for compatible Click boards |
The mikroBUS socket gives the kit an add-on path, but compatibility is project-specific: check the expansion board’s interface, voltage, driver, and software requirements before choosing one.
What comes in the box?
Microchip lists these items in the kit package:
- PIC64GX Curiosity Kit board
- USB 2.0 Type-C-to-Type-C cable
- 32 GB SanDisk Ultra microSD UHS-I card
- Quickstart card
The listed cable and microSD card are included, so they are not required additional purchases for an initial setup unless you need replacements or spares.
Rank #3
- The ESP32-C3 SUPERMINI is positioned as a high-performance, low-power, cost-effective IoT mini development board, suitable for low-power IoT applications and wireless wearable applications
- It is equipped with a rich set of interfaces, including 11 digital I/Os that can be used as PWM pins and 4 analog I/Os that can be used as ADC pins.
- It supports four serial interfaces, including UART, I2C, and SPI.
- The ESP32-C3 features a 32-bit RISC-V CPU, including an FPU (Floating Point Unit) capable of 32-bit single-precision
- Package: 2PCS ESP32-C3 MINI Development Board ESP32 SuperMini ESP32 C3 WiFi Module
How do you get started with PIC64GX development on Windows?
Microchip’s Windows guide, “Introduction to PIC64GX Development: Setup, Tools, and First Project on Windows”, was modified January 9, 2026. It uses Visual Studio Code and the PIC64GX SDK extension. The guide lists Git, Python 3.8 or later, CMake 3.27.1 or later, and Windows SDK among the setup requirements. Follow the guide’s current installation and first-project instructions rather than assuming an older toolchain setup will match.
- Check the current guide and kit documents. Confirm the steps match your kit revision and install the prerequisites listed by Microchip.
- Install Visual Studio Code and the PIC64GX SDK extension. Use the extension workflow in Microchip’s Windows guide to create and build the initial project.
- Power the board over USB Type-C. The guide recommends connecting directly to a laptop or PC USB port for setup; it says ports on docking stations have not been tested.
- Use the onboard programming hardware. The user guide identifies the onboard FlashPro5 as the programmer for the PIC64GX device. Follow the guide’s connection and project-programming directions.
The same Windows guide describes an optional 5 V DC jack. It instructs users to remove jumper J47 before connecting that supply; the user guide identifies J47 as the selector between Type-C power and the 5 V jack. Check the current manufacturer documentation before changing jumpers or power connections.
Rank #4
- ESP32-C6 WiFi 6 microcontroller development board adopts ESP32-C6-WROOM-1-N8 module, which is equipped with RISC-V 32-bit single-core processor, up to 160MHz main frequency, built-in 8MB Flash
- Integrates WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5 and and IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee 3.0 and Thread) wireless communication, with superior RF performance
- Integrates rich peripherals including SPI, UART, I2C, I2S, LED PWM, SDIO and other interfaces, compatible with the pinout of ESP32-C6-DevKitC-1-N8 development board, more convenient to use and expand a variety of peripheral modules
- Onboard CH343 and CH334 USB HUB chips, supports USB and UART development at the same time via a USB-C port
- Comes with online examples and tutorials for ESP-IDF development environment
Can you use Zephyr instead?
Yes. The Zephyr PIC64GX1000 Curiosity kit documentation lists the board as maintained and describes build targets for single-core and SMP configurations. Its documented loading flow uses an SD card through the bootloader and generates a Hart Software Services payload.
This is a viable route for developers already familiar with Zephyr’s build and boot flow, but it is not presented as a one-click first-use setup. Consult the Zephyr board instructions for the required configuration and flashing steps.
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- Ample PSRAM Storage – The development board offers 8MB PSRAM, providing substantial extra memory for handling more complex tasks, large data buffers, and advanced processing.
- Enhanced Multi-Tasking Capability – With the additional 8MB PSRAM, the ESP32-C5-WIFI6-KIT can efficiently manage multiple protocol stacks simultaneously, ensuring smooth operation in multi-tasking IoT environments.
- Support for Medium-Load Applications – The 8MB PSRAM allows the ESP32-C5 to handle medium-load applications more effectively, making it ideal for scenarios requiring real-time data processing or continuous communication.
- Seamless Performance – The increased memory improves the overall performance and responsiveness of the device, particularly when running applications with larger memory footprints or more demanding computations.
- Future-Proof for Complex Projects – With 8MB of PSRAM, developers are better equipped to build scalable, high-performance solutions that support both current and future IoT use cases, offering flexibility for future-proofing designs.
Who is the kit for?
The kit is a fit for developers who want to work with a RISC-V MPU platform, build Linux-oriented or real-time applications, or connect software to common board interfaces and mikroBUS add-ons. It is not the right choice if the main requirement is experimenting with PolarFire FPGA logic: the PIC64GX documentation describes an MPU board, not that FPGA platform.
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