Design Automation


C-compiler and free student version for 16-bit controller families

22 February 2006 Design Automation

Microchip's new Version 2.0 of its MPLAB C30 C compiler supports all of Microchip's high-performance 16-bit PIC24 microcontroller and dsPIC digital signal controller families. This new ANSI-compliant compiler includes cross-compiler, cross-assembler, linker and librarian, as well as unique language extensions to utilise DSP functionality.

The free version, MPLAB C30 Student Edition, offers the same functionality for 60 days, after which it maintains full source-code compatibility and device support with no memory limitations, but without additional code optimisation. This is well-suited for students, colleges and universities, and also for design engineers interested in learning about Microchip's 16-bit devices and language tools.

Microchip developed the new compiler alongside the PIC24 and dsPIC33 controller families to ensure optimal C code efficiency, which can be up to 85% smaller than competitive 16-bit architectures. MPLAB C30 is tightly integrated into the free MPLAB IDE for writing code, building projects and testing using Microchip's software simulator or the MPLAB ICD 2 in-circuit debugger.

MPLAB IDE is unique in offering a free, fully-integrated environment for 8 and 16-bit microcontrollers, and 16-bit digital signal controllers - covering devices from 6 to 100 pins. The compiler is distributed with a complete ANSI C standard library including functions for string manipulation, dynamic memory allocation, data conversion, timekeeping and trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic mathematics. The C30 suite also includes I/O functions for file handling, along with complete low-level source code for those functions.

The compiler supports in-line assembly code in C source files, as well as separately assembled MPLAB ASM30 assembly language modules. This allows highly optimised interrupt routines, precision peripheral control and efficient, high-speed assembly language functions. Other tools in the MPLAB C30 suite include the MPLAB LINK30 linker and a librarian, and several utility modules for the MPLAB ASM30 assembler.

The dsPIC digital signal controllers are supported by a host of C-callable libraries, including: Mathematics, Peripheral and DSP Algorithm Libraries, as well as a Soft Modem Library, Acoustic Echo Cancellation Library, Noise Suppression Library, Speech Recognition Library, Speech Encoding/Decoding Library and Asymmetric/Symmetric Key Embedded Encryption Library. Most of these libraries are available for free download, or for a $5,00 evaluation fee, at www.microchip.com/dsPIC.



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