In-circuit debugger for PICs

4 February 2009 Design Automation

New from Microchip is the MPLAB ICD 3, a cost-effective, high-speed development tool that supports in-circuit programming and debugging of Microchip’s Flash-based 8-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs), and its entire line of 16- and 32-bit MCUs and 16-bit dsPIC digital signal controllers (DSCs). With robust system capabilities and high-speed circuitry, the ICD 3 offers full compatibility with the MPLAB integrated development environment (IDE), excellent programming speed and reliability.

As escalating microcontroller speeds quickly outpace traditional in-circuit emulating capabilities, the ICD 3 in-circuit debugger is designed to fill the need among embedded systems designers for premium performance. Flash MCU programming times are 15x or faster than the current generation.

Maintaining backward compatibility with Microchip’s RJ-11 interface, the ICD 3 can easily connect to target boards for quick device programming. Further, by integrating this new tool with the free MPLAB IDE, Microchip provides design engineers with a familiar development environment. This integration also serves to shorten the learning curve as customers move up or down the 500-strong PIC MCU and dsPIC DSC portfolios to find the best device for their application.

Other key features of the ICD 3 include up to 1000 software breakpoints, 2 to 5,5 V operation, a ruggedised target interface for increased protection from over-voltage and over-current, internal memory for program storage, and 100 mA of target power support. Future Microchip device firmware support can be added through updated versions of the MPLAB IDE. To assist users with system troubleshooting and failure isolation, a diagnostic test interface module is also included.

Further reading:

Connected without limits: An engineering perspective on Altron Arrow’s wireless ecosystem
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Design Automation
Wireless connectivity is no longer a supporting technology, but rather, a core design consideration that underpins modern electronic systems across industries.

Read more...

---

Next-gen robotic systems initiative
EBV Electrolink Design Automation
EBV Elektronik recently introduced MOVE – Driving Robotics Forward, a new initiative designed by EBV Elektronik‘s Embedded Solutions team to support the development of next-generation robotic systems.

Read more...

---

Reference design for NB-IoT plus GNSS
Altron Arrow Design Automation
ST Microelectronics’ STDES-ST87M01IGN is a reference design for the ST87M01 NB-IoT + GNSS module, implemented on a 2-layer FR4 PCB (90 x 60 x 1,6 mm).

Read more...

---

ST welcomes STM32Cube AI Studio
Design Automation
STMicroelectronics has introduced STM32Cube AI Studio, a new desktop software environment designed to simplify the deployment of artificial intelligence on STM32 microcontrollers.

Read more...

---

NeoCortec introduces new NeoGW software
Design Automation
This is a powerful multiplatform open-source solution designed to streamline integration between the NeoMesh network and upper-level systems, whether deployed in the cloud or on-premise environments.

Read more...

---

Keil Studio now in VSCode
Design Automation
Keil Studio, Arm’s latest IDE, now integrates embedded development tools directly into Visual Studio Code providing features like seamless industry tool integration, version control, and a CLI for CI workflows.

Read more...

---

Quad-Apollo MxFE reference design
Design Automation
The Quad-Apollo MxFE reference design exemplifies a complete, high-performance platform for every-element direct-RF sampling digital beamforming using Analog Devices’ Apollo mixed-signal front-end technology.

Read more...

---

MIKROE signs multi-year deal with Renesas
Dizzy Enterprises Design Automation
MIKROE has signed a multi-year MCU development tool support deal with Renesas, which commits MIKROE to providing development tools for 500 of Renesas’ most popular MCUs.

Read more...

---

Future Electronics and SnapMagic announce CAD model integration to support faster design cycles
Future Electronics Design Automation
Engineers can now download verified symbols, footprints, and 3D models directly from supported product pages, enabling a smoother transition from component selection to PCB layout.

Read more...

---

Pulsonix 14.0 advances design
Design Automation
Pulsonix’s latest PCB design software platform further strengthens simulation and brings significant enhancements in mechanical-electrical 3D integration, smarter comparison tools, and enhanced usability features.

Read more...

---