Design Automation


Microchip simplifies C compilers

2 May 2012 Design Automation

Microchip announces its simplified line of C compilers that provide the best execution speed and code size for all ~900 PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC digital signal controllers (DSCs).

The MPLAB XC8, XC16 and XC32 compilers offer reduced complexity for 8-, 16- and 32-bit designers, with three cost-effective optimisation levels: Free, Standard and Pro. In addition, MPLAB XC provides support for the Linux, Mac OS and Windows operating systems, enabling designers to use their platform of choice for embedded development.

Another important consideration for today’s designers is the ability to re-use their code and easily migrate to the level of microcontroller performance and features that best suits the needs of each project. These have always been strengths for Microchip, and MPLAB XC continues that tradition by making it easy to move code from any of Microchip’s existing compilers.

Additionally, MPLAB XC completes Microchip’s tool-chain of compatible compilers and debugger/programmers that operate seamlessly within the universal, cross-platform and open-source MPLAB X integrated development environment, to reduce both learning curves and tool investments. MPLAB XC compilers are also compatible with the legacy MPLAB IDE.

Many designers need a free C compiler: the 8-, 16- and 32-bit Free editions of Microchip’s MPLAB XC compilers offer many optimisations, are fully functional and have no license restrictions for commercial use. For those who want to test their code with the Pro optimisation levels, which are approximately

50% better than the Free editions, Microchip also offers 60-day evaluation editions with Pro optimisation which revert to the Free compilers after the evaluation period. Like the Free editions, the evaluation editions are fully functional and have no license restrictions for commercial use.

Microchip is now offering the ability to purchase both single-user licenses and organisations with multiple engineers can purchase a floating network license, where the compiler is hosted on that company’s intranet for easy access by all of its designers.



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