In-Circuit Debugger includes over-voltage protection.

Press Release Summary:



MPLAB(R) ICD2 supports PIC 18F Flash microcontrollers, and upgrades to new firmware as it becomes available. Unit includes graphical user interface with MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE). It allows engineers to identify design concerns and correct them through real-time viewing of variables and registers in watch windows. Additional features include support of low voltage to 2 V operation, diagnostic LEDs, and freeze-on-halt diagnostics.



Original Press Release:


Microchip Technology Releases Low-Cost In-Circuit Debugger For Flash PICmicro(R) Microcontrollers


EMBEDDED SYSTEMS CONFERENCE, SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., March 11, 2002-Microchip Technology Inc. [NASDAQ: MCHP] today introduced a complete in-circuit debugger, providing a highly flexible microcontroller development system for $159. The new MPLAB® In-Circuit Debugger (ICD) 2 supports Microchip's PIC 18F Flash microcontrollers. As future device offerings become available, such as Microchip's dsPIC(TM) digital signal controllers, the user simply downloads new firmware into the MPLAB ICD 2 at no cost, creating a highly adaptable tool that will provide years of development support.

The MPLAB ICD 2 features a powerful graphical user interface of the MPLAB® Integrated Development Environment (IDE). For designers who don't have the budget for a full-featured in-circuit emulator, the powerful and low-cost MPLAB ICD 2 is an all-in-one debugger solution for PICmicro microcontrollers.

The MPLAB ICD 2 allows engineers to identify design concerns and correct them quickly and efficiently. The MPLAB ICD 2 connects between the design engineer's PC operating with MPLAB IDE and the product board (target) being developed, acting as an intelligent interface/translator between the two. The engineer has the ability to look into the active target board's microcontroller allowing real-time viewing of variables and registers using watch windows. A single break point can be set halting the program at a specific point and memory read/writes can also be accomplished. Additionally, the MPLAB ICD 2 can be used to download programs to the Flash-based microcontroller while installed on the board.

Additional features of the tool include built-in over-voltage and short circuit monitors, upgradable firmware via PC, support of low voltage to 2 Volts operation, diagnostic LEDs, program memory space erasure with verification, and freeze-on-halt for diagnostic purposes.

The MPLAB ICD 2 is sold as a stand-alone unit for $159 or packaged in an evaluation kit that includes a demonstration board and a sample of the PIC I 8F452 high-performance Flash microcontroller for $209. Ideal for spearheading designs, the demonstration board features a 2x16 LCD display, temperature sensor, EEPROM memory, LEDs, Piezo sounder, RS 232 interface, all of which are used in a demonstration program included with the kit. Both kits also include the MPLAB IDE software at no cost. For more information, contact Microchip's Literature Line at 480.792.7668 or contact any authorized Microchip distributor around the world or visit Microchip's website at www.microchip.com.

All Topics