Microchip Technology Announces Debugging Capability for Low-Cost Development Programmer
PICkit(TM) 2 Debug Express Enables Quick Learning of PIC® Microcontrollers
CHANDLER, Ariz., Aug. 21, 2006 [NASDAQ: MCHP] - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced that the popular PICkit(TM) 2 development programmer now supports in-circuit debugging of selected PIC® microcontroller products. This enables engineers, students and anyone with an interest to easily begin development and evaluation with PIC microcontrollers for a very low initial investment. The new PICkit 2 Debug Express Kit features a 44-pin demo board populated with a PIC16F917 microcontroller, and connects to any personal computer via USB. Its in-circuit debugging features include halt, single step and setting a breakpoint.
The main barriers to entering the world of microcontroller code development and embedded programming are the cost and complexity of development tools. The PICkit 2 Debug Express eliminates these barriers with a purchase price of $49.99USD for the complete kit. Included are 12 easy-to-understand tutorials that allow users to learn at their own pace (source code provided), along with Microchip's free MPLAB® IDE integrated development environment and a host of other software-enabling new users to easily enter the world of embedded control. Customers who already own the PICkit 2 programmer need only download the Debug Express firmware from Microchip's Web site (www.microchip.com/pickit) to utilize the new functionality. Existing PICkit 2 programmer users can also purchase the new 44-pin demo board (DM164120-2), or use the debug-enabled programmer on existing demonstration boards, such as the PICDEM(TM) Mechatronics (DM163029).
"We continue to provide engineers with low-cost, easy-to-use development tools that will help them to get started with our PIC microcontrollers," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "This new debugging capability on the PICkit 2 greatly enhances the ability of our customers to get to market faster with an extremely small investment of money and time."
Pricing and Availability
Available now, the PICkit 2 Debug Express (DV164121) is $49.99USD, coming complete with Microchip's 44-pin PIC16F917 Flash microcontroller demo board, and including the programmer, USB cable and CDs. For customers who already own the PICkit 2 programmer, the 44-pin demo board (DM164120-2) is available for $23.99USD. The PICkit 2 Debug Express debugging capabilities are currently supported on select PIC microcontrollers, with support for additional devices coming soon via firmware downloads-please check www.microchip.com/pickit for periodic updates.
About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Editorial Contact: Reader/Literature Inquiries:
Eric Lawson
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www.microchip.com/pickit
