Starter Kit aids in MCU development and programming.
Press Release Summary:
To facilitate development of and experimentation with PIC® microcontrollers, PICkit(TM) 2 Starter Kit connects to PC via full-speed USB 2.0 and allows for firmware upgradeability. It requires no additional power supply for programmer or target application board, and included set of tutorials lets users learn at their own pace. Form factor requires minimal workbench space and can plug into development boards via In Circuit Serial Programming(TM) technology.
Original Press Release:
Microchip Technology Announces Low-Cost Development Programmer and Starter Kit
PICkit(TM) 2 Starter Kit Enables Quick Learning of PIC® Microcontrollers;
Has Full-Speed USB 2.0 Support and Firmware Upgradeability
CHANDLER, Ariz., July 11, 2005 [NASDAQ: MCHP - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the PICkit(TM) 2 Starter Kit, which enables engineers, students and anyone with an interest to easily begin development and experimentation with PIC® microcontrollers for a very low initial investment. The PICkit 2 Starter Kit connects to any personal computer via full-speed USB 2.0, which allows faster programming, firmware upgradeability, and requires no additional power supply for the programmer or target application board.
The main barriers to entering the world of microcontroller code development and embedded programming are cost and complexity. The PICkit 2 eliminates these barriers with a purchase price that starts at $34.99USD, and a set of easy-to-understand tutorials that allow users to learn at their own pace. In addition, the PICkit 2 has a small form factor that takes up minimal workbench space and can easily plug into development boards via In Circuit Serial Programming(TM) (ICSP(TM)) technology.
"We continue to invest in providing new and potential customers with low-cost, easy-to-use development tools that will help them to get started with our PIC microcontroller products," said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip's Security, Microcontroller and Technology Development Division. "The PICkit 2 follows the very successful PICkit 1 to set new standards for ease of use, programming speed and flexibility."
Pricing and Availability
The PICkit 2 Microcontroller Programmer (PG164120) is expected to be available in August for $34.99USD, and comes with the programmer and a USB cable. The PICkit 2 Starter Kit (DV164120) is also planned for August for $49.99USD, and includes the programmer, USB cable, CDs and an 8/14/20-pin evaluation board. Initially, the programmer supports 33 low pin count, Flash PIC microcontrollers.
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.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, and PIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. PICkit, In Circuit Serial Programming, and ICSP are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.
