Debug kit

Microchip has announced the PICkit 3 debug express kit to overcome the cost and complexity barriers for code development and embedded programming.

The kit includes: PICkit 3 debugger and programmer probe; 44-pin demo board populated with a PIC18F45K20 MCU; the free MPLAB integrated development environment; free version of the MPLAB C compiler for PIC18 MCUs; lessons and tutorials, software utilities; and examples with source code and full documentation.

The kits works with 8- and 16-bit PIC microcontrollers and dsPIC digital signal controllers and will support 32-bit PIC MCUs later. Support for new PIC MCUs and DSCs, as well as the PIC32 MCUs, will be available as free firmware upgrades in future releases of the MPLAB IDE.

The kit makes it possible to explore the world of embedded control and to learn quickly, using the free MPLAB integrated development environment. Connected to and powered by any personal computer via USB, the kit provides in-circuit debugging functions such as halt, single step, breakpoint on data or address and a stopwatch for measuring target application performance. It can supply target power to the 44-pin demo board, hence no external power is required.

Additionally, with a 6-pin ICSP connector similar to that on the Express, the PICkit 3 probe is compatible with PICkit 2 demo kits and with the company’s MPLAB ICD 2- and 3-compatible demonstration/evaluation kits using an optional RJ-11 to ICSP adapter.