In-circuit debugger

Microchip has announced a development tool that supports in-circuit programming and debugging of the company’s flash-based 8-bit PIC microcontrollers and its range of 16- and 32-bit MCUs and 16-bit dsPIC digital signal controllers.

The MPLAB ICD 3 offers full compatibility with the MPLAB integrated development environment.

As escalating microcontroller speeds quickly outpace traditional in-circuit emulating capabilities, the MPLAB ICD 3 in-circuit debugger is designed to fill the need among embedded systems designers for premium performance.

Flash MCU programming times are 15X or faster than the current generation. Improved speeds and features allow the design and debugging process to proceed quickly and efficiently.

Maintaining backward compatibility with the company’s Ring-11 interface, the ICD 3 can connect to target boards for quick device programming. By integrating the tool with the free MPLAB IDE, design engineers are provided with a familiar development environment.

Other key features of ICD 3 include up to 1000 software breakpoints, 2 to 5.5 V operation, a ruggedised target interface for increased protection from overvoltage and over-current, internal memory for program storage and 100 mA of target power support.