Microchip announces MCU development tool

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Oct 30, 2008

Microchip has announced the MPLAB ICD 3, a high-speed development tool that supports in-circuit programming and debugging of its Flash-based 8-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs).

The tool also supports Microchip's entire line of 16- and 32-bit MCUs and 16-bit DSPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs).

The MPLAB ICD 3 offers full compatibility with the MPLAB IDE.

Key features include up to 1,000 software breakpoints, 2-5.5V operation, a rugged target interface for increased protection from overvoltage and overcurrent, internal memory for program storage, and 100mA of target current support.

Future Microchip device firmware support is added through updated versions of the MPLAB IDE.

Maintaining backward compatibility with Microchip's RJ-11 interface, the MPLAB ICD 3 can connect to target boards for quick device programming.

By integrating this tool with the free MPLAB IDE, Microchip provides design engineers with a familiar development environment.

This integration also serves to shorten the learning curve for customers on the 500-strong PIC MCU and DSPIC DSC portfolios.

The MPLAB ICD 3 includes RJ-11 and USB 2.0 cables, a diagnostic Test Interface Module to assist users with system troubleshooting and failure isolation, a CD containing the MPLAB IDE with full documentation and a reference poster.