Microchip: MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Overview

The MPLAB X IDE is the new graphical, integrated debugging tool set for all of Microchip’s more than 800 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs and digital signal controllers, and memory devices. It includes a feature-rich editor, source-level debugger, project manager, software simulator, and supports Microchip’s popular hardware tools, such as the MPLAB ICD 3 in-circuit debugger, PICkit 3, and MPLAB PM3 programmer. Based on the open-source NetBeans platform, MPLAB X runs on Windows OS, MAC OS and Linux, supports many third-party tools, and is compatible with many NetBeans plug-ins.

MPLAB X IDE is a software program that runs on a PC (Windows, Mac OS, Linux) to develop applications for Microchip microcontrollers and digital signal controllers. It is called an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), because it provides a single integrated “environment” to develop code for embedded microcontrollers.

MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment brings many changes to the PIC microcontroller development tool chain. Unlike previous versions of MPLAB which were developed completely in-house, MPLAB X is based on the open source NetBeans IDE from Oracle. Taking this path has allowed us to add many frequently requested features very quickly and easily while also providing us with a much more extensible architecture to bring you even more new features in the future.

COMPONENTS OF MPLABX IDE

MPLAB X IDE includes:

• a full-featured programmer’s text editor that also serves as a window into the debugger.
• a project manager (visible as the Project window) that provides integration and communication between the IDE and the language tools.
• a number of assembler/linker suites for the development of firmware for your project’s device.
• a debugger engine that provides breakpoints, single stepping, Watch windows and all the features of a modern debugger. The debugger works in conjunction with debug tools, both software and hardware.
• a software simulator for all PIC MCU and dsPIC DSC devices. The simulator is actually composed of several device-specific simulator executables. MPLAB X IDE decides which one to use based on your project’s device.

Optional components can be acquired or purchased to work with the MPLAB X IDE:

Compiler Language Tools

MPLAB C compilers from Microchip provide fully integrated, optimized code for PIC MCUs and dsPIC DSCs. Along with compilers from microEngineering Labs, CCS and SDCC, they are invoked by the MPLAB X IDE project manager to compile code that is automatically loaded into the target debugger for instant testing and verification.

Programmers

MPLAB PM3 programmer, PICkit 2, PICkit 3 and MPLAB ICD 3 in-circuit debuggers; and MPLAB REAL ICE in-circuit emulator can program code into target devices. MPLAB X IDE offers full control over programming both code and data, as well as the Configuration bits to set the various operating modes of the target microcontrollers or digital signal controllers.

In-Circuit Debuggers and Emulators

PICkit 2, PICkit 3 and MPLAB ICD 3 in-circuit debuggers, and MPLAB REAL ICE in-circuit emulator can be used to debug application code on target devices. By using some of the on-chip resources, they can download code into a target microcontroller inserted in the application, set breakpoints, single step and monitor registers and variables. The emulator includes additional debug features, such as trace.

Plug-In Tools

Several plug-ins are available to add to the capabilities for MPLAB X IDE. For example, the Data Monitor and Control Interface (DMCI) provides a mechanism to view and control variables in code and change their values real-time. It also allows you to view output data in a graphical format.

MPLAB X Features:

• Provides a new Call Graph for navigating complex code
• Supports Multiple Configurations within your projects
• Supports Multiple Versions of the same compiler
• Support for multiple Debug Tools of the same type
• Supports Live Parsing
• Import existing MPLAB 8 projects and use either IDE for the same source
• Supports hyperlinks for fast navigation to declarations and includes
• Supports Live Code Templates
• Supports the ability to enter File Code Templates with license headers or template code
• MPLAB X can Track Changes within your own system using local history
• Within MPLAB X, a user can configure their own Code Format Style

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MPLAB X IDE offers full control over programming both code and data, as well as the Configuration bits to set the various operating modes of the target microcontrollers or digital signal controllers.

MPLAB SIM: High-speed software simulator features  peripheral simulation, complex stimulus injection and  register logging. MPLAB SIM executes your code and can be  exercised with stimulus signals from fi les, from mouse clicks  and from easily set up waveforms. The contents of variables  and special function registers can be logged to a file for analysis.

PICKit 3 ICD: The PICkit 3 Debug Express allows debugging  and programming of PIC Flash microcontrollers  and dsPIC DSCs using the powerful graphical  user interface of the MPLAB X Integrated  Development Environment (IDE).

MPLAB ICD 3: MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger System is  Microchip's most cost effective high-speed hardware debugger/programmer for  Microchip Flash Digital Signal Controller  (DSC) and microcontroller (MCU) devices.  It debugs and programs PIC Flash microcontrollers and  dsPIC DSCs with the powerful, yet easy-to-use graphical user  interface of MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE).  The MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger probe is connected  to the design engineer's PC using a high-speed USB 2.0  interface and is connected to the target with a connector  compatible with the MPLAB REAL ICE systems (RJ-11). It provides an economic alternative to an emulator. By using some of the on-chip resources, MPLAB ICD 3 can download code into a target microcontroller inserted in the application, set breakpoints, single step and monitor registers and variables.

MPLAB REAL ICE: MPLAB REAL ICE In-Circuit Emulator  System is Microchip’s next generation high  speed emulator for Microchip Flash DSC  and MCU devices. It debugs and programs  PIC and dsPIC Flash microcontrollers with  the easy-to-use but powerful graphical user interface of the  MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE), included  with each kit.

The MPLAB REAL ICE probe is connected  to the design engineer's PC using a high-speed USB 2.0  interface and is connected to the target with either a connector compatible with the popular MPLAB ICD 3 system  (RJ11) or with the high speed, noise tolerant, low voltage  differential signal (LVDS) interconnection (CAT5). MPLAB REAL ICE is field upgradeable through future  firmware downloads in MPLAB X IDE.

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Learning Center

Design Elements

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C compiler options from HI-TECH

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