Newer programmer and debugger development tools provide new ways to program and connect

     Microchip Technology has launched two tools to provide fast, affordable and convenient solutions. The new MPLAB ICD 5 and MPLAB PICkit 5 online debugger/programmer provide remote programming capabilities to enhance the user experience. MPLAB ICD 5 Online debugger/programmer provides advanced connectivity and power options for design developers based on PIC, AVR and SAM devices as well as dsPIC dsc.

     Because it reduces the need for power cables, the development tool can be used in environments that require efficient use of space. Connect USB Type-C to a PC or PoE+ for power supply, making online programming and debugging tools fast, flexible, and convenient. PoE+ enables the device to use the same cables used for data communication without the need for additional power cables.

     In addition to the flexibility offered by PoE+, Ethernet connectivity allows for remote development and isolation from environmental conditions. Remote debugging and programming over Ethernet, power monitoring for optimized power design, and integration with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) systems provide a feature-rich development experience that benefits from hardware and connectivity capabilities. Users can use Arm single-wire output (SWO) tracing and various programming and debugging interfaces to reduce development time.

     "The MPLAB ICD 5 online debugger/programmer extends Microchip's portfolio of mid-range debugger products, offering additional features and high-end functionality typically reserved for more expensive products," said Rodger Richey, senior director of Microchip's Development Systems business unit. "Advanced hardware and wireless connectivity options make the tool very versatile and easy to use when designing a variety of applications." The MPLAB PICkit 5 Online debugger/programmer is a more flexible version of its predecessor and can be used when connected to a computer with the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or in the field.

     Compatible with all of Microchip's supplied architectures, this fast and portable tool can be programmed remotely via Microchip's updated programmer to go (PTG) smartphone application. It uses wireless Bluetooth low power radio to enable developers to connect to devices via smartphones via PTG applications. With PICkit 5, multiple program images can be selected on the SD card through the application, so the user can program different images in the field.

     Previous tools could only program the image in the MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE before the user entered the field. "The MPLAB PICkit 5 Online debugger/programmer maintains the speed and small size of its predecessor, while expanding the portability of our product," said Richey. "Being able to select a variety of programs on site and take advantage of our custom applications provides a lot of versatility for programming." Both tools are supported by the MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB IPE, the company's highly configurable software program and user interface. An updated version 6.10 of the MPLAB X IDE will ship with these products and will simplify the design process for customers who may need to migrate from device to device to meet a variety of application requirements.