Microchip Technology Inc.

April 2010
Development Tools Update Page 1

Contents
New AIPD Tools 2
Third Party Corner 4
XLP Current Measurement Cable 6
New Sheriff In Town 7
microchipDIRECT’s New Online Product Registration 8
April 2010

The DTS Continuous Improvement 9

Academic benefits you may not know about 10
MPLAB® ICD 3 Test Interface Board: An aid in debugging 11
Removing Uncalled Functions from an MPLAB C32 Project 12
There’s a Doc for That! 13
Best Sellers 15
New Tools 16
April 2010 Microchip Technology Inc.
Page 2 Development Tools Update

New AIPD Tools

Pat Richards

MCP1640 Sync Boost Converter Evaluation Board (MCP1640EV-SBC)

Price: $19.99

This evaluation board uses the MCP1640 in a high-efficiency (up to 96%), fixed frequency (500 MHz), step-up
DC-DC converter. It demonstrates:
• Easy-to-use and minimum number of external components power supply solution for applications powered by
one-cell, two-cell, or three-cell alkaline, NiCd/NiMH; one-cell Li-Ion or Li-Polymer batteries
• Selection of the best operating mode for efficiency (PWM/PFM)
• A wide input voltage range (0.35 to 5.5V) and low start-up voltage (0.65V)
• PCB layouts recommendation for SOT23-6 and 2x3mm-8 DFN packages
• Three common output voltages to evaluate: 2.0V, 3.3V and 5.0V enable selection (when disabled, the MCP1640
disconnects the path from input to output for “true-disconnect”).

MCP2200 USB to RS232 Demo Board (MCP2200EV-VCP)

Price: $23.99

The MCP2200EV-VCP is a USB to RS232 development and evaluation board for the MCP2200 USB
to UART device. The board allows for easy demonstration and evaluation of the MCP2200. The
accompanying software allows the special device features to be configured and controlled.

The board is powered from USB. Each I/O has an associated test point. In addition, two I/Os are
connected to LEDs which are used to indicate USB to UART traffic when the associated pins are
configured as TxLED and RxLED pins, respectively.

Thermocouple Reference Design (TMPSNSRD-TCPL1)

Price: $35

The Thermocouple Reference Design demonstrates how to instrument a Thermocouple and

accurately sense temperature over the entire Thermocouple measurement range. This solution uses
the MCP3421 18-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) to measure voltage across the Thermocouple.
Microchip Technology Inc. April 2010
Development Tools Update Page 3

MCP2150 Developer’s Board (MCP2150DM)

Price: $45

The MCP2150 Developer’s Board allows for the easy demonstration and development
of IrDA® applications. The board can be powered via USB or the power test points (VDD
and GND).

The Host interface can be connected to the UART driver device for communication
over the DB-9 connector (for IrDA to UART operation), connected to the PIC18F65J50
for stand-alone operation, or connected to the PIC18F65J50 with the PIC18F65J50
connected to the UART driver device (for pass-through operation).
April 2010 Microchip Technology Inc.
Page 4 Development Tools Update

Third Party Corner

Guy McCarthy

External Antennas for 2.4 GHz Wireless

Two external antennas for wireless connectivity are now available on microchipDIRECT. The antennas are
manufactured by Aristotle Enterprises, and are suitable for 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), ZigBee®, MiWi™, and
IEEE 802.15.4.

The antennas are available in a 2 dBi version and a 5 dBi version. Each antenna includes a right angle swivel
connection that fits into a panel sleeve. Two panel sleeves are included with each antenna: one for 1 mm panel
thickness and one for 1.5 mm panel thickness. The 2 dBi version is 62 mm long, as measured from the swivel
base. The 5 dBi version is 174 mm long. Each antenna has a 150 mm long cable with I-PEX (u.FL) connector
on the end. The ZG2101 module has been FCC and IC certified for use with these antennas.The part numbers
on microchipDirect will be:
• Aristotle RFA-02-L2H1 2 dBi 2.4 Ghz External Antenna (TRF1001)
• Aristotle RFA-02-5-F7H1 5 dBi 2.4 GHz External Antenna (TRF1002)

BeeProg+ Universal Programmer (TPG2001)

The BeeProg+ Universal Programmer, manufactured by Elnec, is now available on microchipDIRECT. BeeProg+ is a socket-
based programmer that also supports in-circuit programming. An industrial-grade design, the unit features device serialization,
auto-calibration, diagnostic pods for self-test capability, and built-in ESD protection circuits on all inputs (up to 15 kV).

BeeProg+ supports all Microchip device families. The programmer connects to a PC through USB 2.0 or
a high-speed parallel printer port. The control program is a stand-alone graphical application; however,
full automation is also supported via .BAT file commands or DLL application (source code examples in C,
Pascal, and Visual BASIC are included). Multiple programmers can be connected to a PC at the same
time, with concurrent programming of the same or different device types.

An interesting feature of the BeeProg+ is that it also can be used as a tester of TTL/CMOS logic ICs and
memories. It also supports the generation of user-definable test pattern sequences. This rugged, universal
programmer is backed by a 1 year warranty. It also includes free technical support and lifetime software
updates. A full line of socket converters is available from the manufacturer.

BeeProg+ is available now on microchipDIRECT

Microchip Technology Inc. April 2010
Development Tools Update Page 5

32-bit Multimedia Board (TMIK001)

The 32-bit Multimedia Board from MikroElecktronika is now available on microchipDIRECT. This
PIC32MX460F512L-based board is a compact development system for advanced user interface
applications. It includes a 320 x 240 TFT with touchscreen, microphone and headphone jacks,
accelerometer, joystick, temperature sensor, 2 USB ports, MMC(SD) card slot, 8 Mbit SPI Flash,
stereo codec, RS-232, and optional Zigbee wireless.

In addition to the wide array of built-in features, the 32-bit Multimedia Board is easily expanded.
Two rows of well-marked solder pads make all of the MCU signals accessible to external circuits.
The board can be powered by USB or by a user-supplied AC or DC power supply. User-friendly
documentation and schematics are included.

32-bit Multimedia Board is available now on microchipDIRECT

April 2010 Microchip Technology Inc.
Page 6 Development Tools Update

XLP Current Measurement Cable

Jason Tollefson

Are you into low power?

Working on low power projects usually means working with current measurements. Microchip has just made your job a little easier with the introduction
of our XLP Power Measurement Cable. While simple, it is essential when working with Microchip’s growing line of eXtreme Low Power Development
Boards. The cable provides a glove fit to development board measurement sites. There are generally two connections provided, PIC® MCU power
and board power. This allows you to examine where your power is going, and lower it!

The XLP Current Measurement Cable has standard connectors for use with hand held meters or precision ammeters.

Look for more low power tools and MCUs at www.microchip.com/XLP

XLP Current Measurement Cable

AC002023
$9.99

XLP 16-bit Development Board

DM240311
$59.99
Microchip Technology Inc. April 2010
Development Tools Update Page 7

New Sheriff In Town

Joe Drzewiecki

Howdy partners … this here’s ol’ Joe from the American Southwest and I thought you’d like to know (especially you varmints what don’t read your
email) that there’s a new sheriff in town – and it’s me.

Seriously, with Mike Collison’s departure to pursue financial research, and Vince Sheard primed and ready to take command of the MPLAB IDE v10.00
juggernaut, I found myself in a position to accept responsibility for the world-wide compiler groups. As you all know, there are many brilliant minds in
our compiler groups, but I won’t tell you any of their names because I don’t want you disturbing developers for customer support. “Mon dieu!” I heard
someone cry (Patrick?), “whatever shall we do?”

That brings me to one of the most exciting things Howard and I have cooked up in a long time: a compiler analysis and assistance group. Please don’t
call us compiler “support.” Under Howard’s able leadership, and with the avowed support of the entire compiler development team world-wide, we are
building a team whose sole raison d’être is to field your compiler queries and shoot back a final answer by return mail. That’s a facility we’ve all sorely
missed. We don’t have all of the logistics figured out, yet, but Howard and I will be in touch as soon as we have more details.

I’ve spent the last three weeks visiting with the guys in the three compiler development centers, a week each in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Brisbane
Queensland, Australia and Bangalore, Karnataka, India … in that order. I can assure you that their combined brilliance could light up a small continent.
That given, I’d like to talk for a brief moment about what I bring to the party and what I can envision for the future. You’ve probably heard that managing
software engineering is like herding cats. Managing compiler engineers is like herding Bengal Tigers … hungry ones. That’s just my cup of tea. I like
being surrounded by hungry tigers. I think I also bring a unifying vision to the team. I think we can all use some unification. As to the vision, here it is: I
see a simple compiler message followed-up by a robust, consistent compiler operation across device families. I see foolproof licensing and installation.
Finally, I see portability between our devices assisted by the compiler. By the time we accomplish those, I’m sure the direct sun here in Phoenix will
have caused other hallucinations, uh, strategic visions that will bring us all closer to the idea of true compiler happiness.
April 2010
Page 8
microchipDIRECT’s New Online Product Registration
Christine Chien
We’ve been working with IS these past couple of months to enable online
product registrations and the integration of High Priority Access (HPA)
compiler maintenance and support contracts into microchipDIRECT.
From now on, customers purchasing development tools from
microchipDIRECT can have their product automatically registered to
their account, eliminating the need for them to complete and return
hardcopy warranty cards.
When logged in, customers can find a list of their registered products by
using the following links on the screens below. (The direct link to this
page is: http://www.microchipdirect.com/HPAhome.aspx)
In the first section of the page, customers are able to check the status of
their registered products and warranties. If customers purchased their
development tool through a distributor, they are also able to add their
product to their account on this page.
Microchip Technology Inc.
Development Tools Update
The second section of the page lists the status of all current HPA support
contracts and also provides timely reminders when the contract is due
for renewal.
When customers are purchasing HPA contracts for their compilers, the
only requirement for them to complete the process will be to enter their
compiler license for which they purchased the HPA.
Once entered, activation of customers’ support and maintenance
contract will take between 1-2 business day to process. Customers
will then be able to download and activate any new versions of their
compiler, and also receive priority technical support.
This system is already live on microchipDIRECT. If your customers are
having any problems using this new system, or if you have any feedback
please feel free to email: swlicensing@microchip.com
Microchip Technology Inc. April 2010
Development Tools Update Page 9

The DTS Continuous Improvement

Kai Joe

The Development Tools Selector (DTS) is in the midst of a transformation. auto-import into the DTS tool: Jerry Nairn, Jim Pepping, Jose L. Diaz,
This update to DTS is in line with at least two of Microchip’s key corporate and Al Rodriguez.
goals: ‘Continuous Improvement’ and ‘Customers Are Our Focus’. We
continue to make improvements to DTS because we know it is a vital Finally, for those of you who did not know, DTS is one of four tools that
tool for our customers, so in keeping the data current in DTS, we keep make up Microchip’s Selection Tools Suite:
our customers happy, as they can find what they need right away.
• DTS Development Tools Selector
• AIPD-Treelink AIPD’s Product Presentation and Overview
For those of you not familiar with it, DTS is a graphical user interface
• MPS Microcontroller Product Selector
(GUI) that allows a user to find development tools that are supported
• MAPS Microchip Advanced Parts Selector
for a particular silicon device package. A user can search based on
silicon Part Number (full or partial) or they can search based on the These now all now install in the same directory as MPLAB IDE. For
Development Tool Part Number (full or partial). Once the search is more information, please see: www.microchip.com/select
performed, a list of silicon appears below the search request, and the
user can click on the silicon package type to see the various tools that
are supported for that package.

DTS is available online and offline. In addition, the information from DTS
is also pulled into the silicon product pages. Some of the improvements
we’ve made are listed below:
1. The GUI was updated with tabbed view, new icons, and skin.
2. The data is now automatically imported directly from MPLAB IDE
for Emulators, Debuggers, Headers, Programmers, and Socket
Modules (at every release of MPLAB IDE).
3. The database was cleaned-up and refreshed with the data from
MPLAB IDE for the Emulator/Debugger and Programmer sections.
4. The workflow and process definitions to monitor and fix issues,
request and carry out enhancements, and keep DTS up-to-date
were streamlined.
5. The web utility for managing the database was updated (The DTS
Admin page).
There is still more work to be done but this is a major improvement on
the tool so far. Stay tuned for future enhancements. Many thanks to our
DTS team that was formed to oversee the tool’s back-end coding, front-
end function, maintenance and updates: Purush Kothandapani, Sharon
Baker, Miguel Hernandez, Guy McCarthy and Kai Joe. Special thanks to
other team members who helped in the export of MPLAB IDE data for
April 2010 Microchip Technology Inc.
Page 10 Development Tools Update

Academic benefits you may not know about

Marc McComb

One question I get asked all the time is what kind of discounts/resources does Microchip’s Academic Program offer for Academics? I thought it would
be a good idea to reiterate a few of these.

Hardware Development Tools

Academics receive an automated 25% discount if they sign-in to www.microchipdirect.com using a .edu or .ac email account when ordering Microchip
Hardware Development Tools. No .edu or .ac email account? No problem! Simply contact the Academic Program at Academic@microchip.com and a
25% discount coupon can be generated to use at checkout. The Academic Program also provides free samples to professors who are looking to start
using Microchip Products in the class room, organizations such as Robotics Teams, After-School Robotics/Electronics Clubs, Solar Car Competitions
and more.

Software Development Tools

How about software tools? Well, beyond our usual free MPLAB IDE we also offer free or “LITE” versions of our C compilers that have no code size
restrictions or time-outs. We also offer a variety of free Software Libraries for such applications as USB or Ethernet.

Microchip provides a free version of the dsPIC® DSC Blocksets used within the MATLAB/Simulink environment developed by Mathworks. This
mathematical software tool is used in thousands of Schools worldwide as a fundamental platform for many different areas in the engineering community
including the development of embedded applications. The great thing about this tool is that the user doesn’t need to fully understand programming
languages such as C to utilize a dsPIC DSC in an application. Even better, these are free while most of our competitors charge for their blocksets.
Find out more at www.microchip.com/dspicblocksets.

Another free download from our MPLAB IDE homepage is the free Labcenter Proteus VSM plug-in for MPLAB IDE that actually allows you to simulate
an application on a variety of virtual development boards including the Explorer 16.

For more information on these tools and discounts or if you have a question please don’t hesitate to contact us at Academic@microchip.
com. You can also find more information at www.microchip.com/academic.
Microchip Technology Inc.
Development Tools Update
MPLAB ICD 3 Test Interface Board: An aid in debugging
Miguel Hernandez
Microchip Dev Tools has shipped around 20,000 MPLAB ICD 3 units
to the field. It looks like it is becoming ubiquitous in all the R&D labs
around the world. Even more impressive is that in just 1 year after being
released, the number of SAR returns from customers has been very low,
(only about 1% of the total amount shipped). Still the Development Tools
group is listening to our customers and we are collecting feedback to
improve the user experience for MPLAB ICD 3.
One way we are trying to improve customer satisfaction is by giving
more visibility to the ICD 3 Test Interface Board (TIB). The TIB is not only
a tool for diagnosing issues with the ICD 3 unit, it is also a debugging
tool. This article will explain what the customer should expect from this
ICD 3 TIB in the coming months.
How does the TIB work?
The TIB works in a similar way to the MPLAB REAL ICE™ Loopback
Test Board (see Newsletter January 2008 Article: Basic Troubleshooting
with MPLAB REAL ICE). Simply connect the ICD 3 to the TIB as shown
in the diagram below and click the Run ICD 3 Test Interface button under
the ICD 3 Settings window in MPLAB IDE.
The ICD 3 will perform a series of tests to determine the signal electrical
integrity needed for programming and debugging. If the TIB shows a
pass on all tests, great! You have proven that you have a good ICD 3
unit. If the test fails, then it is likely there is a problem with the ICD 3 and
an SAR submission should be the next step.
April 2010
Page 11
ICD 3 TIB passes but you’re still having a problem
What happens if the ICD 3 TIB passes and you still have a problem with
your application board? Because the test passed, we can conclude the
ICD 3 is good. The next step would be to consult the Online Help for
additional suggestions on troubleshooting the application circuit.
The MPLAB IDE interface has been improved to help the user
troubleshoot the target application. For instance, in the case where the
ICD 3 reports a Device ID failure, a mouse-click on the error message
directs the user to the Online Help where the first suggestion provided
to the user is to try using the TIB. The next suggestion to the user is to
check the different failure modes and solutions if there are issues with
the application connection. An example is shown below.
Our objective is for the user to get the most out of the ICD 3. We’d
especially like the user to avoid any downtime, especially when the issue
can be resolved on site. An SAR submission should be the last resort.
How Can I Get a TIB?
The TIB ships with the ICD 3. However, the board is small and it can
easily be misplaced. If you or your customer has misplaced your TIB,
the item will soon be available for sale on microchipDirect. The part
number is the AC164113.
For more information on the ICD 3 Test Interface Board or troubleshooting
your MPLAB ICD 3, please check www.microchipdirect.com and the
MPLAB IDE Online Help.
April 2010 Microchip Technology Inc.
Page 12 Development Tools Update

Removing Uncalled Functions from an MPLAB C32 Project

Jason Kajita

Occasionally, we get requests to add a feature to the MPLAB C Compiler
for PIC32 MCUs toolchain that would allow a user to remove an uncalled
function. Of course the cleanest way to do so is to remove the function
from your project’s source code, but there is a way to have the toolchain
catch the cases that you may miss on your own.
Next, enable section garbage collection with the --gc-sections linker
option. MPLAB IDE’s project manager makes this option available as
a checkbox named “Remove unused sections” on the “MPLAB PIC32
Linker” tab of the project build options.

To remove uncalled functions from your MPLAB C Compiler for PIC32

MCUs project, set two project build options.

First, tell the compiler to isolate each function into its own section by
passing the –ffunction-sections option. MPLAB IDE’s project manager
makes this option available as a checkbox named “Isolate each function
in a section” on the “MPLAB PIC32 C Compiler” tab of the project build
options.

Using these two options allows the compiler and linker to work together
to remove uncalled functions from your project, but remember, the
cleanest way to remove a function is to remove the source for that
function from your project.

You can also add the --report-mem option to the linker’s alternate
settings. This will cause the linker to emit a memory-usage report, which
will allow you to verify that the code size is reduced.

And that, friends, is a very simple way to remove an uncalled function.

Microchip Technology Inc. April 2010
Development Tools Update Page 13

There’s a Doc for That!

Beth McLoughlin

Don’t understand a complex setup in MPLAB IDE? There’s a doc for that! Don’t understand how to hook up some hardware? There’s a doc for that, too!

In my last article I talked about MPLAB IDE-related documentation: help files, readmes, and USB-driver installation instructions. In this article I will
discuss PDF documents.

PDF Documents Defined

Many of you may know what a PDF is, but for those of you who do not, a PDF is a Portable Document Format, a proprietary electronic document format
created by Adobe Systems Inc. PDF documents are readable when opened up using PDF readers, such as the free Acrobat Reader (downloadable
from the Adobe website: www.adobe.com).

Since the advent of the internet and its accessibility, many of Microchip’s manuals and other such documents are now solely posted on our site as
PDF documents. We’ve not only made these documents more accessible, but we’ve made a positive impact on our environment by printing fewer
manuals and books.

User’s Guides

I suspect that tool-related user’s guides are some of the more popular PDFs accessed. They include useful information such as:
• Getting Started Topics:
◦◦ Tool overview
◦◦ Installation
◦◦ Tutorials
• Reference sections detailing:
◦◦ MPLAB IDE dialogs
◦◦ Windows
◦◦ Other features related to the tool
• Special uses of the specific tool

In addition to the PDF format, user’s guides are available as a help file in MPLAB IDE. (For more details on help files, please see my article in the
January 2010 Newsletter.) Important to note is that our help files are updated more often than our PDFs. Our PDF documents are updated when
a significant change in the content takes place (about every year or so). Our help files are updated with each release of MPLAB IDE (about every 3
months).
April 2010 Microchip Technology Inc.
Page 14 Development Tools Update

Software Documents

Language tool documentation, including the above-mentioned user’s guides, is usually available in both PDF and help formats. Other software support
documentation is found only in PDF. Examples of currently-available software PDFs are:
• Compiler-specific Getting Started Guides – Guides to help you get started using a specific C compiler with MPLAB IDE (e.g., MPLAB C
Compiler for PIC18 MCUs).
• Compiler-specific Library Manuals – A listing of libraries and related functions available for a specific C compiler.
• MPLAB/Simulink Device Blocksets for dsPIC DSCs – A document describing how to use Microchip’s dsPIC DSC blocksets with the third-party
application MATLAB/Simulink.

Hardware Specifications

Although some hardware specifications (e.g., the Header Specification for ICD hardware tools) are available in help files, most are available only as
PDF documents. Examples of currently-available hardware specifications PDFs are:
• Tool Usage Posters – A colorful poster showing how to install and set up hardware tools. Additional information is included (e.g, circuits that will
interfere with tool operation).
• Debug Design Advisory – A booklet on how to design your target application so a debugger or emulator will work properly with it.
• Transition Socket Specification – A listing of device-to-target transition hardware used with debug and emulation systems.
• USB Uninstall Instructions – A useful document for uninstalling tool USB drivers when all else fails.
• Universal Programming Module Instruction Sheet – A single sheet of instructions on how to set up this generic programming module.
That’s it for an overview of the documentation produced by our group.

We in the Development Systems Documentation Group—Maggie Muller and I—will continue to do our best to keep our documentation up-to-date,
accurate, and user-friendly. Thanks for your continued support.
Microchip Technology Inc. April 2010
Development Tools Update Page 15

Best Sellers
Katie Cameron

By Unit Top 5 Analog Tools

1 DV164035 MPLAB ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger 1 MCP1630DM-LED2 MCP1630 Boost Mode LED Driver Demo
Board
2 DV007004 MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer
2 PKSERIAL-I2C1 PICkit Serial I2C demo board
3 DV244005 MPLAB REAL ICE PROBE KIT
3 MCP2515DM-BM CAN Bus Monitor Demo Board
4 DV164131 PICkit™ 3 Debug Express
4 MCP4728EV MCP4728 Evaluation Board
5 SW006012 MPLAB C Compiler for PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC
DSCs 5 PKSERIAL-SPI1 PICkit Serial SPI demo board

6 DV164120 PICkit 2 Starter Kit

7 DV164005 MPLAB ICD 2 MODULE Top 5 Demo Boards and Kits

8 DM240001 Explorer 16 Demo Board 1 DM320004 PIC32 Ethernet Starter Kit

9 SW006011 MPLAB C Compiler for PIC18 MCUs 2 DM240001 Explorer 16 Development Board

10 DV164037 MPLAB ICD 3 with Explorer 16 Kit 3 DM320001 PIC32 Starter Kit

11 SW500010 HI-TECH C® Compiler for PIC10/12/16 MCUs 4 DM180021 PIC18F Starter Kit
(PRO)
5 DM320003-2 PIC32 USB Starter Kit
12 SW006015 MPLAB C Compiler for PIC32 MCUs

13 DV164121 PICkit 2 Debug Express

14 PG164120 PICkit 2 Microcontroller Programmer

15 DV164036 MPLAB ICD 3 Evaluation Kit (with PICDEM 2

Plus)
April 2010 Microchip Technology Inc.
Page 16 Development Tools Update

New Tools
Sharon Baker

Last quarter we released the following tools and development kits. They are available on microchipDIRECT or from a Microchip distributor.

AC002023 XLP Current Measurement Cable $9.99

AC164114 PIC18F1xK50 Programming Adapter $29.99
AC164345 PM3 28L QFN (4x4) Socket Module $189.99
DM320004 PIC32 Ethernet Starter Kit $72.00
DM164130-3 PICkit 28-Pin LIN Demo Board $40.00
MA330024 dsPIC33FJ64GS610 SMPS PIM $25.00
MCP1640EV-SBC MCP1640 Sync Boost Converter Evaluation Board $19.99
MCP2150DM MCP2150 Developer’s Board $45.00
MCP2200EV-VCP MCP2200 USB to RS232 Demo Board $23.99
TMPSNSRD-TCPL1 Thermocouple Reference Design $35.00

The following items underwent a change in silicon:

DM164120-4 PICkit 18-Pin Demo Board (now with PIC16F1827) $23.99
MA330011 dsPIC33 GP 100P TO 100P QFP PIM (now with dsPIC33FJ256GP710A) $25.00