Microchip Unveils Next-Generation, High-Speed In-Circuit Debugger for MCU & DSC

Microchip Technology Unveils Next-Generation, High-Speed In-Circuit Debugger for 8-, 16- and 32-bit PIC^® Microcontrollers and dsPIC^® DSCs

MPLAB^® ICD 3 Provides Premium In-Circuit Debugging and

Programming at an Affordable Price

CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 28, 2008 [NASDAQ: MCHP] ¡ª Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced from the Embedded Systems Conference in Boston the MPLAB^® ICD 3¡ªa cost-effective, high-speed development tool that supports in-circuit programming and debuggingof Microchip¡¯s Flash-based 8-bit PIC^® microcontrollers (MCUs), and its entire line of 16- and 32-bit MCUs and 16-bit dsPIC^® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). With robust system capabilities and high-speed circuitry, the MPLAB ICD 3 offers full compatibility with the MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE), exceptional programming speed and reliability.

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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 Microchip¡¯s RJ-11 interface, the MPLAB ICD 3 can easily connect to target boards for quick device programming. Further, by integrating this new tool with the free and feature-rich MPLAB IDE, Microchip provides design engineers with a familiar development environment. This integration also serves to shorten the learning curve as customers move up or down the 500-strong PIC MCU and dsPIC DSC portfolios to find the best device for their application.

¡°Using advanced technology, the MPLAB ICD 3 offers features and performance at the lowest price point we¡¯ve ever been able to achieve in a high-speed in-circuit debugging system,¡± said Derek Carlson, vice president of Microchip Development Systems. ¡°The MPLAB ICD 2 In-Circuit Debugger has been our most popular development hardware platform among embedded engineers. The MPLAB ICD 3 builds on the success of that platform, with significant speed and feature enhancements that are fully compatible with the MPLAB IDE, allowing users to migrate effortlessly to the advanced platform.¡±

Other key features of the MPLAB ICD 3 include up to 1,000 software breakpoints, 2 to 5.5 volt operation, a ruggedized target interface for increased protection from over-voltage and over-current, internal memory for program storage, and 100 mA of target power support. Future Microchip device firmware support is easily added through updated versions of the MPLAB IDE. To assist users with system troubleshooting and failure isolation, a diagnostic Test Interface Module is also included.

The MPLAB ICD 3 is shipped with:

Availability & Pricing

The MPLAB ICD 3 (part # DV164035) is available today at http://www.microchipDIRECT.comfor $219.99, with delivery scheduled in mid-November 2008. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip¡¯s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/ICD3.

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Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, dsPIC, and MPLAB are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Tags / Keywords: Debugger, Programmer, In-Circuit, Microcontroller, MCU, Integrated Development Environment, IDE, Digital Signal Controller, DSC