Development Tools for PIC Microcontrollers

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Chapter:3 Development Tools for PIC Microcontrollers

The Development Systems product categories are: Compilers Emulators In Circuit Debuggers MPLAB

3.1 Compiler compiler is a computer program (or set of programs) that translates text written in a computer language (the source language) into another computer language (the target language). The original sequence is usually called the source code and the output called object code.

3.2 Emulator

Emulator is a device it has the ability of a computer program or electronic device to imitate another program or device.

3.3 In circuit Debugger Microchip's in-circuit debugger for the flash PIC16F87x family only utilizes the in-circuit Debugging capability of the PIC16F87X along with in-circuit Serial

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Programming (ICSP) protocol to provide cost-effective in-circuit flash programming and debugging from the graphical user interface of the MPLAB

3.4 MPLAB IDE The latest information on MPLAB IDE, the Windows Integrated Development Environment for development systems tools. This list is focused on MPLAB IDE, MPLAB SIM Simulator, MPLAB IDE Project Manager and general editing and debugging features. For specific information on MPLAB IDE compilers, linkers and assemblers, subscribe to the COMPILERS list. For specific information on MPLAB IDE emulators, subscribe to the EMULATORS list. For specific information on MPLAB IDE device programmers.

3.4.1 MPLAB IDE Development Tools MPLAB IDE integrates several tools to provide a complete development environment. MPLAB Project Manager Use the Project Manager to create a project and work with the specific files related to the project. When using a project, you can rebuild source code and download it to the simulator or emulator with a single mouse click. MPLAB Editor Use the MPLAB Editor to create and edit text files such as source files,code, and linker script files.

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MPLAB ICD In-Circuit Debugger The MPLAB ICD In-Circuit Debugger is a powerful, low-cost development and evaluation kit for many PICmicro MCU FLASH devices. MPLAB SIM Simulator The software simulator models the instruction execution and I/O of the PICmicro MCUs. MPLAB ICE 2000 In-Circuit Emulator The MPLAB ICE 2000 emulator uses hardware to provide real-time emulation of PICmicro MCUs, either with or without a target system. MPASM Assembler/MPLINK Linker/MPLIB Librarian The MPASM assembler allows source code to be assembled without leaving MPLAB IDE. The MPLINK linker creates the final application by linking relocatable modules from MPASM, MPLAB C17 and MPLAB C18 C Compilers. The MPLIB librarian manages custom libraries for maximum code reuse. MPLAB CXX C Compilers The MPLAB C17 and MPLAB C18 C Compilers provide ANSI-based high level source code solutions. Complex projects can use a combination of C and assembly source files to obtain the maximum benefits of speed and maintainability. PRO MATE II and PICSTART Plus Programmers Develop code with the simulator or an emulator, assemble or compile it, then use one of these tools to program devices. This can all be accomplished with MPLAB IDE.

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Although the PRO MATE II programmer does not require MPLAB IDE to operate, programming is easier using MPLAB IDE.

PICMASTER and PICMASTER CE Emulators MPLAB IDE provides legacy support for the PICMASTER and PICMASTER CE emulators.

3.5 Steps to create firmware for an embedded system using MPLAB 6.43 Open the MPLAB 6.43 from the Start Programs Microchip MPLAB IDEMPLAB IDE. Select Project Wizard from the Project menu. This wizard helps you to create and configure a new MPLAB project. Click Next. Select a device. For example: PIC16F877A. Select a Language Tool suite. For example: Microchip MPASM Tool suite. Name your project and select a project directory. Add any existing file to your project (optional). Click Finish to create a new project. A new Workspace will be created and the new project added to that workspace. To write a source file for your project, select File New option. A new text editor is created for entering the assembly language or C language code. After completion of entering the code, save it with the extension <file name>.asm (for assembly language) or <file name>.c (for C language).

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Add source code to your project by selecting Add Files to Project option from the Project menu.

Assemble or compile the project by choosing Build All option from the Project menu.

If you have written your program without errors you will get a message Build Succeeded else build Failed along with errors and their types. A hexadecimal file of your project is created with the extension .hex

Now you have machine language version of your project ready for fusing it into the program memory of the PIC microcontroller. The downloading of the hex file can be done using software called ICPROG.

3.6 IC-PROG (Hex code programmer) IC-prog is windows based software to control a development programmer for pic microcontroller. To operate the software, a basic knowledge about electronics and windows OS is necessary. In order for this software to operate you have to attach a programmer to your computer and set up the hardware and the software appropriately. IC-prog has been designed as a universal programming applications for all programmers.

3.6.1 Steps to fuse the hex code into C chip using IC PROG

Select the target device from the device list. For Example:16F877A

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Select the oscillator type as HS, write enable for 0000-0FFFh and enable the fuses

PWRT and disable all other fuses. Open the hex version of the source file from the directory by selecting Open Command from the File menu.

Choose Program All option from the Command menu. This will program the chip with the hex file of your project.

Finally download the configuration settings for the device by selecting Program Config command from the Program menu.

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