The new PICkit 2 Debug Express, by Microchip, is now available from Acal
Semiconductors. The popular development programmer now supports in-circuit
debugging of selected PIC microcontrollers. This enables engineers to begin
development with PIC microcontrollers for a very low initial investment. The
kit features a 44-pin demo board with a PIC16F917 microcontroller and
connects to any personal computer via USB, and its in-circuit debugging
features include halt, single step and setting a breakpoint.
One of the barriers to entering the world of microcontroller development can
be the cost and complexity of development tools. The simple-to-use low-cost
PICkit 2 Debug Express includes twelve easy-to-understand tutorials with
source code included that allow users to learn at their own pace. The CDs
provided also include Microchip's free MPLAB IDE integrated development
environment and a 'host' of other software - enabling new users to easily
get started with an embedded control design. Users who already own the
PICkit 2 programmer only need to download the Debug Express firmware from
Microchip's Web site to support the new debugging functionality. Existing
PICkit 2 users can also purchase the new 44-pin demo board separately or use
the new debugging capability on existing demonstration boards, such as the
PICDEM Mechatronics board.
The PICkit 2 Debug Express Kit (DV164121) includes Microchip's 44-pin
PIC16F917 Flash microcontroller demo board, the PICkit 2 programmer, USB
cable and software CDs. The 44-pin demo board is available separately. The
PICkit 2 Debug Express debugging capabilities currently support selected PIC
microcontrollers, with additional device support coming soon via firmware
upgrades, says the company.
