© 2004 Microchip Technology Inc. DS70072C-page 25-3
Section 25. Development Tool Support
Development
Tool Support
25
The MPLAB IDE allows the engineer to:
• Edit source files in either assembly or ‘C’
• One-touch compile and download to dsPIC program memory on emulator or simulator.
All project information is updated.
• Debug using:
- Source files
- Machine code
- Mixed mode source and machine code
The ability to use the MPLAB IDE with multiple development and debugging targets allows users
to easily switch from the cost effective simulator to a full featured emulator with minimal retraining.
25.2.2 dsPIC Language Suite
The Microchip Technology MPLAB C30 C compiler is a complete, easy-to-use language product.
It allows dsPIC applications codes to be written in high level C language and then be fully
converted into machine-object code for programming of the microcontroller. It simplifies develop-
ment of code by removing code obstacles and allowing the designer to focus on program flow
and not on program elements. Several options for compiling are available so the user can select
those that will maximize the efficiency of the code characteristics.
It is a fully ANSI compliant product with standard libraries for the dsPIC family of microcontrollers.
It uses the many advanced features of the dsPIC devices to provide very efficient assembly code
generation.
MPLAB C30 also provides extensions that will allow for excellent support of the hardware, such
as interrupts and peripherals. It is fully integrated with the MPLAB IDE for high level, source
debugging. Some features include:
• 16-bit native data types
• Efficient use of register-based, 3-operand instructions
• Complex Addressing modes
• Efficient multi-bit shift operations
• Efficient signed/unsigned comparisons
MPLAB C30 comes complete with its own assembler, linker and librarian. These allow the user
to write mixed mode C and assembly programs and link the resulting object files into a single
executable file. The compiler is sold separately. The assembler, linker and librarian is available
for free with MPLAB IDE.
25.2.3 MPLAB SIM Software Simulator
The MPLAB SIM software simulator allows code development in a PC-hosted environment by
simulating the dsPIC device on an instruction level. On any given instruction, the data areas are
able to be examined or modified. The execution is able to be performed in Single Step, Execute
Until Break or Trace mode.
(1)
The MPLAB SIM simulator fully supports symbolic debugging using the MPLAB C30 compiler
and assembler. The software simulator offers the flexibility to develop and debug code outside of
the laboratory environment, making it an excellent multi-project software development tool.
Note: This product is currently available on Microchip’s web site, www.microchip.com. The
Assembler, Linker and Librarian are included with MPLAB IDE. Contact your local
Microchip sales office for availability of the MPLAB C30 C compiler.
Note: This product is included with MPLAB IDE.
Note 1: Some features, including peripheral support, have not been implemented at the
time of this writing. Please check Microchip’s web site or your local Microchip sales
office for the most current information.
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