Microchip Releases Cost-Effective In-Circuit Debugger

Microchip Technology has recently introduced the MPLAB® PICkit™ Basic in-circuit debugger, aiming to broaden the accessibility of its programming and debugging capabilities to a wider audience, including students and hobbyists. This new debugger stands out from its counterparts by offering high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity, CMSIS-DAP support, compatibility with various Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), and a diverse range of microcontrollers.

One of the key advantages of the MPLAB PICkit Basic debugger is its versatility, making it suitable for a wide array of projects and platforms, including integration with VS Code ecosystems. By consolidating functionalities into a single tool, it simplifies workflows and reduces the reliance on multiple tools, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

With the adoption of a USB Type-C cable, the MPLAB PICkit Basic debugger ensures improved connectivity, faster data transfer speeds, and a more stable connection. This upgrade helps mitigate issues commonly associated with outdated or incompatible cables, providing a seamless user experience.

While many advanced debugging and programming tools come with a hefty price tag, the MPLAB PICkit Basic debugger breaks this trend by offering advanced features at a more affordable price point, starting at just $29.99. This accessibility makes it an attractive option for hobbyists, students, and smaller development teams looking to leverage sophisticated functionalities without compromising on performance.

The MPLAB PICkit Basic debugger boasts compatibility with a wide range of microcontrollers and is designed to work seamlessly with Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB Integrated Programming Environment (IPE), and MPLAB Extensions for VS Code. Additionally, it supports third-party options such as IAR Embedded Workbench and various debugging interfaces, including four-wire JTAG and Serial Wire Debug.

Featuring advanced debugging capabilities such as automatic device selection and adapter support for Arm® Cortex®-based devices, the MPLAB PICkit Basic debugger is a versatile and cost-effective solution for developers. Rodger Richey, vice president of development systems and academic programs at Microchip Technology, emphasized the importance of making their solutions more accessible, stating that the MPLAB PICkit Basic debugger is an essential tool for hobbyists and professional engineers seeking to enhance their development workflows.