Development Design Tool Package

The PICSTART Plus programmer kit now includes the PICC Lite C Compiler. The "designer suite" empowers the designer to learn and use C language through the use of the PICC Lite C Compiler, which supports the PIC16F84A Flash microcontroller. A sample of the PIC16F84A is included in the kit.

The highly-flexible and cost-effective design tool supports all existing 8-bit one-time-programmable (OTP) MCUs, including the popular PIC12CXXX, PIC16CXX and PIC17CXX devices. The system runs under the company's MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software and gives PICmicro MCU developers the flexibility to edit and compile all from a single user interface.

The PICC Lite compiler is an ANSI-C compiler that is a teaching tool that accelerates the learning curve for anyone being introduced to the "C" language and embedded programming on a Microchip device. The tool is designed to work with the PIC16F84A MCU device, which is an 18-pin slim line dip package RISC controller, complete with 68 bytes of RAM, 13 I/O ports and 1K of flash memory and can operate to a maximum frequency of 10 MHz.

Included in the kit is a copy of MPLAB Integrated Development Environment software, which provides programmers with a complete development suite. The MPLAB IDE software is a development platform that offers a project manager and program test editor, a user configurable tool bar module and a status bar that communicates editing and debugging information.

The suite includes a C Compiler, MPLAB IDE software and a sample of the PIC16F84A MCU. The kit also contains hook-up cables, a 9 volt universal IEC power supply and complete documentation in the forms of a user's guide and a CD-ROM containing the company's microcontroller datasheets.

The kit runs on any PC compatible computer under the Windows operating system and is CE compliant for European applications.

Microchip Technology Inc., 2355 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85224. Tel: 480-786-7200; Fax: 480-899-9210.