Introduction
Microchip Technology Inc, the worldwide maker of developed, embedded control options, along with its connectedness and security, has recently introduced MPLAB ICE 4, an in-circuit emulator. The MPLAB ICE 4 is the next generation of a full in-circuit emulator, debugger, and programmer tool for Microchip Company’s PIC and AVR microcontrollers, dsPIC digital signal controllers, and SAM microcontrollers and microprocessors.
This commentary will provide an overview of the MPLAB ICE 4 in-circuit emulator, its key features and benefits, target industries and applications, as well as pricing and availability details. Some subheadings that will be covered include hardware and connectivity, debugging capabilities, power monitoring, universal device support, integration with development tools, and resources.
Hardware and Connectivity
The MPLAB ICE 4 connects via SuperSpeed USB 3.0 or High-Speed USB 2.0, ensuring compatibility with both modern and legacy systems. An important feature is that the MPLAB ICE 4 also offers wireless connectivity options via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
This wireless connectivity enables seamless programming and debugging of target devices from a remote location. Engineers can debug and monitor applications from a long distance using Ethernet connectivity. Wi-Fi connectivity provides isolation for applications in environments with high voltages or ground loops. This wireless capability enhances usability and simplifies the development workflow.
Debugging Capabilities
The MPLAB ICE 4 features powerful debugging capabilities to help engineers write robust and efficient code. It supports various advanced debugging and instrumentation features like instruction tracing. This allows extracting more information from executed code to better optimize and refine the design.
The MPLAB ICE 4 also has multiple debug and programming interfaces using different adapter boards to connect to a wide range of target devices. This flexibility in interfacing helps reduce development time by allowing easy switching between target systems. Engineers can take full advantage of advanced debugging features to thoroughly test code operations and catch bugs quickly.
Power Monitoring
An important capability of the MPLAB ICE 4 is power debugging to monitor how power consumption correlates to code behavior. It features two independent current sensing channels with high and low resolutions to precisely measure and optimize power usage. Engineers can non-intrusively monitor real-time power data while debugging code in the target system.
Data from the power channels can be visually analyzed using the MPLAB Data Visualizer tool. This helps identify parts of code that consume more power and find ways to make the design more power-efficient. The power debugging functionality is very useful for applications with tight power budgets or that need to run on battery power.
Universal Device Support
The MPLAB ICE 4 is designed to support the debugging and programming of all Microchip MCUs, DSCs, and MPUs with a single tool. This simplifies the development workflow when migrating designs between different Microchip devices. Engineers do not need separate tools for different product families, reducing the cost of ownership.
With its broad device coverage, the MPLAB ICE 4 offers a long product lifecycle. New devices added by Microchip in the future will also be supported. This helps protect investments in the tool and gives peace of mind that future designs can be developed and debugged using the same hardware.
Integration with Development Tools
The MPLAB ICE 4 is designed to work in harmony with the MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment of the Microchip company. Debugging and programming are controlled inside the IDE using a friendly graphical control interface. This provides a seamless workflow from code editing to debugging to programming the target.
The MPLAB ICE 4 also supports continuous integration/continuous delivery workflows via integration with MPLAB X’s CI/CD functions. Engineers can directly utilize the MPLAB ICE 4’s powerful hardware features from within the MPLAB X IDE setup. This ties the entire development flow together in one cohesive package.
Target Industries and Applications
With its versatile feature set, the MPLAB ICE 4 can aid development across many industries and applications:
- Industrial: Factory automation, motor control, building automation, etc.
- Automotive: Advanced driver-assistance systems, vehicle networks, engine control, etc.
- Consumer: Appliances, white goods, HVAC, smart home devices, etc.
- Aerospace/Defense: Aerospace control systems, avionic systems, radar systems, UAV controller systems, missile control, etc.
- Communications: Networking equipment, 5G infrastructure, IoT gateways, etc.
- Computing: Servers, storage systems, wired/wireless connectivity, etc.
The MPLAB ICE 4’s robust hardware, wireless connectivity, power debugging, and universal device support make it well-suited for a wide range of embedded applications.
Pricing and Availability
The MPLAB ICE 4 In-Circuit Emulator (part number DV244140) is available now directly from Microchip and through its distributors. It has a retail price of $1,799 which includes one accessory kit. Additional accessory kits can be purchased separately for $350 each.
This provides engineers flexibility in terms of targets that can be supported by choosing different accessory kits. The pricing is competitive for the extensive feature set on offer. Various purchase options are available including individual units as well as volume discounts for OEM customers.
Conclusion
Introducing the new MPLAB ICE 4, an in-circuit emulator from Microchip – a high-end comprehensive development tool that no engineer designing a microcontroller-based embedded system can afford to do without. The Wireless Debugging, Power Control, and Autonomous Device Support features of Keil MDK ensure that engineers apply engineering best practices while developing their systems, manage power efficiently, and gain maximum design freedom. The MPLAB ICE 4 also conveniently links with the MPLAB X IDE making it easier for engineers to navigate from code writing to improvements and implementation phase.
Priced at $1,799, the MPLAB ICE 4 consolidates multiple functions into one powerful tool, reducing the need for separate devices and lowering long-term costs. Its wireless connectivity options and broad support for Microchip’s range of microcontrollers make it future-proof, ensuring engineers can rely on it for years to come. Whether developing applications for automotive, industrial, consumer, or aerospace industries, the MPLAB ICE 4 delivers a comprehensive solution that accelerates development timelines and reduces project complexity.
FAQ
Q. What devices are supported by the MPLAB ICE 4?
A. The MPLAB ICE 4 supports debugging and programming of all Microchip MCUs, DSCs, and MPUs, including PIC, AVR, dsPIC, and SAM families. Support for new parts introduced by Microchip in the future is also provided.
Q. What debugging features does it provide?
A. Key debugging features include instruction tracing, two independent power channels, multiple target interfaces, CI/CD integration, and more. It supports advanced debugging capabilities for tasks like debugging power consumption.
Q. How is it different from MPLAB ICE 3?
A. The MPLAB ICE 4 features Wireless connectivity options like Ethernet and Wi-Fi which were not available on ICE 3. It also offers higher debug speeds, additional target interfaces, more pins, integrated power channels, and support for the latest MPLAB X IDE.
Q. Can it debug over the air without any wires?
A. Yes, the MPLAB ICE 4 supports completely wireless debugging via the Ethernet or Wi-Fi interfaces without any physical wires connected to the target device.
Q. What interface speeds does it support?
A. It connects to the host PC via SuperSpeed USB 3.0 or High-Speed USB 2.0. Programming and debug speeds of up to 20 MHz are supported for most Microchip devices.
Q. Is free software available for using it?
A. Yes, Microchip provides the free MPLAB X IDE integrated development software for using the MPLAB ICE 4. It also offers free C compilers and other development tools.
Q. What is the warranty period?
A. The MPLAB ICE 4 comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship.
