32-bit PIC® MCUs

The AVR® Toolchain is a collection of tools/libraries used to create applications for AVR microcontrollers. This collection includes compiler, assembler, linker and Standard C and math libraries.

Most of these tools are based on efforts from GNU (www.gnu.org), and some are developed by Microchip. For more information please refer to the release notes.

The Atmel AVR GNU Toolchain is also available as part of Atmel Studio. Only those users who wish to run the Atmel AVR GNU Toolchain as standalone tools from the command line need to download and install this package. There are two sets of downloads, one for Windows® and one for Linux® operating systems.

START is an innovative online tool for intuitive, graphical configuration of embedded software projects. It lets you select and configure software components, drivers and middleware, as well as complete example projects, specifically tailored to the needs of your application. The configuration stage lets you review dependencies between software components, conflicts and hardware constraints. In the case of a conflict, START will automatically suggest solutions that fit you specific setup.

With graphical pin-mux and clock configuration, you can easily match your software and drivers with your own HW layout. The tool also provides automated assistance for retargeting projects and applications for different devices. Getting that sample code to run on your board has never been easier.

START is an online tool; no installation is required. When you are done with your configuration, you can download it for use together with your prefered integrated development environment (IDE), including Studio, Keil or IAR, and continue development. If you later need to change the configuration you can load it in START, reconfigure and continue where you left off.

START is based on the latest generation of the Software Framework, ASFv4. The driver layer in ASFv4 has been rearchitected for better performance and reduced code size. Care has been taken to make sure that code generated by START is readable, as well as easy to navigate and extend. Please refer to the user guide to learn more about whats new in ASFv4. .

Start designing with START

The AVR® Toolchain is a collection of tools/libraries used to create applications for AVR microcontrollers. This collection includes compiler, assembler, linker and Standard C and math libraries.

Most of these tools are based on efforts from GNU (www.gnu.org), and some are developed by Microchip. For more information please refer to the release notes.

The Atmel AVR GNU Toolchain is also available as part of Atmel Studio. Only those users who wish to run the Atmel AVR GNU Toolchain as standalone tools from the command line need to download and install this package. There are two sets of downloads, one for Windows® and one for Linux® operating systems.

Flip supports in-system programming of flash devices through RS232, USB or CAN.

Two installation files are available: one with Java Run-time Environment (JRE) integrated and one without.

The MPLAB Code Coverage Tool is an easy way to measure code coverage. Simply enable the feature in MPLAB X Integrated Development Envinronment (IDE), build, program, test your application and read the Microcontroller (MCU). The MPLAB Code Coverage tool quickly displays which lines of code have executed and which ones have not. Unlike other solutions, it runs untethered and self-contained so no need to add clumsy cabling or fragile wires. With minimal impact to code size (<1%) and execution speed, testing can be completed in a single execution pass, avoiding expensive test hardware with a larger MCU. Powerful, intuitive tools permit quick navigation of coverage results within MPLAB X IDE for smooth transitions between test suite development and analysis. Summary views offer configurable dashboards of critical results. Custom reports can be generated in HTML and CSV formats with selectable content to meet your specific quality certification needs. MPLAB Code Coverage builds confidence in your application testing process without the hassle.

MPLAB Code Coverage requires MPLAB X IDE v5.25 or higher and one of the following MPLAB XC Compiler versions or higher:

• MPLAB XC8 v2.10
• MPLAB XC16 v1.40
• MPLAB XC32 v2.30

Microchip’s line of award-winning MPLAB^® XC C Compilers provides a comprehensive solution for your project’s software development and is offered in free, unrestricted-use downloads. These compilers integrate into Microchip's MPLAB^® X IDE, are compatible with all Microchip debuggers and emulators, and run on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.Finding the right compiler to support your device is simple:

• MPLAB XC8 supports all 8-bit PIC MCUs
• MPLAB XC16 supports all 16-bit PIC MCUs and dsPICs
• MPLAB XC32/32++ supports all 32-bit PIC MCUs

The MPLAB XC Network Server License is a shared license. It allows one person to compile at a time. Once used, the license remains captured by that person for 60 minutes, during which no one else can use it. If that person compiles again, the 60 minutes starts over.

The license is not compatible with virtual machines unless combined with an MPLAB Virtual Machine License for Network Licenses, SW006021-VM.

The MPLAB XC PRO Network Server Licenses also come with 12 months of High Priority Access (HPA) - a maintenance subscription providing web access to new compiler versions, priority technical support for the compiler and free shipping on all development tool orders on Microchip Direct.

Product numbers are:

• MPLAB XC8 PRO: SW006021-2N
• MPLAB XC16 PRO: SW006022-2N
• MPLAB XC32++ PRO: SW006023-3N

For more information and documentation, see the MPLAB XC C Compilers page.

Site License
MPLAB® XC Compilers produce highly optimized code. Site licenses are available in the PRO edition, which has the most features and produces the best code optimization of any of Microchip's compilers. The site license is installed on a network and can be quoted for seats of five and greater, which can be mixed between any of the compilers: MPLAB XC8, MPLAB XC16 and MPLAB XC32. Site licenses can only be ordered for the PRO edition. Please contact a local sales office for more information and a quote: Global Sales

• Intended to have one user per seat and installed on a network
• Restricted to the number of seats purchased
• Allows the administrator to add and remove users as needed by tying the licensed users by their host IDs.
• Allows for volume pricing
• Has a loan-out feature, so the license can be used like a node locked license for a specific amount of time (one month maximum on loan out)

Product numbers are:
MPLAB XC8 PRO: SW006021-SITE
MPLAB XC16 PRO: SW006022-SITE
MPLAB XC32/XC32++ PRO: SW006023-SITE

High Priority Access (HPA) for site licenses can also be ordered via quote through the local sales offices. The product number  for HPA for all license types is: SW006021-SITEH

For complete information, including downloads and full documentation, go to: www.microchip.com/mplabxc

MPLAB® XC Compilers produce highly optimized code. Subscription licenses unlock PRO-level optimizations, which produce the best execution speed and code size for all SAM® and PIC® microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) along with the best in compiler features.

The MPLAB XC32 PRO Subscription License is charged on a monthly basis, providing 8-bit designers the ability to make use of the most features and best code optimization only when needed in the design cycle. Subscribers will also have the ability to use any version MPLAB XC32/XC32++ Microchip compiler at any time, without the need for an active Microchip MPLAB XC High Priority Access (HPA) maintenance subscription. Unlike most software subscription solutions, the license is not cloud-based, providing designers the additional flexibility of using the license offline.

The subscription license is available as a download only, installed on a workstation and the license will be renewed every month by through internet connection.

This is a monthly subscription license and cannot be purchased in advance by buying multiples at one time (i.e. buying 12 licenses does not equal one year). Buying multiples at one time will result in multiple licenses being active every month.

For complete information, including downloads and full documentation for MPLAB XC C compilers, go to: microchip.com/mplabxc

The MPLAB^® XC32 C/C++ Compiler is a full-featured, highly-optimized ANSI C compiler for all 32-bit PIC® and SAM® Microcontroller families. This compiler integrates into Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE, is compatible with all Microchip debuggers and emulators, and runs on Windows^®, Linux ^® and macOS^®.
The MPLAB XC32 PRO Compiler Dongle License unlocks the full potential and performance of all possible optimizations with the advantage of being interchangeable among workstations and highly portable – not tied to a PC or workstation. Some of its features include:

• License file is installed on a USB device
• Intended for multiple users and mobile use – plug into the workstation’s USB and go
• Includes unlimited updates to new compiler versions without the need for HPA (perpetual license)
• One dongle license is needed for each compiler type – MPLAB XC8, MPLAB XC16 and MPLAB XC32/XC32++
• Replaceable for a fee – only dongle licenses that have been registered in a mySoftware account are eligible
  • Register your dongle here: www.microchip.com/mysoftware
  • Replacements can be obtained through Technical Support and can only be replaced once

For more information and documentation, go to: http://www.microchip.com/mplabxc.
Note: This compiler license can only be used with the following versions of MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB XC C Compilers:

• MPLAB X IDE version 3.55 or later
• MPLAB XC8 C Compiler version 1.41 or later
• MPLAB XC16 version 1.31 or later
• MPLAB XC32 version 1.43 or later

If there is a compiler license file previously installed on your workstation, remove it before using a dongle license.

This PRO Plugin for MPLAB® X IDE works with the MPLAB® REAL ICE™ In-Circuit Emulator to display the percentage of time spent in each application function, enhancing the software debugging capabilities of MPLAB® X IDE. It is used to measure the percentage of time spent in each function in order to determine where your application may be spending the greatest portion of time over an average collected set of data. It adds pre- and post-amble code to all functions in debug sessions. It aids in debugging and code optimization by tracking the number of function calls, parent functions, child functions and execution time. Each license is intended for one user. Available for device families with data capture, namely: PIC18F, PIC24F, PIC24EP, dsPIC33FJ, dsPIC33E, and those PIC32MX that support data capture. To find out if your device has data capture, please see the Dev Tool Selector.

Installation instructions:

1. Unzip the downloaded ZIP file to two .nbm files on your hard drive.
2. Select Tools > Plugins from the IDE menu.
3. Select the Downloaded tab in the Plugins window.
4. Click the Add Plugins button to add the two .nbm files, one by one.
5. Make sure the Install checkboxes for both Code Profiling and Plugin Update Services plugins are checked.
6. Click the Install button and follow the instructions to finish installation.

This plugin operates with MPLAB X IDE v2.26 and MPLAB XC compiler v1.20 and later. To download a 30-day trial version go to Embedded Code Source.

Note: The use of this plugin requires an MPLAB® REAL ICE™ In-Circuit Emulator. Standard (ICSP) or Performance Pak (High Speed LVDS) connection from emulator to target board is required. No other connections are needed.

Click here for Developer's Help with this product.

The MPLAB X IDE Plugin - Halt Notifier provides an alert when a target is halted. These notifications can be customized with actions—such as issuing an audio alert, sending an email, or running a script.
This plugin is useful for debugging code in an efficient manner. Set the plugin, tend to other tasks and the plugin will send an alert when the debugging has halted (for example, a breakpoint).

From a script you can establish a text message to your cell phone, Yowsup, WhatsApp, tweet or run anything that collects data and archives it. Scripting gives you infinite possibilities.

This plug-in requires MPLAB X IDE version 3.30 or later.

Microchips compact MP3 algorithm designed to fit in small memory footprint PIC32MX Microcontrollers. This code requires only 28MIPS of performance (CD Quality audio), 42KB Flash and 11KB RAM memory for operation on the PIC32MX. Microchip offers MP3 Decoder library both in non-modifiable binary code and source code formats that enables usage on high performance PIC32MX devices. This part number is for Non-modifiable binary code. Source code is also available on Microchip Direct. Requires patent-only licensing through technicolor.

For more details on the MP3 decoder, please see the user’s guide below.

2 Demonstration vehicles are available in HEX format for use with the PIC32 Bluetooth Starter Kit, and the PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Developers Kit. Please note that these are not compatible with one another. The demo provides MP3 playback from a USB memory stick.

MP3 Decoder Library for PIC32 is also available in MPLAB Harmony. Click Here for details.

Microchips compact MP3 algorithm designed to fit in small memory footprint PIC32MX Microcontrollers. This code requires only 28MIPS of performance (CD Quality audio), 42KB Flash and 11KB RAM memory for operation on the PIC32MX. Microchip offers MP3 Decoder library both in non-modifiable binary code and source code formats that enables usage on high performance PIC32MX devices. This part number is for modifiable source code. A binary-only version of this code is also available on Microchip Direct. Requires patent-only licensing through Technicolor.

For more details on the MP3 decoder, please see the user’s guide below.

2 Demonstration vehicles are available in HEX format for use with the PIC32 Bluetooth Starter Kit, and the PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Developers Kit. Please note that these are not compatible with one another. The demo provides MP3 playback from a USB memory stick.

MP3 Decoder Library for PIC32 is also available in MPLAB Harmony. Click Here for details.

The AAC algorithm (Non-Modifiable Binary Code) is designed for 80MHz or greater PIC32MX MCUs. This code requires 62MIPS peak 34MIPS average performance, 61KB Flash and 12KB RAM without frame buffer memory for operation on the PIC32MX MCU. Microchip offers AAC Decoder library both in non-modifiable binary code and source code formats that enables usage on high performance PIC32MX devices. This product is the non-modifiable binary code. Users remain responsible for licensing for their products through Via Licensing.

AAC Decoder Libraries for PIC32 is also available in MPLAB Harmony. For details, Click Here.

This AAC algorithm (Source Code) is designed for 80MHz or greater PIC32MX MCUs. This code requires 62MIPS peak 34MIPS average performance, 61KB Flash and 12KB RAM without frame buffer memory for operation on the PIC32MX MCU. Microchip offers AAC Decoder library both in non-modifiable binary code and source code formats that enables usage on high performance PIC32MX devices. This product is the modifiable source code. Users remain responsible for licensing for their products through Via Licensing.

AAC Decoder Libraries for PIC32 is also available in MPLAB Harmony. For details, Click Here.

The Microchip Bluetooth stack for audio streaming with the standard SBC software CODEC is provided as a non-modifiable binary file combined with source code for usability. It includes the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile A2DP 1.3, Audio/Video Remote Control Profile AVRCP 1.5, Serial Port Profile SPP 1.2 and Service Discovery Protocol SDP 1.1. This binary code is combined with source code for operation on the PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Development Kit DV320032. Users have the option of USB Audio functionality or just the streamlined stack. In version 2.0 of this software, Free-RTOS has been removed. A version of this code with the addition of the Advanced Audio Coding AAC CODEC SW320014-2 is also available on microchipDirect.

See the Bluetooth Audio Development Kit Reference Guide below for usage details. 

For more Information on PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Software Suites Click Here

The Microchip Bluetooth stack for audio streaming with the standard SBC software CODEC plus the “Advanced Audio Coding” AAC software CODEC is provided as a non-modifiable binary file combined with source code for usability. It includes the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile A2DP 1.3, Audio/Video Remote Control Profile AVRCP 1.5, Serial Port Profile SPP 1.2 and Service Discovery Protocol SDP 1.1. This binary code is combined with source code for operation on the PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Development Kit DV320032. An SBC CODEC only version of this code is also available on microchipDirect SW320014-1.

See the Bluetooth Audio Development Kit Reference Guide below for usage details.

For more information on PIC32 Bluetooth Audio Software Suites Click Here

The Microchip WMA Decoder can decode audio signals sampled at up to 48 kHz with up to two discrete channels. The WMA Decoder also supports VBR and CBR encoded audio stream. In most circumstances, .wma files are contained in Advance Systems Format (ASF), which is supported by the WMA Decoder.

Also available in Harmony Framework. Click here for details.

The Microchip WMA Library is only available in binary format, and is only available to Windows Media Component Licensees.

Click Here for Microsoft Licensing Details

For more detailed information on this library, please see the associated ReadMe file available for download here.

Microchip offers a compact MP3 Decoder library is designed to fit in small memory footprint PIC32MX and also PIC32MZ devices, thus reducing your system level cost. To purchase this library either in source or binary form, Microchip must verify purchasing company is a Technicolor licensee. Supported in MPLAB Harmony v2 only.

This code requires only 28MIPS of performance (CD Quality audio), 42KB Flash and 11KB RAM for operation on the PIC32. This software is a plug-in module for the Harmony Framework, and is not compatible with MLA.

This part number is for modifiable source code.

The AAC algorithm is designed for 80MHz or greater PIC32 MCUs, and supports both PIC32MX and PIC32MZ devices. This code requires 62MIPS peak 34MIPS average performance, 61KB Flash and 12KB RAM without frame buffer memory for operation on the MCU. Supported in MPLAB Harmony v2 only.

Users remain responsible for licensing for their products through Via Licensing.

PIC32 Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) Decoder library provides easy to use APIs for decoding an audio stream encoded using Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) encoding. The PIC32 AAC Decoder library supports the following:

Sample Rates:

8, 11.025, 12, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2 and 96KHz

Bit Rates:

32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 160, 192, 224, 256, 320, 384 kbps and VBR

Microchip offers premium components for MPLAB Harmony that are not included with the free basic framework download. This includes the basic Bluetooth audio package for Harmony, which is a complete software package for customers looking to enable audio playback with remote control, in a Bluetooth application. Supported in MPLAB Harmony v2 only.

Additional audio decoder libraries are available as add-on modules, supporting MP3 and AAC decode.

For more information on these libraries, please see the following links.

PIC32 MP3 Decoder Library for Harmony

PIC32 AAC Decoder Library for Harmony

Advanced, non-Harmony based Bluetooth applications are also available for PIC32 devices. For more information on these libraries, please click here – www.microchip.com/pic32btsuites

Harmony Framework Only

The Microchip WMA Decoder can decode audio signals sampled at up to 48 kHz with up to two discrete channels. The WMA Decoder also supports VBR and CBR encoded audio stream. In most circumstances, .wma files are contained in Advance Systems Format (ASF), which is supported by the WMA Decoder. Microchip technology provides software libraries allowing customers to build audio applications with high quality and professional results. The WMA Decoder library is optimized (C/ASM) and is available for all PIC32MX devices. Supported in MPLAB Harmony v2 only.

The Microchip WMA Library is only available in binary format, and is only available to Windows Media Component Licensees.

Click Here for Microsoft Licensing Details.

Microsoft WMA Decoder Library for PIC32 is also available in MLA. Click Here for details