Microchip announces the MPLAB® ICD 3 - a cost-effective, high-speed development tool that supports in-circuit programming and debugging of Microchip’s Flash-based 8-bit PIC® microcontrollers (MCUs), and its entire line of 16- and 32-bit MCUs and 16-bit dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). With robust system capabilities and high-speed circuitry, flash MCU programming times are 15X or faster than the current generation, plus the MPLAB ICD 3 offers full compatibility with the MPLAB IDE, exceptional programming speed and reliability.

The new product is available at distributor Rutronik now.

Key features include up to 1,000 software breakpoints, 2-5.5V operation, a
ruggedised target interface for increased protection from over-voltage and
over-current, internal memory for program storage, and 100mA of target
current support. Future Microchip device firmware support is easily added
through updated versions of the MPLAB IDE.

Maintaining backward compatibility with Microchip’s RJ-11 interface, the
MPLAB ICD 3 can easily connect to target boards for quick device
programming. Further, by integrating this new tool with the free and
feature-rich MPLAB IDE, Microchip provides design engineers with a familiar
development environment. This integration also serves to shorten the
learning curve for customers on the 500-strong PIC MCU and dsPIC DSC
portfolios.

The MPLAB ICD 3 includes a diagnostic Test Interface Module to assist users
with system troubleshooting and failure isolation, RJ-11 and USB 2.0
cables, a CD containing the MPLAB IDE with full documentation and a
reference poster.

www.rutronik.com