Choina Only! 70% Discount on PICkit 3 & Many More!

15. January 2012 by admin.

To usher in 2012 and the Year of the Dragon, the Dev Tools group and microchipDIRECT are jointly offering a special promotion on many popular Microchip development tools exclusively to engineers in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan from now till February 6th, 2012.

Highlights of the sale include a never-before 70% discount on the PICkit 3 at RMB88 / US$13.99, the MPLAB ICD 3, Explorer 16, MPLAB Starter Kit for PIC18F MCUs, and analog boards at 40% discount.

To buy, first log on to the Microchip China Community site and register (www.microchip.com.cn/community <http://www.microchip.com.cn/community> ).  Discount codes will be emailed to the buyer and with the codes, he is now ready to purchase on microchipDIRECT.  The process is quick and easy.  

Posted in 8-bit, Chona, 16-bit, 32-bit, microchipdirect, Development Tool | Print | 1 Comment »

Save up to 40%: End of Year Dev Tool Sale on Now

29. November 2011 by admin.

From: http://www.microchip.com/en_us/promo/yes2011/index.html

Use promo code YES2011 on microchipDIRECT to save on the following tools:

MPLAB^® ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger

DV164035   $189.99

NOW $151.99

The MPLAB^® ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger system is Microchip’s latest and most cost-effective high-speed emulator for Flash dsPIC^® Digital Signal Controller (DSC) and PIC^® microcontroller (MCU) devices. It debugs and programs with the powerful, yet easy-to-use MPLAB^® IDE graphical user interface. This debugger provides significant performance enhancements for embedded systems designers. Programming times are typically 15x faster than previous systems. A 40 MHz dsPIC33 and high-speed FPGA yield faster communications, downloads and debugging. For further technical descriptions, refer to www.microchip.com/icd3.

 

PICkit™ 3 Debug Express

DV164131               $69.99

NOW $55.99

The PICkit™ 3 allows affordable debugging and programming of PIC^® microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC^® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) using the powerful graphical user interface of the MPLAB^® Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This kit includes the 44-pin demo board with a PIC18F45K20 microcontroller, a USB cable, and a CD that includes the user’s guide, tutorials and free software.

 

PIC32 Ethernet Starter Kit

DM320004              $72.00

NOW $55.00

The PIC32 Ethernet Starter Kit contains everything needed to begin development for Ethernet and USB Host/Device/OTG applications with the PIC32 microcontroller family. The board contains an RJ45 Ethernet connector, an on-board programmer/debugger, full size USB host connector, and USB Micro-B connector. The kit ships with an Ethernet cable and USB cables for each connector. Free design documentation, development software and code examples can be obtained from the Ethernet starter kit web page. The board also contains an expansion header for expanding development with boards such as the I/O Expansion Board (DM320002), Multimedia Expansion Board (DM320005) or a board created on your own.

 

Microstick for dsPIC33F and PIC24H

DM330013              $24.99

NOW $18.00

The Microstick for dsPIC33F and PIC24H is the perfect solution for those looking for a low-cost, easy-to-use 16-bit development platform. The USB-powered kit includes an on-board debugger/programmer and a DUT socket for easy device swapping. This kit also comes with the dsPIC33FJ64MC802 and PIC24HJ64GP502 devices.

 

Multimedia Expansion Board

DM320005              $249.99

NOW $150.00

The Multimedia Expansion Board (MEB) provides PIC32 Starter Kit, dsPIC33E USB Starter Kit or PIC24E USB Starter Kit users with an integrated yet flexible solution for development of high impact user interfaces. The board comes with a 3.2″ Color TFT touch-screen QVGA display, an on-board FCC certified WiFi^® module, a 24-bit stereo audio code, a three-axis accelerometer, a joystick and a MicroSD memory card slot.

 

MPLAB^® Starter Kit for PIC24F MCU

DM240011              $59.98

NOW $47.98

The PIC24F Starter Kit contains everything needed to experience the high performance and versatility of the PIC24F microcontroller family. It includes an on-board debugger, USB device and host connectors, a tri-color LED, a capacitive touch pad and an OLED display. Menu driven demonstration software supports data logging, thumb drive and graphics applications.

 

Accessory Development Starter Kit for Android™

DM240415              $79.99

NOW $65.00

The Microchip PIC24F Accessory Development Starter Kit For Android™ is a stand-alone board used for evaluating and developing electronic accessories for Google’s Android operating system for smartphones and tablets. It consists of the 16-bit PIC24F PIC^® MCU-based development board and a software library available via free download.

 

XLP 8-bit Development Board

DM240313              $125.00

NOW $80.00

The XLP 8-bit Development Board provides a low-cost, highly configurable development system for Microchip’s new line of eXtreme low power 8-bit PIC18F or PIC16F Enhanced core microcontrollers that allow for design of sleep currents down to 20 nA. The board supports development for the PIC18F87K22 or PIC16LF1947 MCUs, which highlight the capabilities of each product family.

 

F1 Evaluation Platform

DM164130-1          $39.99

NOW $31.99

The F1 Evaluation Platform is a demonstration/development tool for Enhanced Mid-Range PIC^® microcontrollers (PIC12F1XXX/PIC16F1XXX). Populated with a PIC16LF1937 featuring XLP technology, this platform consists of a 44-pin development board with prototyping space, 3V LCD glass, support for the motor control add-on (coming soon), and support for the PICkit™ 3 debugger and PICkit™ Serial Analyzer. This kit provides a platform for general purpose development, and includes demonstrations focusing on low power, LCD and motor control.

 

Motor Control Starter Kit with mTouch™ Sensing

DM330015              $89.99

NOW $71.99

The Motor Control Starter Kit with mTouch™ Sensing is a complete hardware and software tool suite for evaluating Microchip’s ultra-low cost motor control family of dsPIC^® DSCs. It contains a single board with a BLDC motor, capacitive-touch sliders and a built-in debugger.

 

MCP1640 Synchronous Boost Converter Evaluation Board

MCP1640EV-SBC  $19.99

NOW $15.99

This evaluation board uses the MCP1640 in a high-efficiency (up to 96%), fixed frequency (500MHz), step-up DC-DC converter.

• Easy-to-use and minimum number of external components power supply solution for applications powered by one-cell, two-cell, or three-cell alkaline, NiCd/NiMH; one-cell Li-Ion or Li-Polymer batteries
• Selection of the best operating mode for efficiency (PWM/PFM)
• A wide input voltage range (0.35 to 5.5V) and low start-up voltage (0.65V)
• PCB layout recommendations for SOT23-6 and 2×3 mm-8 DFN packages
• Three common output voltages to evaluate: 2.0V, 3.3V and 5.0V enable selection (when disabled, the MCP1640 disconnects the path from input to output for “true disconnect”)

 

High Voltage Buck Converter 600 mA Demo Board

ADM00352             $19.99

NOW $15.99

The board demonstrates the MCP1640 in two boost-converter applications with multiple output voltages.

• Output Voltage set to 3.3V
• 600 mA Output Current
• Input Voltage Range 4V to 30V with 40V Transients
• EN Input Test Point

 

MCP16301 300 mA D2PAK Demo Board

ADM00360            $14.99

NOW $11.99

Demo board supporting the development of MCP16301 high input voltage, 300mA, D2PAK buck converter.

• Output Voltage set to 3.3V
• 300 mA Output Current
• Input Voltage Range 4V to 26V
• EN Input Test Point
• Minimal Board Space Solution, Smaller than D2PAK Outline

 

MCP2200 USB to RS232 Demo Board

MCP2200EV-VCP  $23.99

NOW $19.99

The board demonstrates the MCP2200 USB to UART in an RS232 configuration. Additionally, the supplied software can be used to configure special features of the device.

• Powered via USB
• Test points for all GPIO pins
• RS232 device and 9-pin D-sub connector for connecting to RS232 applications
• Tx and Rx LEDs for indicating USB to UART traffic (when enabled)
• Software for configuring special features of the device

Posted in 16-bit, 8-bit, 32-bit, Limited-time Offer, microchipdirect, Development Tool | Print | 2 Comments »

Robotics Kit from SparkFun

2. October 2011 by admin.

Check out http://www.sparkfun.com/search/results?term=microchip&what=products for all of their Microchip products. Some of it is even on sale. Which we like!!!!!!!!

 Robotics Kit - PICA2.0 - $149.95

This is a intermediate skill-leveled robot kit, suitable for students in technical colleges as well as universities. This robotics kit will give you the opportunity to work with a 16×2 LCD, DC motors, servo motors, and more!

The backbone of the Robo-PICA kit is a PIC PIC16F887 microcontroller, set to run at 20MHz. Builders can write the controlling program in assembly, BASIC and/or C. This kit includes a number of example programs, compiled using the mikroC compiler, from mikroElektronika.

A USB programmer is included, compatible with Microchip’s PICkit2TM programmer. The software can use PICkit2TM programming software. Free download the latest version at www.microchip.com.

Features:

• Controlled by PIC16F887 Microcontroller
• Programmable via USB programmer (included)
• Free UART port for interfacing wired and wireless serial devics
• LCD16×2 display
• Piezo speaker
• 3x LEDs
• 2x DC motors
• 3x Servo motor Ports
• 8-Programmable ports
• Mechanical parts for building the robot
• Power supplied from 4 of AA battery (rechargeable 1700mAH recommended)
• CDROM with manuals and MikroC evaluation software

Documents:

• User’s Manual
• Example Code

Posted in LCD, DC motor, Servo motor, BASIC, SparkFun Electronics, Assembly, Robotics, 8-bit | Print | 1 Comment »

$11.99 for PIC18F14K50 USB Development Boards

9. September 2011 by admin.

PIC18F14K50 USB Development boards - just $11.99 + Shipping.  

Details are available here: http://store.tautic.com/pic18f14k50-usb-breakout-board.html

Looking to get started with USB development, or add USB to your latest project? You’ve come to the right place!

After the success of version 2 of this handy board, and thorough review of all of the wonderful and helpful feedback, i’m pleased to present the new and improved version 3 of my PIC18F14K50 USB Breakout Board!         

What’s new?

• Programming header holes are now 0.1″ on center - standard. No more mini-icsp headers required!

• Two new LED’s - they’re connected through a solder jumper so you can disable them if necessary. Just check the schematic for details.

• Two push buttons - One is perfect for use with the included USB HID Bootloader, and the other one is available for your use as you see fit.

• The board now offers selectable power via a jumper. You can power the board via the USB bus, or by supplying your own regulated power to the VIN and GND pins of the PWR header of the board.

• The board comes pre-loaded with a slightly modified version of Microchip’s HID Mouse demo. When you plug the board in, you’ll see the two LED’s flash alternatively (once connected to usb), and your mouse cursor will move in a circle. Press the RB4 button to start/stop the mouse movement. This simple demo verifies the board’s functionality.

• Still nice and small - This board measures just 2″ by 0.8″ (only .6″ larger than v2!)

 Schematic

Here are the features of this board

• Header are 0.1″ spaced, so if you solder standard break-away pins into the board, this board will fit nicely in a breadboard!
• Able to run off of USB bus power, no external power needed. The usb protocol allows you to draw up to about 100MA, so keep this in mind Simply place the power jumper in the right most two pins marked “BUS”.
• Able to run off of power you supply - simply apply regulated voltage to the GND and VIN pins of the PWR header, and set the power jumper to the left most two pins, marked PWR.
• The design includes a 120MA PTC (polyfuse) on the power line to help protect your USB port when using bus power.
• Microchip’s USB demo code intended for the low pin count demo board compiles fine for this board with no modification.
• In case you don’t want to use the USB HID bootloader (I use the PicKIT3 with great success)
• All of the 20 pins of the PIC18F14K50 are available on the headers, and pin numbering matches that of the PIC18F14K50.
• This board takes a lot of the time around basic design and gives you a running start.

Now shipping with Microchip’s HID Bootloader pre installed on the board!

I’ve tested this board with Microchip’s HID bootloader available in their USB framework download. While using the bootloader takes up a portion of the flash memory, it allows you to experiment with this board without access to a PicKIT3 programmer! Simply hold down the RA3 button while connecting the USB cable to enter bootloader mode. Then all you need to do is run the HID Bootloader PC application to upload your HEX file. You can get the PC program in Microchip’s USB framework. Once you’ve uploaded your file, simply cycle the power off and on, or remove and re-insert the USB cable without holding RA3 to run your program. I will flash the bootloader onto the board before shipping for your convenience and as a test to make sure the board is ready to go. You can always overwrite the base firmware with your programmer if necessary. Each board is hand assembled and tested before shipping.  

 

 

What can you do with it?

• Build an HID device (mouse, keyboard, some other kind of input device - Convert that retro controller into a USB device!)
• Use the built in ADC on the PIC to for voltage measurements and read these values on a PC. You can easily add a simple resistor based voltage divider to read higher voltages.
• Build a CDC Serial device (see Microchip’s sample code) - This is one of the quickest ways to get started in USB. Your device will show up as a new serial port on your computer, and you can interact with it just like any other serial devices you may have created in the past.
• Just about anything else you can think of related to USB, or not !

Posted in Tautic Electronics, USB, 8-bit | Print | 1 Comment »

Simple USB PIC programmer

25. August 2011 by admin.

From http://sourceforge.net/projects/usbpicprog/

usbpicprog is a Microchip PIC programmer with simple hardware: one PIC18F2550 and some components. It’s therefore easy and cheap to build. Usbpicprog consists of 3 components: Hardware, Embedded software and a stand-alone program for Win, Mac and Linux.

Posted in SourceForge, GNU General Public License (GPL), Programmer, USB, 8-bit, PIC | Print | 2 Comments »

Easy USB HID example for the PIC18F14K50 Breakout Board in Mikroelektronika’s mikroC

1. August 2011 by admin.

From http://www.tautic.com/easy-usb-hid-example-for-the-pic18f14k50-breakout-board-in-mikroelektronikas-mikroc

In this article we’re going to explore creating a simple sample for getting the PIC18F14K50 USB Breakout Board up and running as a USB HID device. Unlike last time, we’ll be using MikroElektronika’s mikroC PRO for PIC (version 4.60.0.0). In this example we won’t be using Microchip’s USB HID Bootloader, but rather programming the board directly with a programmer.  I’ll be using the PICkit 3.

I like mikroC for a few reasons. The IDE itself is a pleasure to use, and I find many of the included libraries to be extremely helpful and very usable. Comparing this to other C compilers, I believe most people who are just getting started with microcontrollers and or C will find this compiler one of the easiest to use.

In this example, we’re using the USB library which will allow us to get our sample running in a very minimum number of lines of code which are also extremely easy to read. There are a few details along the way specific to the PIC18F14K50 so be sure to pay close attention.

Project files and code for this tutorial can be downloaded here: mikroC USB HID on PIC18F14K50.zip

Read all at… http://www.tautic.com/easy-usb-hid-example-for-the-pic18f14k50-breakout-board-in-mikroelektronikas-mikroc

Posted in MikroElektronika, USB, 8-bit | Print | 1 Comment »

Free On Demand Training from ESC

12. May 2011 by admin.

Check out the archives of the live training from the Embedded Systems Conference in Santa Jose May 3-5.

http://www.microchip.com/en_us/events/ESCSV2011/live.html

• Designing for Smart Energy and Low Power Applications
• Connectivity Solutions featuring USB and Ethernet
• Touch Sense and Graphics Solutions

• Wireless Solutions for Embedded Design
• Development Tools Featuring MPLAB® X IDE
• Smart Energy Monitoring Metering and Control

Posted in Wireless, WiFi, Ethernet, MPASM, Seminars & Confrences, Digital Power, Smart Energy, Embedded Systems Design, Tips & Tricks, Product Review, Programmer, Touch Sensing, 16-bit, dsPIC, Motor Control, 32-bit, PIC, ZigBee, Training & Education, USB, 8-bit, Microchip | Print | 1 Comment »

100% open source bootloader for PIC18F, PIC24F, PIC24H, dsPIC30F and dsPIC33F

19. December 2010 by admin.

From http://mrmackey.no-ip.org/elektronik/ds30loader/

The ds30 Loader is a fully open source bootloader for PIC16F, PIC18, PIC24, and dsPIC families of MCUs from Microchip. It comes with support for over 300 devices out of the box!

Features

• PIC16 firmware
• PIC18 firmware
• PIC24 firmware
• dsPIC30 firmware
• dsPIC33 firmware
• Windows support
• Linux support
• Mac support
• UART (RS232/RS485) communication
• CAN communication

Get it now at http://mrmackey.no-ip.org/elektronik/ds30loader/downloads.php 

Posted in Bootloader, Open Source, 8-bit, 16-bit | Print | 1 Comment »

Free Modbus Source Code

26. August 2010 by admin.

From FieldServer Technologies: http://www.protocessor.com/products/Free_Modbus_RTU_Source_Code.html

• Are you designing an industrial or building automation controller that requires Modbus RTU?
• Do your customers ask for Modbus RTU protocol support?
• Did you know that Modbus RTU is the most popular Industrial Automation protocol in the world?
• Did you know that implementing Modbus RTU on your embedded systems will provide greatest connectivity?

If the answer to any of the above is yes, then this Modbus RTU source code is a good place to start. Obtain the source code by clicking on the link to the right. This code is written for a PIC18f2431 chip, but it can easily be adapted for other CPUs. The steps required to have a functioning Modbus RTU server device are:

Compile our Free Modbus RTU Source Code using the Microchip C18 compiler

Using the Microchip ICD2 debugger module, download the resulting binary image to a PIC18F2431 on the Microchip PICDEM2 Plus evaluation board

Fire up a working Modbus RTU server (slave).

Use our Modbus Simulator to test the communications with your controller.

Posted in FieldServer Technologies, Source Code, 8-bit | Print | 2 Comments »

80-pin BIGPIC5 MCU Boards

20. May 2010 by admin.

From http://www.mikroe.com/eng/products/view/19/pic-mcu-cards/

We would like to provide our customers with extra MCU parts for developing purposes. At present, we are offering components for several microcontroller’s compatible with our BIGPIC5 development systems.

BIGPIC5 MCU Card’s (80 pin) have a very good contact with the board thru a two-line connector. The bottom of the card is ground plane for noise prevention.

Posted in MikroElektronika, 8-bit | Print | 1 Comment »