dsPIC33A Firmware Development
Overview
On this page, we review available hardware and software tools to help you get started writing firmware for dsPIC33A:
- MPLAB® X IDE
- MPLAB XC-DSC Compiler Collection
- MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) Melody
- Development Boards
- Programmer-Debuggers
- Code Examples
MPLAB X IDE
MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is at the center of the overall development environment. The IDE provides a user-friendly interface for you to write, compile, debug, and program microcontroller (MCU) firmware. It's available for Windows®, macOS®, and Linux® platforms.
A plugin manager is built into MPLAB X IDE to assist users in installing, updating, and removing various MPLAB X plugins, which extend the functionality of the IDE.
MPLAB X IDE is your one-stop shop for complete project management and integration with other development tools, such as compilers and programmer/debugger hardware.
MPLAB XC-DSC Compiler Collection
The MPLAB XC-DSC C Compiler is a full-featured, optimizing compiler that translates standard ANSI C programs into dsPIC® Digital Signal Controller (DSC) device assembly language source. The compiler also supports many command line options and language extensions that allow full access to the DSC device hardware capabilities and affords fine control of the compiler code generator.
The MPLAB XC-DSC compiler is a fully validated tool that conforms to the ISO/IEC 9899:1990 C programming language standard (referred to in this document as C90) as well the ISO/IEC 9899:1999 C programming language standard (C99) for programming languages.
The compiler also supports many dsPIC DSC-oriented language extensions that allow full access to the DSC device hardware capabilities and affords fine control of the compiler's code generator.
MCC Melody
MCC Melody is a graphical plugin tool for MPLAB X IDE that assists you in developing 8-bit and 16-bit applications. It also supports application development with dsPIC33AK devices.
It helps configure devices easily, use peripherals and includes libraries that help you generate application code quickly. It visualizes components’ dependencies to simplify development and offers easy maintenance by enabling content versioning at driver level. You can easily migrate across MCUs with MCC Melody to keep up with your application needs.
Development Boards
The dsPIC33A Curiosity Platform Development Board (EV74H48A) is a full-featured development and demonstration platform that enables customers to explore the capabilities of the dsPIC33A family:
The board operation requires the insertion of a 120-pin General Purpose Dual In-Line Module (DIM) containing a dsPIC33A DSC device (purchased separately), such as the dsPIC33AK128MC106 Curiosity GP DIM (EV02G02A) shown inserted above.
Programmer-Debuggers
For programming and debugging from the MPLAB X IDE to actual hardware, Microchip offers several In-Circuit Debugger/Programmers.
MPLAB PICkit™ 5
The MPLAB PICkit™ 5 in-circuit debugger/programmer uses an 8-pin Single In-Line (SIL) connector interface. It’s designed to be a portable prototyping tool that enables production-ready programming for all Microchip devices—including PIC® MCUs, dsPIC DSCs, AVR® and SAM devices—and Arm® Cortex®-based microprocessors (MPUs).
The PICkit 5 supports a wide variety of interfaces such as four-wire JTAG or Serial Wire Debug (SWD) with streaming UART Virtual Comm Port (VCP). With an added Debugger Adapter Board, PICkit 5 can use standard connectors for JTAG, SWD, ICSP, and AVR protocols.
The PICkit 5 can be powered by the target board and can program a default image with a press of the button hidden under the logo sticker and by using the PICkit 5 stand-alone MPLAB Programmer-to-Go (PTG) mobile app. This allows you to connect to the tool from your smartphone via Bluetooth® and browse any application files stored on the tools microSD card then start programming the target board right from the app.
MPLAB ICD 5
The MPLAB ICD 5 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer is the next step up and offers advanced connectivity and power options for designs based on PIC, AVR, and SAM devices, as well as dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). With its support for Fast Ethernet connectivity and Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+), the MPLAB ICD 5 Debugger/Programmer offers flexibility and the convenience of remote development while isolating your application from environmental conditions.
Code Examples
Small code snippets are provided in the product data sheet to demonstrate certain peripheral configuration procedures.
In addition, MPLAB Discover provides you with a searchable database of code/project examples for all Microchip MCUs. By entering "dsPIC33A" as a search term, you are provided with a listing of code examples for dsPIC33A:
