Academic Newsletter Spring 2012

In This Issue... Greetings Academics! Spring 2012 This has been a busy quarter for with some notable announcements that provide great solutions for Academia A Fun and Easy Way detailed in this edition. to Learn About Microcontollers...... 2 E-Z Robot...... 4 New Microchip C Compilers Microchip launches Microchip recently announced the release of its new MPLAB XC Embedded Code Source...... 6 Compiler line. This new line of compilers will replace the legacy HI-TECH C® and MPLAB C Compilers for all of our PIC MCUs and Microchip Upgrades Enhanced Core dsPIC DSCs. The MPLAB XC Compilers provide a simplified offering dsPIC33E & PIC24E Devices to 70 MIPS with some really nice optimizations and new pricing. Of course, Embedded Code Source...... 6 completely FREE versions of the compilers are available with no EAGLE Design Challenge: Design the Next code-size restrictions or time-outs. Therefore, each student can Innovation for Microchip in EAGLE V6 . . . 7 still enjoy a copy of both MPLAB X IDE and a relevant version of the MPLAB XC Compiler on both their school and home computers. Microchip Simplifies C Compiler Offering for all PIC®MCUs and dsPIC®DSCs with the new Breadboard Friendly PIC32 MPLAB®XC Line...... 8 Another great announcement is the new family of low-cost, small Third Party Corner package 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers. These new additions are chipKIT™ Software News ...... 9 available in Skinny Plastic Dual In-Line Packages (SPDIP) making New Products...... 9 them a perfect platform for student projects. Interact with Microchip at “MCHP Tube”. . 11 Third Party Solutions for K thru PhD In this edition of the newsletter, we will also discuss some low- CALLING ALL... barrier introductory platforms from some Third Parties. The EZ-Robot system is an easy-to-use platform for students who want Students, Professors & Third Party Tool to build a robot out of an old or new toy. We are also pleased to Developers, want to submit an article bring you an article from Clive Seager who developed the world for the Academic Newsletter? renowned PICAXE platform. Both of these development systems use high-level development environments that don’t require any Contact us at: programming abilities or advance knowledge of microcontrollers. [email protected] However, they also provide a migration path into more advanced tools should the educator wish to do so. To learn more about these or any other Academic-friendly products please contact Microchip’s Academic Team at academic@ microchip.com or visit us at www.microchip.com/academic.

Facebook Fan Pages (click on the name to view) Thanks for reading! Academic Support Fan Page Marc McComb, Editor Microchip Technology Inc. Fan Page Microchip En Espanol Technical Training Centers

www.microchip.com/academic Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter A Fun and Easy Way to Learn about Microcontrollers An Introduction to the PICAXE® System By Clive Seager What is PICAXE? grade levels, we’re primarily concerned with quickly enabling the students to get something working. Let’s PICAXE is a very solder something up and see it working 10 minutes popular educational later. system for developing PIC projects with middle PICAXE Project Kits and high school A typical PICAXE project kit, a seasonal ‘Rudolph the students. It’s the most Reindeer’ tree decoration, is shown below. Students are popular microcontroller introduced to various components and they solder them educational system in a number of countries. The onto the PCB. Each project is carefully designed to PICAXE project philosophy is to provide school show various I/O devices. Even the simplest projects students a fun, successful introduction to electronics still include digital (button switch) and analog (LDR) and microcontroller projects without any previous inputs, as well as the piezo and LED outputs. experience. The desired outcome is that this experience will prompt students to consider electrical engineering Each PICAXE project kit as a career choice. includes a ‘headphone’ style 3.5 mm socket Projects in Schools for connecting the USB download cable. This Upon initial exposure to a project, the student will cable style was carefully learn the functions of various components, as well as selected for educational identifying the component. They’ll also learn assembly use. The connectors techniques such as breadboarding, soldering, testing are low cost but also and troubleshooting. Finally, for microcontroller projects, very robust. They are far stronger than, for instance, students will develop, download and test the control 0.1" headers as traditionally used with a PICkit™ style program. Quite an undertaking for a 12-year-old! . By programming the microcontroller ‘in circuit,’ there’s no threat of physical pin damage as the The PICAXE system is successful because it completely chip never leaves the student’s board. ‘hides behind the scenes.’ It provides the specialist microcontroller technical knowledge (configuration fuse settings, watchdog timers, etc.) so the young student Do-It-Yourself can immediately do exciting things: flash an LED, play a One of the key objectives tune, control a motor, respond to a light sensor, etc. of the PICAXE system is to encourage students PICAXE Programming to design and develop their own projects at the At the simplest level, the entire student program is a component level, be it on graphical flowchart, which is easily created by dragging breadboard, strip board or out cells and connecting them together. Next, the even a full PCB. flowchart can then be tested on-screen via a simple animated simulation, and then downloaded directly into As a quick introduction, let’s look at an example of the PICAXE project via a USB cable connection. Most a typical student project—a baby’s nursery room students can learn how to use all the main features of temperature monitor. At above 20° C (68° F) we want to the software within a one hour session. light a red LED as ‘too hot’ and at below 16° C (61° F) we want to light a blue LED as ‘too cold’. For this type of If desired, the PICAXE chips can be programmed project, it’s better to use an accurate ‘digital’ temperature with a BASIC style language. The BASIC language is sensor rather than trying to calibrate a traditional specifically selected allowing a rapid introduction to thermistor. programming within a limited time frame. At these

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 2 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter

Traditionally, using a digital sensor such as the Dallas Education Doesn’t Stop After School DS18B20 temperature sensor would involve searching Although primarily designed for education, PICAXE has a for 1-wire protocol libraries, learning the protocol and very large hobbyist market due to its ease of use. then spending several hours of developing and testing. PICAXE has both 8 and 80-year-old users! If your hobby The PICAXE system offers an instant solution–simply is, for instance, model aircrafting, it can be very simple use the built-in ‘readtemp’ command! Because to design a tiny 8-pin PICAXE circuit to achieve certain commands for the common protocols (1-wire, I2C™, SPI, tasks with your aircraft. A large number of companies UNI/O, RS232 etc.) are included by default, using more use PICAXE as a quick and easy ‘proof of concept’ advanced components is now as simple as using an development tool before later converting across to a LED. production ‘PIC’ MCU version of their program.

Start

Read Temperature DS18B20 on Pin 4 Read Temp 4,T

Baby Room Temp T > 20 Should Be 16-20 C Yes

T < 16 Yes

Temp OK Too Cold! Too Hot! Blue LED on Pin 1 No High 1 Low 1 Low 1

High 2 Red LED on Pin 2 Low 2 Low 2 Summary Key PICAXE Features: ■ Free, easy-to-use software specifically designed for education ■ Low setup cost. The only ‘dev tool’ required is the The Logicator flowchart can be created and tested in USB download cable. less than 10 minutes. The extensive PICAXE website Low unit cost. It’s affordable for each student to (www..com) also contains many ‘Circuit Creator’ ■ build an individual project and take it home pages that include numerous circuits, schematics, PCB sections and code examples that can be used for ■ All chip sizes (8, 14, 18, 20, 28 and 40-pin) use the project development. same language and software ■ On screen simulations for program testing On Screen Simulation ■ Simple language allows immediate student achievement All PICAXE programs and flowcharts can be simulated ■ Powerful, also supports most of the PIC MCU on-screen allowing students to slowly ‘step’ through 2 their control sequence. Each cell in the flowchart features such as I C, SPI, USARTs, etc. highlights as it is processed, with a graphical ■ Full SPICE circuit simulation software also available representation of the microcontroller showing input/ ■ Extensive online resources, teaching materials and output pin status. guides For further details about the PICAXE system, please For educators who want full Berkeley SPICE circuit visit simulation, the ‘PICAXE VSM’ software is also available. www.picaxe.com. This is a special low-cost educational version of the Clive Seager is the Technical Director of Revolution popular Labcenter Proteus circuit simulator; it allows Education Ltd, the developers of the PICAXE system. PICAXE circuits to be built, simulated and tested on In March 2012 Clive was an awarded a “Lifetime screen Outstanding Achievement Award” by the UK Design and Technology Association for his pioneering educational work. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 3 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter

Within the graphical interface, EZ-Robot users begin familiarizing Personalized Robotics themselves with robotics by learning how servos and sensors EZ-Robot: Personalized Robotics work. Next, the user begins customizing control options to EZ-Robot introduces the achieve their robot’s goals. gateway to personal robotics. Before they know it, users are The base of the platform is integrating controls with EZ-Script, the EZ-B V3 Bluetooth C# or Visual Basic commands as their robot comes to Controller, which is powered by life with a unique personality. For more details and the the Microchip PIC18F4685 at link to download EZ-Builder, visit the website: 40 MHZ. Connecting to your http://www.ez-robot.com/EZ-Builder/. computer by a class 2 (2.5 mw, 4 dBm) Bluetooth connection, the EZ-B is a very For more advanced users powerful and flexible robotics controller. Due to the high with programming experience, stability and efficiency of the design, 20 digital I/O the EZ-Robot platform can ports, 8 ADC ports, and 1 I2C port can be used integrated into any custom simultaneously. All 20 digital ports are dynamically application with C#, Visual configured for input/output, and will automatically Basic, or C++. The EZ-SDK switch between Serial/Input/Output/Ping Sensor/PWM exposes all the powerful and Servo depending on what is connected. For digital features of the graphical EZ-Builder application. Every ports alone, this allows the connection of 20 servos, method within the SDK is publicly accessible, including 20 sensors, 20 LEDs, 20 LCD Displays, 20 serial ports speech recognition, servo control, digital I/O, ADC input, or any combination of these. visual processing, joystick/Wii input devices, TCP server and much more. The EZ-SDK allows practically limitless Pairing the powerful controller expandability by providing up to 255 simultaneous EZ-B to a custom software package connections; that’s 255 I2C ports, 5,100 Digital I/O that utilizes hardware features ports and 2040 ADC ports! is a key strength of the EZ- Robot platform. EZ-Builder is EZ-Robot knows that not everybody will have time to the world’s first complete robot create a custom robot; the software and hardware control software package and also supports a growing number of third party robot was designed exclusively for the EZ-Robot platform. platforms. For out-of-the-box flying robots, the software Bringing your robot to life has never been easier! Using directly supports the AR Parrot Drone and integrates the graphical interface that allows anyone to add unique the camera for complete vision tracking. The popular features to their personal robot, EZ-Builder integrates iRobot Roomba is also natively supported as a great easily with cameras, speech recognition, Wii remotes, prototyping platform. The most recent third party joysticks, accelerometers, GPS, virtual reality headsets, addition is the stylish Brookstone Rover, which also and much more. The EZ-Robot Wireless Camera that supports all EZ-Builder functionality. New platforms are comes with the EZ-Robot Complete Kit expands the being added often, including bipeds and hexapods! functionality of your personalized robot as well. Once connected to the wireless camera, your robot will gain Check out some of the supported platforms here: the ability to track color, movement, glyphs, and facial http://www.ez-robot.com/Tutorials/Supported- detection. To help beginners, there is an online step-by- Robot-Platforms.aspx. step tutorial section with videos that make the process easy. Every feature of EZ-Builder has informative For educational purposes, EZ-Builder and EZ-SDK offer tutorials available on the EZ-Robot website an innovative approach for resource sharing of your (http://www.ez-robot.com/Tutorials/), and made valuable robot hardware. 500 copies of EZ-Builder can accessible directly from the software. For ultimate network to each other, which share and communicate expandability, up to 5 EZ-B’s can be connected to an EZ- hardware resources in real-time! This allows different Builder project; that’s 5 I2C ports, 100 Digital I/O ports individuals or groups to simultaneously work on a and 40 ADC ports! variety of functions within one robot.

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 4 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter

For example, one student can program camera vision ■ EZ-Builder connect up to 5 EZ-Bs (100 Digital I/O tracking while another configures movements and yet and 40 Analog Inputs) another controls appendages, all simultaneously! ■ EZ-SDK connect up to 255 EZ-Bs (5100 Digital I/O and 2040 ADC) Also built within the EZ-Builder Speech synthesis software is the option to ■ save to the EZ-Cloud. Users, ■ Joystick support teachers or managers have ■ Servo position and speed control the ability to access their ■ Auto collision detection and radar controls customized projects from any ■ Speech recognition computer through the EZ-Cloud portal. The option to ■ BlinkM controls share your creation with others by making your project files public is also available. The EZ-Cloud will also be ■ H-Bridge control used to download project files for the upcoming mobile ■ Advanced custom scripting (EZ-Script, C#, VB) versions of the EZ-Robot Software. ■ Vision color/motion/glyph/facial tracking via camera ■ Wii remote EZ-Robot is defining personal robotics by providing a powerful, expandable and easy-to-use platform to ■ Touch pad tablet controls personalize your dream robots. EZ-Robot invites you to ■ AR Drone Parrot support visit our website at www.ez-robot.com to see how the ■ Brookstone Rover Tank support EZ-Community is working together to change the world, ■ EZ-Cloud V1, enables file sharing online one robot at a time! ■ Vuzix augmented reality ■ HTTP server for mobile remote connectivity 20 Digital Ports Support ■ TCP server for hardware sharing ■ Digital I/O ■ Much more! ■ Servos (20 speeds and 100 positions) ■ Serial ports (9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200 Development Statistics baud rates) ■ 60,000+ lines of C++ and C# Code ■ HC-SR04/Ultrasonic Ping Sensor ■ 10,000+ lines of Assembly Code ■ PWM (0-100% duty cycle in 1% increments ■ EZ-Robot started December 30, 2010 from 0-5 volts) Current Uses for EZ-Robot Platform Hardware Features ■ Personal robot companions ■ 8 ADC ports ■ Wheelchair automation ■ Class 2 (2.5mw, 4dBm) bluetooth ■ Robotic arm’s ■ Microchip PIC18F4685 operating at 40 MHz ■ Automated lawn mowers ■ Custom bootloader ■ Home automation ■ Max 17 volts DC input ■ Security bots ■ Min 5 volts DC input ■ AR Parrot Drone integration ■ 5 Amp fused input ■ Brookstone Rover integration ■ Powered 3 wire connector for all bus I/O ■ iRobot Roomba support ■ 5 Amp, 5 volt regulator (0.3 volt drop-out) ■ Disabled person/elderly assistance tools ■ I2C hardware interface with onboard pull-up resistors ■ Flying robots ■ shield compatible Note: The EZ-Robot Complete Kit will be available on Software Features microchipDIRECT in June 2012 (part TEZR001) ■ Graphical interface or Visual Basic, C#, C++ COM SDK ■ Lifetime firmware and SDK updates ■ No microcontroller programming experience needed!

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 5 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter Microchip Launches Embedded Code Source An Application Store and Social Community for Downloading and Rating Free PIC MCU Code (Click on the image to view a video for embeddedsourcecode.com) Microchip announced the Embedded Code Source, an application store for the embedded community that provides free software and firmware for PIC microcontrollers, along with the ability to rate and review each download. This interactive site includes free code from both Microchip and its large network of third-party developers, who are also available for expert advice and contract programming. Recent surveys have shown that a majority of embedded designers consider software tools to be a critical factor in choosing a processor, and that the largest portion of most development teams is comprised of software engineers. These trends, combined with the increasing popularity of open-source and freeware code, point to the need for more embedded software resources. The Embedded Code Source combines Microchip’s extensive code repository with those of its large third-party network to provide a comprehensive, free and easily searchable resource for the embedded community. “Microchip is continually looking for ways to help customers get to market faster,” said Ken Pye, Microchip’s vice president of Worldwide Applications. “With engineering budgets and schedules under constant pressure, software engineers need fast access to code that they can use, new ideas and feedback on what others have found beneficial. Patterned after popular mobile-application stores, the new Embedded Code Source fulfills this need.” Designers can begin downloading from the Embedded Code Source today, by browsing its list of intuitive categories or performing a keyword search at http://www.embeddedcodesource.com.

Microchip Upgrades Enhanced Core dsPIC33E & PIC24E Devices to 70 MIPS Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, upgrades its formerly 60 MIPS enhanced-core dsPIC33E Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and PIC24E microcontrollers (MCUs) to 70 MIPS performance. The devices feature 536 KB Flash memory and 52 KB RAM, greater I/O capabilities, a USB 2.0 OTG interface, and enhanced motor-control, graphics, audio and real-time embedded-control capabilities. Additionally, the family has been expanded with the release of three new non- USB 64-pin devices that are fully compatible with Microchip’s entire portfolio of dsPIC33F DSCs and PIC24H/PIC24F MCUs, software libraries and tools, providing a solid growth path for current customers. The upgraded 70 MIPS motor-control DSCs enable designers to expand motor-control system performance in high- end industrial and commercial applications. These devices include Microchip’s industry-leading motor control PWM peripherals, enabling the generation of PWM waveforms needed to control virtually any motor, such as servos, and running dual three-phase motors in parallel. A new dead-time compensation feature reduces software overhead. Additionally, the USB 2.0 OTG peripheral enables connections to a PC, Flash drive and other USB-enabled devices, and 70 MIPS performance means the new DSCs and MCUs support computer-interfaced applications. Three on-chip analog comparators further reduce system cost and the number of external components required. These capabilities, coupled with the family’s high integration, make them some of the most capable motor control devices on the market. (Continued on page 7)

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 6 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter

(Continuted from page 6) Upgrading the recently-introduced portfolio of dsPIC33E and PIC24E devices to 70 MIPS allows Microchip’s customers to benefit from higher performance at no extra cost. The three new 64-pin devices with 536 KB Flash memory facilitate applications needing larger Flash and RAM memories, while still fitting into a small 9 mm x 9 mm QFN footprint. Designers can use the same tools that they did for the dsPIC33 and PIC24 “E” families. This includes the dsPIC33E USB Starter Kit (DM330012) and the PIC24E USB Starter Kit (DM240012), which are both available. These starter kits can be used for standalone development, and also work with an assortment of Microchip’s daughter boards, such as its Multimedia Expansion Board (DM320005), which enables the development of high- impact user interfaces. Additionally, there are several Plug-In Modules (PIMs) available for Microchip’s Explorer 16 Development Board and motor-control development kits, including the dsPICDEM™ MCHV (DM330023), dsPICDEM MCLV (DM330021) and dsPICDEM MCSM (DM330022) kits. PIMs include the dsPIC33E 100-pin PIM for Motor Control, General Purpose and Graphics Applications (MA330025-1); PIC24E 100-pin PIM for General Purpose and Graphics Applications (MA240025-1); dsPIC33E 144-pin PIM for General Purpose and Graphics Applications (MA330025- 2); dsPIC33E 144-pin PIM for Motor Control Applications (MA330025-3); and PIC24E 144-pin PIM for General Purpose and Graphics Applications (MA240025-2). The dsPIC33E Dual Motor Control PIM (MA330027) enables designers to simultaneously control two motors using one dsPIC33E DSC. EAGLE Design Challenge Design the Next Innovation for Microchip in EAGLE V6 Judging The competition will feature peer voting from the element14 community. Community members “like” entries and submit comments.

CadSoft and Premier Farnell announced recently the A panel of judges—consisting of CadSoft, Premier start of the EAGLE Design Challenge, which will run until Farnell and Microchip representatives along with August 31, 2012. Design engineers can submit design independent EAGLE expert Prof. Dr. Francesco projects for a shot at winning prizes with an overall Volpe from the University of Applied Sciences in value of around $7,000. The competition is powered by Aschaffenburg—will pick the winners based on the Microchip and hosted on element14. Elektor and Circuit “likes” and comments from community members. Cellar are acting as media partners. According to the rules, “judging criteria include clarity in description of the submission, its electronic concept, Participation design complexity, design quality, and functionality.” To participate, applicants must ensure that all designs use EAGLE Version 6 and that a Microchip MCU or DSC Prizes will be integrated in the design. 1. DELL Alienware M17x r3 + EAGLE version 6 Professional including all three modules. After registering at element14, you can submit a 2. MICROCHIP DV164037 Kit, Eval, ICD3 w/ Explorer-16 screenshot of your layout and add a project description & DM163022-1 8-Bit development board + EAGLE on the competition page. Version 6 Professional including all three modules. If you don’t have an EAGLE license and want to participate 3. EAGLE Version 6 Standard including all three modules. in the contest, you can download a free 30-days trial Visit www.element14.com/eagle-competition for version at: www.element14.com/eagle-freemium. more details as well as the terms and conditions.

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 7 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter

Microchip Simplifies C Compiler Offering for all PIC MCUs and dsPIC DSCs with the new MPLAB XC Line MPLAB XC Compilers—One Each for 8, 16 and 32-bit; Improves Code Execution Speed by About 30% and Reduces Code Size by About 35% FREE Versions with No Code-Size Restrictions or Time-outs Many designers and Academics need a free C compiler. The 8, 16 and 32-bit Free editions of Microchip’s MPLAB XC Compilers offer many optimizations, are Microchip Technology is pleased to announce MPLAB fully functional and have no license restrictions for XC Compilers—its simplified line of C compilers that commercial use. For those who want to test their code provide the best execution speed and code size for all with the Pro optimization levels, which are approximately ~900 PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC Digital 50% better than the Free editions, Microchip also Signal Controllers (DSCs). The MPLAB XC8, XC16 and offers evaluation editions with Pro optimization levels XC32 compilers offer reduced complexity for 8, 16 and that last for 60 days, after which they convert to the 32-bit designers, with three cost-effective optimization Free compilers. Like the Free editions, the evaluation levels—Free, Standard and Pro; the Pro editions can be editions are fully functional and have no license evaluated for free for 60 days. Additionally, MPLAB XC restrictions for commercial usage. Compilers provide support for the , Mac OS® and Windows® operating systems, enabling designers to use Pricing & Availability their platform of choice for embedded development. To further support the diverse requirements of View a brief presentation on these new C compilers at: embedded developers, Microchip is now offering the http://www.microchip.com/get/6FCS ability to purchase both single-user licenses and the full suite of MPLAB XC Compilers for all ~900 8, 16 Migrate Existing Code and 32-bit PIC MCUs and dsPIC DSCs. Additionally, Another important consideration for today’s designers is organizations with multiple engineers can purchase a the ability to re-use their code and easily migrate to the floating network license, where the compiler is hosted level of microcontroller performance and features that on that company’s Intranet for easy access by all of its best suits the needs of each project. These have always designers. been strengths for Microchip, and MPLAB XC Compilers The MPLAB XC8, MPLAB XC16 and MPLAB XC32 continue that tradition by making it easy to move code Compilers are available today. Prices for this new XC from any of Microchip’s existing compilers. Additionally, line have been reduced up to 60%, and the Pro editions MPLAB XC Compilers complete Microchip’s tool chain of provide industry-leading value at $995. To download the compatible compilers and debugger/ that free editions, or evaluate the paid options with increased operate seamlessly within the universal, cross-platform code and speed optimizations, visit and open-source MPLAB X integrated Development http://www. Environment, reducing both learning curves and tool microchip.com/get/E1C4. For additional information, investments. MPLAB XC Compilers are also compatible contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized with the legacy MPLAB IDE. “Simplicity, execution worldwide distributor. speed, code size, cost and cross-platform support are all vitally important to embedded designers, from academics and hobbyists to seasoned professionals working for global OEMs, who are all challenged to do more for less, and faster,” said Derek Carlson, Microchip’s vice president of Development Tools. “The new MPLAB XC Compiler line meets all of these needs, while expanding the industry-leading levels of compatibility and easy migration that Microchip’s customers have come to expect.”

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 8 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter Third Party Corner By Guy McCarthy, Microchip Third Party Support Manager

In this edition of the Academic Newsletter we Each compiler license includes free feature new and existing products from Digilent®, upgrades and product lifetime tech MikroElektronika, Thomas Kibalo and Tag-Connect. support. Object files created with MikroElektronika compilers can be chipKIT Software News imported into MPLAB IDE if desired. Recently Microchip and Digilent Inc. announced several new PIC32 MCU-based development boards that are compatible with the chipKIT software framework. The Cerebot™ MX3cK, Cerebot MX4cK and Cerebot MX7cK (MX3/4/7) boards support a wide range of applications using the free, Arduino compatible chipKIT IDE, called the Multi-Platform IDE, or “MPIDE.” Users who start with the chipKIT IDE can later migrate to more professional tools such as MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB XC32 Compiler. The Cerebot MX3/4/7 boards break free from the traditional Arduino form factor, providing flexible pin access and connectivity with Digilent’s line of Pmod™ Peripheral Modules. Several Pmods are also available; see below for details. The Cerebot MX3cK is compatible with the PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger. The Cerebot MX4cK and MX7cK boards include more advanced peripherals with a PICkit programmer. New Products MikroElektronika’s mikroC, mikroBasic and mikroPascal compilers are now available on microchipDIRECT. Learn to program 16-bit MCUs with the Beginner’s Versions are available for 8-bit PIC Guide to Programming the PIC24/dsPIC33 by Thomas MCUs, 16-bit dsPIC DSCs and PIC24 Kibalo. This popular author has written many articles for MCUs, and 32-bit PIC32 MCUs. Nuts & Volts magazine. (Continued on page 10) Each version features an intuitive IDE, powerful compiler with advanced optimizations, lots of hardware and software libraries, and additional tools (the 16-bit and 32-bit compilers also include DSP libraries). A comprehensive Help file is included with many of ready-to-use examples.

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 9 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter

(Continued from page 9) In this book he presents a boards (TDGL008, TDGL009, TDGL010), and can be clear step-by-step introduction to programming Microchip’s easily connected to any system using standard IDC PIC24H and dsPIC33 DSCs. Code examples utilize the connectors and cables. A simple SPI interface is used Microstick II Development Board (DM330013-2) and the to communicate with the module. free to download MPLAB C Compiler. Hardware examples use a simple breadboard setup so that even a beginner The PmodRF2 provides RF support for applications at data can build along with very few extra components needed. rates of 250kbps (IEEE 802.15) or 625kbps (Turbo mode). 206 pages, published in Feb 2012. (BK0012) It is designed for use with the Microchip microcontroller families (PIC18, PIC24, dsPIC33, and PIC32) and the The Tag-Connect Clip Board ZigBee® and MiWi™ wireless networking protocol and MiWi P2P software stacks. Ships with a 6" 12-pin cable, a 6" The Tag-Connect Clip Board attaches to the alignment 2 x 6-pin to dual 6-pin cable, one 12-pin header, and two pins of a Tag-Connect “No Legs” 6-pin headers. cable such as TC2030-MCP-NL. The Clip Board can be pressed onto Digilent PmodRTCC Peripheral Module the alignment pins from underneath The Digilent PmodRTCC Peripheral Module is a Real- the circuit board, providing a Time Clock/Calendar powered by the Microchip temporary connection for debugging MCP79410. It is compatible with Digilent’s PIC32- purposes. Then you have the best of based Cerebot development boards (TDGL008, both worlds: a small PCB footprint TDGL009, TDGL010), and can be easily connected to and a reliable debugging connection. any system using standard IDC connectors and cables. An I2C interface is used to communicate with the Digilent PmodWiFi Peripheral Module module. The Digilent PmodWiFi The PmodRTCC provides two Peripheral Module is an available alarms, 128 bytes interface board for the EEPROM and 64 bytes SRAM. The Microchip MRF24WB0MA Wi-Fi multi-function pin can be accessed radio transceiver module. It via a two pin header. Includes a is compatible with Digilent’s coin cell battery holder, and ships PIC32-based Cerebot with a 10” 4-pin MTE cable. development boards (TDGL008, TDGL009, TDGL010), and can be easily connected to any system using Digilent PmodOLED Peripheral Module standard IDC connectors and cables. A simple SPI interface is used to communicate with the module. The Digilent PmodOLED Peripheral Module is perfect for embedded applications requiring small, complex visual The PmodWiFi provides IEEE 802.11b support for output. It is compatible with Digilent’s PIC32-based embedded applications at data rates of 1 and 2 Mbps, and Cerebot development boards (TDGL008, TDGL009, is compatible with 802.11 g/n networks. It is designed for TDGL010), and can be easily connected to any system use with Microchip microcontroller families (PIC18, PIC24, using standard IDC connectors and cables. An SPI dsPIC33, and PIC32) and the Microchip TCP/IP Stack. It interface is used to communicate with module. ships with a 6" 12-pin cable, a 6" 2 x 6-pin to dual 6-pin cable, one 12-pin header, and two 6-pin headers. The 128 x 32 pixel organic LED (OLED) graphic display panel uses the Solomon Digilent PmodRF2 Peripheral Module Systech SSD1306 controller. A The Digilent PmodRF2 library of character and graphic Peripheral Module is an functions is available by interface board for the download (with source code in Microchip MRF24J40 C), along with sample MPLAB IDE projects. Ships with a IEEE 802.15.4™ 2.4 GHz 6" 12-pin cable, a 6" 2 x 6-pin to dual 6-pin cable, one RF transceiver module. 12-pin header, and two 6-pin headers. It is compatible with Digilent’s PIC32-based Cerebot development

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 10 Microchip Academic Partners Newsletter Interact with Microchip at“MCHP Tube” Microchip’s Academic Program team has launched a brand new YouTube-based show called “MCHP Tube”. MCHP Tube is an online video newscast for all things Microchip with a focus on Academia. Here you’ll find the latest information on new products, technologies and software/hardware development tools from both Microchip and third-party sources. It will be a monthly show targeting academics worldwide and will be divided into four sections as follows: Headliners: We will discuss new academic-friendly development resources brought to you by Microchip and our authorized Design Partners. University Student Project: Students can submit a video featuring a student project based on Microchip products. Ask Microchip: Viewers can ask a question and a qualified at Microchip support person will answer it. Where in the World is Marc McComb?: Marc is Microchip’s academic sales engineer and in each edition will talk about new products and tools that are a good fit for academics. To submit a video on a student project or to ask a question for the MCHP Tube provides “Ask Microchip” section, email us at [email protected]. the opportunity for You can also visit www.microchip.com/mchptube for more Students, Teachers information on the show. and Professors to interact with Microchip directly!!

Click on the image above to view the fifth episode of MCHP Tube. To view Microchip’s YouTube channel, click HERE.

Spring 2012 • This newsletter is sponsored by Microchip Technology Inc. The items contained herein are published as submitted and are provided for general information purposes only. This information is not advice. Readers should not rely solely on this information, but should make their own inquiries before making any decisions. Microchip works to maintain up-to-date information from reliable sources; however, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions or results of any actions based upon this information. This newsletter may contain links to web sites that are created and maintained by other organizations. Microchip Technology does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these web sites, nor does it guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented there. Information subject to change. The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, dsPIC, MPLAB, PIC and UNI/O are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. In-Circuit Serial Programming, ICSP, mTouch, PICDEM, PICkit and PICtail are trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies. ©2012 Microchip Technology Inc. All Rights Reserved. 5/12 DS01301H

Spring 2012 www.microchip.com/academic 11