The popular PICkit 2 development programmer now supports the in-circuit debugging of selected PIC microcontroller products. This enables anyone to easily begin development and evaluation with PIC microcontrollers for a very small initial investment.

The new PICkit 2 Debug Express Kit features a 44-pin demonstration board populated with a PIC16F917 microcontroller, and it connects to any PC via USB. Its in-circuit debugging features include halt, single step, and setting a breakpoint.

The main barriers to entering the world of microcontroller code development and embedded programming are the cost and complexity of development tools. The PICkit 2 Debug Express eliminates these. Included are 12 easy-to-understand tutorials that enable you to learn at your own pace (source code is provided), along with a free MPLAB IDE and a host of other software that enables you to easily enter the world of embedded control. Customers who already own the PICkit 2 programmer need only download the Debug Express firmware from Microchip’s web site to use the new functionality. Existing PICkit 2 programmer users can also purchase the new 44-pin demonstration board (DM164120-2) or use the debug-enabled programmer on existing demonstration boards.

The PICkit 2 Debug Express (DV164121), which costs $49.99, comes complete with a 44-pin PIC16F917 flash memory microcontroller demonstration board. It also includes the programmer, USB cable, and CDs. For customers who already own the PICkit 2 programmer, the 44-pin demonstration board costs $23.99.

Microchip Technology, Inc.
www.microchip.com