Easier access to award-winning MPLAB XC PRO compilers

Microchip has announced a flexible, low-cost, renewable monthly subscription license for the PRO editions of its award-winning MPLAB XC line of C compilers. The MPLAB XC8, XC16 and XC32 compilers offer reduced complexity, and provide the best execution speed and code size for all 1,400 PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), and are available with three optimisation levels: Free, Standard and PRO. By offering a monthly-subscription PRO license, Microchip is providing 8-, 16- and 32-bit MCU designers the ability to make use of the most features and best code optimisation only when needed in the design cycle. Subscribers will also have the ability to receive updated versions of the MPLAB XC compiler type to which they subscribe, without the need for an active Microchip MPLAB XC High Priority Access (HPA) maintenance subscription. Unlike most software subscriptions, this license is not cloud-based, providing designers the additional flexibility of using the compilers offline, says the company. Microchip's MPLAB XC compilers provide support for the Linux, Mac OS and Windows operating systems, enabling designers to use their platform of choice for embedded development. Additionally, MPLAB XC is part of Microchip's integrated tool-chain of compatible compilers and debugger / programmers that operate seamlessly within the universal, cross-platform and open-source MPLAB X integrated development environment, reducing both learning curves and tool investments. MPLAB XC compilers are also compatible with the legacy MPLAB IDE. The subscription renews automatically on a monthly basis, and can be cancelled and restarted at any time. Additionally, Free editions of the MPLAB XC compilers are available for download, and include the option of a 60-day PRO evaluation trial, says the company.