New platform links configuration and collaboration tools with knowledge-based search

MCU design is now easier than ever with the new MPLAB cloud tools ecosystem provided for PIC and AVR devices from Microchip Technology. The free, all-in-one cloud platform consolidates easy, integrated search and discovery of example code, graphical configuration of projects and code debugging in a collaborative environment. This environment facilitates enterprise-scale rapid development whilst simplifying software design for users of all skill levels with an intuitive browser-based interface and cloud connectivity.

Its MPLAB cloud tools ecosystem includes three powerful components designed to modernise the development workflow for PIC and AVR microcontrollers. Users can readily find fully configured and complete projects, source code, examples and software applications using the intuitive catalog in MPLAB Discover. Selected code and projects immediately populate in the MPLAB Xpress IDE for further development. MPLAB Code Configurator, with its easy-to-use graphical configuration, provides point-and-click options to set up hardware peripherals and configure projects further. Device setup is simplified with optimised peripheral libraries, modular downloads and updates. Developing, debugging and deploying project applications right from any web browser can be completed without any software installation.

The enhanced MPLAB Xpress IDE gives a powerful, scalable cloud infrastructure for development and debug together with community collaboration tools utilising secure GitHub repository interface controls. Designers have the choice to download MPLAB Xpress projects to continue development in MPLAB X IDE. Seamless, quick access to MPLAB Discover and MPLAB Code Configurator is offered from the Xpress toolbar. The ecosystem, which has been created as a front end to access these cloud tools based on the development flow the client is in, also provides a quick start guide and overview of tools.

“To improve the development experience and help designers speed time to market, this new platform provides everything designers need to go from innovative idea to production,” said Rodger Richey, senior director of Microchip’s Development Tools business unit. “Unlike tools that require multiple software applications and complex installations, IDEs and services, this ecosystem has no installation requirement and was purposely developed as an intuitive, easy-to-use working environment.”