Hardware/Software Tools Requirements
Software Tools
These are the software tools you need to install on your computer. The latest versions are recommended but all testing was done with MPLAB® X 5.10, XC8 2.05 and MCC 3.66.
MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
MPLAB® X IDE is a computer software program based on the open source Netbeans IDE from Oracle®. It is used to develop applications for Microchip microcontrollers and digital signal controllers. It runs on Windows®, Mac OS®, and Linux®.
MPLAB® Code Configurator
MPLAB® Code Configurator (MCC) is an MPLAB® X IDE plugin tool. It is a free, graphical programming environment that generates C code to be inserted in your project. It enables and configures a rich set of peripherals and functions specific to your application.
This lab builds your understanding of MCC: how to configure peripherals and generate C code without checking on the device datasheet.
MPLAB® XC8
MPLAB® XC C compilers support all of Microchip’s PIC® devices and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). In this lab, as well as with the succeeding lab, you will use MPLAB® XC8, which is the recommended compiler for 8-bit PIC® MCUs.
Hardware Tools
The Curiosity HPC board with integrated programmer/debugger is used for both projects with the included PIC16F18875 - I/P.
PIC16F18875 - I/P
PIC16(L)F1885X/7X microcontrollers feature analog, core independent peripherals and communication peripherals, combined with eXtreme Low Power (XLP) for a wide range of general purpose and low-power applications. The family features the CRC/SCAN, HLT, and Windowed WDT to support customers looking to add safety to their application. Additionally, this family includes up to 56 KB of flash memory, along with a 10-bit ADC with computation (ADC2) for automated signal analysis to reduce the complexity of the application.
Curiosity HPC Development Board (DM164136)
The Curiosity High Pin Count (HPC) Development Board is one of the variants of Curiosity boards from Microchip. It supports 28- and 40-pin 8-bit PIC® MCUs. Two unique PDIP sockets are surrounded by dual-row expansion headers, which allow for connectivity to all pins on PIC MCUs. Programming/debugging is accomplished through the PICkit™ On Board (PKOB), eliminating the need for an external programming/debugging tool. The development board includes a set of four indication LEDs, a potentiometer, and push-button switches. Additionally, the Curiosity HPC Board integrates two MikroElektronika microBUS™ sockets, which accommodate a variety of plug-in Click™ Board modules that can be used for application development.
