Microchip Technology announced that it is providing an in-circuit programming and debugging development tool (MPLAB® ICD 4) for its portfolio of PIC microcontrollers and dsPIC digital signal controllers.

MPLAB ICD 4 includes all the features of the widely used MPLAB ICD 3 debugger while improving speed through a faster processor and expanded RAM. Additionally, MPLAB ICD 4 is significantly faster as it uses a 32-bit MCU operating at 300 MHz. Furthermore, by increasing the buffer memory to 2 MB, it is up to twice as fast as its predecessor.

The MPLAB ICD 4 is shaped like an ice hockey puck, finished in a durable black case with a polished aluminum surface, and features a built-in LED indicator strip to show the debugging status.

Microchip’s MPLAB ICD 4 is simple to use and supports all of Microchip’s PIC microcontrollers and dsPIC digital signal controller products through the MPLAB X integrated development environment (IDE). This allows customers to easily design products when migrating existing PIC MCUs to other PIC MCUs according to application needs.

“Speed and flexibility are the most important factors when choosing a debugging tool,” said Rodger Richey, Director of Development Tools at Microchip. “MPLAB ICD 4 improves debugging productivity by reducing latency. With speed, compatibility, durability, comprehensive device support, and the award-winning MPLAB X IDE, MPLAB ICD 4 is once again solidifying Microchip’s reputation as a leader in embedded debugging tools.”