Microchip Technology Announces New Low-Cost Serial Communication Tool.PICkit[TM] Serial Analyzer Provides Interface to Embedded Serial Communication Protocols via PC-Based Tool CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Microchip Technology  Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a manufacturer of microcontroller, memory and analog semiconductors, founded in 1989 when Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQin full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :MCHP MCHP Maryland Children's Health Program MCHP Microchip Technologies (stock symbol) MCHP Micro-sized Combined Heat and Power (American Honda Motor Co. & Climate Energy, LLC) MCHP Maine Community Heritage Project ), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced the PICkit[TM] Serial Analyzer, the latest offering in the popular PICkit development tool series. This new tool enables design engineers to easily interface with circuits that are embedded deep within serial systems using any Windows([R])-based PC, for a very low initial investment. The new PICkit Serial Analyzer comes complete with a 28-pin demo board populated with a PIC16F886 Mid-Range 8-bit microcontroller. The kit's hardware and Graphical User Interface graphical user interface (GUI) Computer display format that allows the user to select commands, call up files, start programs, and do other routine tasks by using a mouse to point to pictorial symbols (icons) or lists of menu choices on the screen as opposed to having to (GUI (Graphical User Interface) A graphics-based user interface that incorporates movable windows, icons and a mouse. The ability to resize application windows and change style and size of fonts are the significant advantages of a GUI vs. a character-based interface. ) software allow communication between the PC and several industry-standard serial protocols on the microcontroller being tested, including I2C I2C Inter-Integrated Circuit I2C Intelligent Interface Controller I2C Intelligent Controller [TM], SPI (1) (Stateful Packet Inspection) See stateful inspection. (2) (Service Provider Interface) The programming interface for developing Windows drivers under WOSA. and USART See UART. . Today's design engineers must develop firmware to communicate via serial communication protocols to a number of components typically found in embedded systems Embedded systems Computer systems that cannot be programmed by the user because they are preprogrammed for a specific task and are buried within the equipment they serve. . The PICkit Serial Analyzer provides engineers with a tool to test and debug To correct a problem in hardware or software. Debugging software means locating the errors in the source code (the program logic). Debugging hardware means finding errors in the circuit design (logical circuits) or in the physical interconnections of the circuits. serial communication firmware at a purchase price of only $49.99 for the complete kit. Included are user's guides for both the PICkit Serial Analyzer and the 28-pin demo board, complete source code, selected application notes, and Microchip's free MPLAB([R]) IDE integrated development environment--enabling new users to easily enter the world of embedded control. The kit also comes with a GUI that enables designers to easily analyze the various serial communication protocols, as well as create and save scripts. "Serial communication between components is commonplace in the embedded world. Yet there are very few affordable tools available to help engineers develop the necessary firmware," said Derek Carlson, vice president of Microchip Development Tools. "With the PICkit Serial Analyzer, Microchip continues to provide engineers with low-cost, easy-to-use development tools that will help them to design using PIC([R]) microcontrollers." Pricing and Availability Available now, the PICkit Serial Analyzer (Part # DV164122) is $49.99 and includes Microchip's 28-pin PIC16F886 Flash microcontroller demo board, USB USB in full Universal Serial Bus Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer. cable and CD. Additionally, the 28-pin demo board (Part # DM164120-3) may be purchased separately for $24.99 and comes with one populated and two bare boards. The kit and boards can be ordered today at www.microchipdirect.com. Microchip Customer Support Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers can access four main service areas at www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers free evaluation samples of any Microchip device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and development tools; finally, the Training area educates customers through webinars, sign-ups for local seminar and workshop courses, and information about the annual MASTERs events held throughout the world. About Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com. Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC and MPLAB are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. PICkit is a trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies. Photo available through editorial contact |
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