Microchip announces version 5.05 of its Integrated Development Environment (IDE) MPLAB X, which in beta phase is compatible with most AVR microcontrollers.This new version will allow designers who typically use PIC® microcontrollers and have used the MPLAB ecosystem in their developments to easily evaluate and incorporate AVR microcontrollers into their applications. Future versions of MPLAB will support a wider range of AVR microcontrollers and will include further enhancements. AVR support will also continue to be offered through Atmel Studio 7 and Atmel START for current and future AVR devices.
MPLAB X IDE version 5.05 offers unified development and cross-platform compatibility, including Windows®, macOS®, and Linux® operating systems, enabling designers to integrate AVR microcontrollers into their hardware-based projects. The toolkit has been enhanced with support for MCC (MPLAB Code Configurator), Microchip's code configurator, making it easier for developers to configure software components and device settings such as clocks, peripherals, and pin assignments using the tool's menu-driven interface. MCC can also generate code for certain development boards, such as Microchip's Curiosity ATMega4809 Nano (DM320115) development board and existing AVR Xplained development boards.
More compiler and debugger/programmer options are also available for compiling and programming AVR microcontrollers with MPLAB X IDE 5.05. Available compilers include the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) or the MPLAB XC8 C compiler, which offer developers advanced software optimization techniques to reduce code size. Designers can also accelerate debugging and programming using the MPLAB PICkit™ 4 programmer/debugger or the new MPLAB Snap programmer/debugger.
The development boards available for evaluating and programming AVR microcontrollers are mostly compatible with the MPLAB and MCC ecosystems. Xplained development boards are compatible with START and are now compatible with MPLAB X IDE. Xplained development boards are cost-effective, fully integrated development platforms for microcontrollers, aimed at new users, manufacturers, and those seeking a feature-rich board for prototyping. The Xplained platform integrates a programmer/debugger and requires no additional hardware.
MPLAB X IDE version 5.05, the MPLAB XC8 C compiler, and GCC are available free of charge from the Microchip website. The MPLAB PICkit 4 development tool (PG164140) is available for $47.95. MPLAB Snap (PG164100) is also available for $14.95. The ATmega4809 Curiosity Nano board (DM320115) is also available for $10.00. For a complete list of compatible devices, download MPLAB X IDE.
