The PICkit 2 Debug Express development programmer now supports in-circuit debugging of selected PIC microcontrollers.

Acal Semiconductors has the new PICkit 2 Debug Express from Microchip. This popular development programmer now supports in-circuit debugging of selected PIC microcontrollers. This enables engineers to begin development with PIC microcontrollers for a very low initial investment.

The new PICkit 2 Debug Express Kit features a 44-pin demo board with a PIC16F917 microcontroller.

The PICkit 2 connects to any personal computer via USB, and its in-circuit debugging features include halt, single step and setting a breakpoint.

One of the barriers to entering the world of microcontroller development can be the cost and complexity of development tools.

The simple-to-use PICkit 2 Debug Express is priced at only GBP 29.99 for the complete kit.

There are 12 easy-to-understand tutorials with source code included that allow users to learn at their own pace.

The CDs provided also include Microchip’s free MPLAB IDE integrated development environment and a host of other software - enabling new users to easily get started with an embedded control design.

Customers who already own the PICkit 2 programmer only need to download the Debug Express firmware from Microchip’s website to support the new debugging functionality.

Existing PICkit 2 users can also purchase the new 44-pin demo board separately or use the new debugging capability on existing demonstration boards, such as the PICDEM Mechatronics board.

The PICkit 2 Debug Express Kit (DV164121) is available from ACAL Semiconductors now and includes Microchip’s 44-pin PIC16F917 Flash microcontroller demo board, the PICkit 2 programmer, USB cable and software CDs.

The 44-pin demo board is available separately for GBP 12.99.

The PICkit 2 Debug Express debugging capabilities currently support selected PIC microcontrollers, with additional device support coming soon via firmware upgrades.