BusinessWire
November 28, 2005 05:00 AM US Pacific Timezone

Microchip Technology Announces C Compiler and Free Student-Edition C Compiler for All 70 16-bit PIC24 MCUs and dsPIC(R) DSCs

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 28, 2005--
MPLAB(R) C30 Version 2.0 Provides Industry-Leading Code Efficiency and Cost-Effective, ANSI-Compliant Option for Writing C or Mixed C and Assembly Code Modules

Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today announced Version 2.0 of its MPLAB(R) C30 (part #SW006012) highly optimized C cross-compiler, cross-assembler, linker and librarian. The MPLAB C30 C Compiler, with its comprehensive libraries and extended functionality, supports all of Microchip's high-performance 16-bit PIC24 microcontroller and dsPIC(R) digital signal controller families. Driving compiling technology into new territory, this new ANSI-compliant compiler includes unique language extensions to utilize DSP functionality from the C programming language.

The free MPLAB C30 Student Edition offers the same functionality as MPLAB C30 Version 2.0 for 60 days, after which it maintains full source-code compatibility and device support, with no program or data memory limitations. The only difference is that Version 2.0 has more code optimization. The Student Edition is a great tool for students, educational institutions and embedded software engineers interested in learning about Microchip's 16-bit devices and language tools, provided that code space is not the most critical design factor.

Increasingly, embedded software engineers are looking to simplify code development while reducing design-software costs. Microchip developed Version 2.0 of the MPLAB C30 compiler in tandem with the design of the PIC24 and dsPIC33 families to ensure optimal C code efficiency. The MPLAB C30 is tightly integrated into the free MPLAB IDE Integrated Development Environment for writing code, building projects and testing with Microchip's high-speed simulator or MPLAB ICD 2 In-Circuit Debugger. Final optimized code can be programmed into devices with the cost-effective MPLAB ICD 2 or volume-production MPLAB PM3 device programmer from the same MPLAB user interface.

"Microchip stands alone among semiconductor companies by offering a no-cost, truly integrated development environment for 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers and 16-bit digital signal controllers, all the way from 6-pin to over 100-pin devices," said Derek Carlson, director of Development Systems at Microchip Technology. "Additionally, Microchip has taken the unique step of developing its 16-bit devices and the MPLAB C30 C compiler together, resulting in application code sizes that are up to 85 percent smaller than competitive 16-bit architectures."

The MPLAB C30 compiler is distributed with a complete ANSI C standard library. All library functions have been validated and conform to the ANSI C library standard. The library includes functions for string manipulation, dynamic memory allocation, data conversion, timekeeping and math functions (trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic). I/O functions for file handling are part of the MPLAB C30 suite, along with complete source code for the low-level file I/O functions.

Large and small code and data models are supported. The small-code model takes advantage of efficient forms of call and branch instructions, while the small-data model utilizes compact instructions for accessing data in Microchip's 16-bit architectures.

Related Software

The MPLAB C30 compiler supports both in-line assembly code in C source files, as well as separately assembled MPLAB ASM30 assembly language modules. This integrated assembly support provides the benefits of highly optimized interrupt routines, precision peripheral control and efficient, high-speed assembly language functions. Other tools in the MPLAB C30 suite include the MPLAB LINK30 linker and a librarian, and several utility modules for the MPLAB ASM30 assembler.

dsPIC digital signal controller support is enhanced by a host of C-callable libraries, including: dsPIC DSC Math Libraries, dsPIC DSC Peripheral Libraries, DSP Algorithm Library, Soft Modem Library, Acoustic Echo Cancellation Library, Noise Suppression Library, Speech Recognition Library, Speech Encoding/Decoding Library, Asymetric/Symetric Key Embedded Encryption Library. Most of these dsPIC digital signal controller libraries are available for free download, or a $5 evaluation fee, at www.microchip.com/dspic.

Availability and Pricing

The MPLAB C30 Version 2.0 (part #SW006012) is available now for $895. Owners of previous MPLAB C30 Versions can download a free upgrade and user's guide from Microchip's Web site. The Student Edition (MPLAB C30 SE) can also be downloaded for free. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/c30.

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. 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, Ariz., Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip Web site at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, PIC, dsPIC, and MPLAB are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.