Microchip simplifies C Compiler line

DESIGN West 2012, CHANDLER, USA: Microchip Technology Inc. announced MPLAB XC—its simplified line of C compilers that provide the best execution speed and code size for all ~900 PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs).
The MPLAB XC8, XC16 and XC32 compilers offer reduced complexity for 8, 16 and 32-bit designers, with three cost-effective optimization levels—Free, Standard and Pro; the Pro editions can be evaluated for free for 60 days. Additionally, MPLAB XC provides support for the Linux, Mac OS® and Windows® operating systems, enabling designers to use their platform of choice for embedded development.

Another important consideration for today’s designers is the ability to re-use their code and easily migrate to the level of microcontroller performance and features that best suits the needs of each project. These have always been strengths for Microchip, and MPLAB XC continues that tradition by making it easy to move code from any of Microchip’s existing compilers.

Additionally, MPLAB XC completes Microchip’s tool chain of compatible compilers and debugger/programmers that operate seamlessly within the universal, cross-platform and open-source MPLAB® X integrated development environment, reducing both learning curves and tool investments. MPLAB XC compilers are also compatible with the legacy MPLAB IDE.

“Simplicity, execution speed, code size, cost and cross-platform support are all vitally important to embedded designers, from academics and hobbyists to seasoned professionals working for global OEMs, who are all challenged to do more for less, and faster,” said Derek Carlson, Microchip’s VP of Development Tools. “The new MPLAB XC compiler line meets all of these needs, while expanding the industry-leading levels of compatibility and easy migration that Microchip’s customers have come to expect.”

Many designers need a free C compiler. The 8, 16 and 32-bit Free editions of Microchip’s MPLAB XC compilers offer many optimizations, are fully functional and have no license restrictions for commercial use. For those who want to test their code with the Pro optimization levels, which are approximately 50 percent better than the Free editions, Microchip also offers evaluation editions with Pro optimization levels that last for 60 days, after which they convert to the Free compilers. Like the Free editions, the evaluation editions are fully functional and have no license restrictions for commercial usage.

To further support the diverse requirements of embedded developers, Microchip is now offering the ability to purchase both single-user licenses and the full suite of MPLAB XC compilers for all ~900 8, 16 and 32-bit PIC MCUs and dsPIC DSCs. Additionally, organizations with multiple engineers can purchase a floating network license, where the compiler is hosted on that company’s Intranet for easy access by all of its designers.