Microchip Announces MPLAB® PM3 Universal Device Programmer, Increases Development Productivity Through Faster Speeds and USB Support

Microchip

Tool builds on success of PRO MATE® II with added features and increased ease of use for all of Microchip's programmable devices

April 12, 2004 - Microchip Technology Inc. announced the MPLAB® PM3 Universal Device Programmer, which supports all of Microchip's PIC® microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC® digital signal controllers (DSCs). It offers exceptional programming speed for higher production throughput - particularly with larger memory devices. This new programmer can be used with personal computers via a USB or serial interface, in safe mode for secure data, or as a stand-alone unit through its larger and brighter 128x64-pixel LCD screen to display easy menus, programming statistics and status information. In addition, the MPLAB PM3 is the only programmer to offer a Secure Digital/Multimedia Card (SD/MMC) slot for easy and secure data storage and transfer when programming Microchip devices.

Designers have demanded a way to decrease programming time and increase productivity when working with embedded devices, without having to learn multiple development-software platforms. With its free MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software, Microchip is the only semiconductor company to offer a single platform and a complete suite of tools, including the MPLAB PM3, that work seamlessly with a full range of embedded devices, from 8-pin PIC MCUs to 16-bit dsPIC DSCs. When connected to a PC through a USB or serial port, the MPLAB PM3 can program Microchip devices in the user-friendly MPLAB IDE.

As an example of these faster programming speeds, the MPLAB PM3 can fully program a PIC18F8720 8-bit Flash MCU, which has 128 Kbytes of program memory, in about 20 seconds. The programmer also features 2 MB of internal memory in stand-alone mode. For engineers working with larger memory PIC and dsPIC devices, this enables significant productivity improvements.

Other key features of the MPLAB PM3 include:

•  Integrated In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSPTM ) interface and an ICSP cable.

•  40 programmable I/O socket pins with universal drivers, reducing the number of socket modules required.

•  Complete line of interchangeable socket modules to support the entire line of programmable Microchip devices and package options. Modules use multi-pin connectors for high reliability and quick interchange (sold separately).

•  Available adapter allows current PRO MATE II socket modules to be used on the MPLAB PM3 (sold separately).

•  Serialized Quick Turn ProgrammingSM capability for encoding unique serial numbers while in PC host mode.

•  An alternate DOS command-line interface is available for batch control.

•  Buzzer notification for noisy environments.

The MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer comes complete with power supply, and serial and USB cables, and is available now for $895.

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