(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 13, 2008 ) Hong Kong - Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, has announced the PICkit 3 Debug Express kit (Part # DV164131). Overcoming the cost and complexity barriers to enter the world of code development and embedded programming, the new kit includes:

PICkit 3 debugger and programmer probe
44-pin demo board populated with a PIC18F45K20 MCU
the free MPLAB Integrated Development Environment
free version of the MPLAB C Compiler for PIC18 MCUs
easy-to-understand lessons and tutorials
a host of other software utilities, examples with source code and full documentation

The PICkit 3 Debug Express works with 8- and 16-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), and will support 32-bit PIC MCUs at a later date. Support for new PIC MCUs and DSCs, as well as the PIC32 MCUs, will be available as free firmware upgrades in future releases of the MPLAB IDE.

The PICkit 3 Debug Express kit makes it easy to explore the world of embedded control and to learn quickly, using the free MPLAB Integrated Development Environment. Connected to and powered by any personal computer via USB, the plug-and-play kit provides in-circuit debugging functions such as halt, single step, breakpoint on data or address, and a stopwatch for measuring target application performance. It can supply target power to the 44-pin demo board, hence no external power is required. Additionally, with a 6-pin ICSP connector similar to that on the PICkit 2 Debug Express, the PICkit 3 probe is compatible with PICkit 2 demo kits and with Microchip's MPLAB ICD 2 and 3-compatible demonstration/evaluation kits using an optional RJ-11 to ICSP adapter (Part # AC164110).

"Microchip again delivers the most performance value for an entry-level development platform," said Derek Carlson, vice president of Development Systems at Microchip Technology.

"The PICkit 3 Debug Express kit is a new, affordable option for cost-sensitive environments with higher performance. Even the hobbyist, the teacher who is strapped to equip a lab for the coming year, or the engineer in emerging markets can use Microchip's superior development tools at a breakthrough price."

Availability
The PICkit 3 Debug Express kit (Part # DV164131) comes complete with the PICkit 3 probe, a 44-pin PIC18F45K20 Flash MCU demo board, a USB cable and CDs containing the MPLAB IDE, tutorials, and a user's guide. It will be available January 2009 from microchipDIRECT (www.microchipdirect.com) or Microchip distributors.

For further information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorised worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's Web site at www.microchip.com/pickit3.

Microchip customer support
Microchip is committed to supporting its customers by helping design engineers develop products faster and more efficiently. Customers can access four main service areas at www.microchip.com. The Support area provides a fast way to get questions answered; the Sample area offers free evaluation samples of any Microchip device; microchipDIRECT provides 24-hour pricing, ordering, inventory and credit for convenient purchasing of all Microchip devices and development tools; finally, the Training area educates customers through webinars, sign-ups for local seminar and workshop courses, and information about the annual MASTERs events held throughout the world.



About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) 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 website at www.microchip.com.

###


Issued on behalf of Microchip
by EBA Communications

For more information, please contact:
Daphne Yuen (Microchip): (852) 2943 5115
(email:daphne.yuen@microchip.com)
Howard Jones/Andy Wong (EBA): (852) 2537 8022
(email: howard.jones@ebacomms.com
/andy.wong@ebacomms.com)

Contact Information:
Microchip Technology Inc.
Daphne Yuen
Tel: (852) 2943 5115
Email us