Microchip Announces MPLAB® PM3 Universal Device Programmer, Increases Development Productivity Through
Faster Speeds and USB Support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Editorial Contact:
Eric Lawson
(480) 792-7182
Tool builds on success of PRO MATE® II with added features and increased ease of use for all of Microchip's programmable devices
CHANDLER, Ariz., April 12, 2004 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, today 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.
“Our PRO MATE® II universal programmer was rated one of the leading programmers in CMP's 2002 Embedded Market Study,” said Derek Carlson, Director of Development Systems and Software at Microchip Technology. “The MPLAB PM3 builds on this success by adding faster programming, USB connectivity, SD and MMC card storage, and a built-in In-Circuit Serial Programming™ interface.”
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 (ICSP™ ) 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. For socket module pricing or additional information, please contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor , or visit
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 , Arizona , Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at .
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Note: The Microchip name and logo, MPLAB, PIC, dsPIC and PRO MATE are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. In-Circuit Serial Programming and ICSP are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA and other countries. Serialized Quick Turn Programming is a service mark f Microchip Technology Inc. in the USA . All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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