Chameleon-PIC Nurve Networks, Chameleon-PIC Datasheet - Page 80

• Manufacturer Part Number: Chameleon-PIC
• Description: MCU, MPU & DSP Development Tools PIC24 & PROPELLER DEV SYSTEM (SBC)
• Manufacturer: Nurve Networks

Specifications of Chameleon-PIC

• Processor To Be Evaluated: PIC24
• Data Bus Width: 16 bit
• Interface Type: USB, VGA, PS/2, I2C, ISP, SPI
• Operating Supply Voltage: 3.3 V, 5 V
• Lead Free Status / RoHS Status: Lead free / RoHS Compliant

Referring to Figure 15.1, you can see that there are three main components of the tool chain for the Chameleon PIC in
general, they are:



MPLAB IDE – This is Microchip’s free, integrated toolset for developing software for their entire line of PIC and dsPIC
microcontrollers. MPLAB supports compilers, debuggers, programmers, simulators, basically everything you need to
develop embedded applications. Most of the support comes through plug-ins that can be added to MPLAB
(Microchip’s and/or 3
the PIC24 processors, however, we will install a C compiler after the MPLAB installation that integrates into MPLAB.
PICkit 2 – This is the actual hardware programmer that is recommended for the Chameleon PIC 16-Bit. The
programmer supports both programming and debugging and is low cost and very versatile. The programmer must be
installed as well and its firmware potentially updated. This installation will be done after the other tools are installed, so
MPLAB IDE 8.xx specifically can update any drivers needed for the tool. One thing you may notice is that the PICkit 2
hardware contains a female header and there are no male headers on the Chameleon PIC. We decided to keep only
female headers on the board and you use a 6-pin right angle male connector to attach the PICkit 2 to the Chameleon.
This will be explained with pictures shortly.
MPLAB C compiler for PIC24 MCUs – Microchip provides a commercial and student versions of a GNU GCC
compiler that has been adapted for the PIC24 16-Bit line of micro-controller units (MCUs). Previous versions of the
compiler were called the C30 compiler. This compiler can be operated from a DOS prompt command line or it can be
MPLAB 8.xx
PICkit 2 (sold separately)
MPLAB C compiler for PIC24 MCUs
Figure 15.1 – The relationship of the various PIC programming tools in the tool chain.
rd
party plug-ins are supported). The default MPLAB installation does not include a C compiler for
© 2009 NURVE NETWORKS LLC “Exploring the Chameleon PIC 16-Bit”
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