LONDON, UK, 9 October, 2018 – RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), a global multi-channel distributor, has introduced the Microchip MPLAB Snap in-circuit debugger/programmer, ( https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/1774116) which allows fast, easy debugging and programming of most Microchip PIC, AVR and SAM flash microcontroller units (MCUs) — including 32-bit devices — and dsPIC digital signal controllers (DSCs). For projects that do not require high-voltage programming or advanced debugging, MPLAB Snap is a highly affordable package offering all the entry-level features electronic designers need to debug their prototypes quickly.

MPLAB Snap uses the graphical user interface of the MPLAB® X IDE (integrated development environment), version 5.05 or later. It connects to a computer using a 480 Mbps USB 2.0 interface and to the target MCU via an 8-pin single in-line (SIL) connector. Two device I/O pins and the reset line are used to implement in-circuit debugging and Microchip ICSP (in-circuit serial programming). MPLAB Snap’s onboard 32-bit 300 MHz SAM E70 MCU, based on an Arm Cortex-M7 core, matches the clocking speed of the target device, so programming is as fast as the device will allow.

The debugger system uses the target MCU’s built-in self-test circuitry rather than a dedicated debugger chip. Features of the device are accessible interactively and can be set and modified via the MPLAB X GUI. Applications can be debugged in real time at full target MCU speed.

MPLAB Snap supports advanced interface standards including 4-wire JTAG and SWD (serial wire debug), while remaining backward compatible with demo boards, headers and target systems using 2-wire JTAG and ICSP.

The MPLAB Snap is powered through its Micro-B USB interface, with no external power required. The target device voltage range is 1.20 V to 5.5 V, sufficient to support a wide variety of devices.

Firmware is continually upgraded to support new devices. Details can be found in the latest release notes for the MPLAB X IDE, and support and features added via a free install of the latest version of MPLAB X from http://www.microchip.com/mplab/mplab-x-ide.

The Microchip MPLAB Snap is shipping now from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.

About RS Components
RS Components and Allied Electronics & Automation are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, a global multi-channel distributor. We offer more than 500,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of value-added services to over one million customers. With operations in 32 countries, we ship more than 50,000 parcels a day.

Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2018 had revenues of £1.71bn.

For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-online.com.