Requirements For Debugging

To debug (set breakpoints, see registers, etc.) with the MPLAB® REAL ICE™ In-Circuit Emulator, there are critical elements that must be working correctly.

1

Emulator-to-PC Connection

The emulator must be connected to a PC. It must be powered by the PC via the USB cable, and it must be communicating with MPLAB X IDE software via the USB cable.

2

Emulator-to-Target Connections

The emulator must be connected to the Vpp, PGC, and PGD pins of the target device with the modular interface cable (or equivalent). Vss and Vdd are also required to be connected between the emulator and the target device.

3

Target Power and Clock

The target device must have power and a functional, running oscillator – either internal or external. If the target device will not run (for whatever reason), the emulator cannot debug.

4

Configuration Words Set for Debug

The target device must have its Configuration words programmed correctly:

  • The oscillator Configuration bits should correspond to RC, XT, etc., depending on the target design.
  • On some devices, the Watchdog Timer is enabled by default and needs to be disabled.
  • The target device must not have code protection enabled.
  • The target device must not have table read protection enabled.
  • For some devices with more than one PGC/PGD pair, the correct pair needs to be configured. This is only needed for debugging since programming will work over any PGC/PGD pair.

5

Proceed to Debug

To perform and understand the debug operation, see:

  Return to Top

© 2024 Microchip Technology, Inc.
Notice: ARM and Cortex are the registered trademarks of ARM Limited in the EU and other countries.
Information contained on this site regarding device applications and the like is provided only for your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual property rights.