I didn’t experience anything like this with the PIC16 (which uses Microchip’s XC8 compiler), or the PIC32 (which also uses a GCC-derived compiler, the XC32, which is similar to PIC24’s XC16) Performance Bit-Wiggle. The MPLAB XC8, XC16 and XC32 compilers offer reduced complexity, and are available with three optimisation levels: Free, Standard and PRO. By offering a monthly-subscription PRO license, Microchip is providing 8-, 16- and 32-bit MCU designers the ability to make use of the most features and best code optimisation - only when needed in the. The following documents pertain to the MPLAB ® XC32 Compiler for PIC32 MCUs. They may be installed in the compiler's doc subdirectory, but you should check Microchip's website for the latest revisions. MPLAB ® XC32 C/C Compiler User's Guide (DS00051686) MPLAB ® 32-Bit Language Tools Libraries (DS51685).

Microchip MPLAB XC8 MPLAB XC16 MPLAB XC32

MPLAB XC Offers Three Compiler Options—One Each for 8, 16 and 32-bit; Improves Code Execution Speed by About 30% and Reduces Code Size by About 35%

Microchip Technology Inc. announced from DESIGN West in San Jose, Calif., MPLAB XC—its simplified line of C compilers that provide the best execution speed and code size for all ~900 PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs). The MPLAB XC8, XC16 and XC32 compilers offer reduced complexity for 8, 16 and 32-bit designers, with three cost-effective optimization levels—Free, Standard and Pro; the Pro editions can be evaluated for free for 60 days. Additionally, MPLAB XC provides support for the Linux, Mac OS and Windows operating systems, enabling designers to use their platform of choice for embedded development.

Another important consideration for today’s designers is the ability to re-use their code and easily migrate to the level of microcontroller performance and features that best suits the needs of each project. These have always been strengths for Microchip, and MPLAB XC continues that tradition by making it easy to move code from any of Microchip’s existing compilers. Additionally, MPLAB XC completes Microchip’s tool chain of compatible compilers and debugger/programmers that operate seamlessly within the universal, cross-platform and open-source MPLAB® X integrated development environment, reducing both learning curves and tool investments. MPLAB XC compilers are also compatible with the legacy MPLAB IDE.

“Simplicity, execution speed, code size, cost and cross-platform support are all vitally important to embedded designers, from academics and hobbyists to seasoned professionals working for global OEMs, who are all challenged to do more for less, and faster,” said Derek Carlson, Microchip’s vice president of Development Tools. “The new MPLAB XC compiler line meets all of these needs, while expanding the industry-leading levels of compatibility and easy migration that Microchip’s customers have come to expect.”

Many designers need a free C compiler. The 8, 16 and 32-bit Free editions of Microchip’s MPLAB XC compilers offer many optimizations, are fully functional and have no license restrictions for commercial use. For those who want to test their code with the Pro optimization levels, which are approximately 50% better than the Free editions, Microchip also offers evaluation editions with Pro optimization levels that last for 60 days, after which they convert to the Free compilers. Like the Free editions, the evaluation editions are fully functional and have no license restrictions for commercial usage.

To further support the diverse requirements of embedded developers, Microchip is now offering the ability to purchase both single-user licenses and the full suite of MPLAB XC compilers for all ~900 8, 16 and 32-bit PIC MCUs and dsPIC DSCs. Additionally, organizations with multiple engineers can purchase a floating network license, where the compiler is hosted on that company’s Intranet for easy access by all of its designers.

Pricing & Availability

The MPLAB XC8 and MPLAB XC32 compilers are available today, the MPLAB XC16 compiler is expected to be available in April, and the discounted suite of all three compilers is expected to be available in May. Prices for this new XC line have been reduced up to 60%, and the Pro editions provide industry-leading value at $995.

Microchip Xc8 Download

• NewsMicrochip's Free MPLAB® XC32++ Compiler for All 32-bit PIC32 MCUs Offers Unlimited Code Generation
• CircuitsOptocoupler simplifies power-line monitoring — TLC2272
• NewsMicrochip Technology C Compiler Supports dsPIC® Digital Signal Controller
• DevicesUniversal Device Programmer Microchip MPLAB PM3 (DV007004)
• DevicesMPLAB Starter Kit for Serial Memory Products Microchip (DV243003)