Microchip's MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) is an essential tool for embedded systems engineers working with Microchip microcontrollers. MCC simplifies the configuration of peripherals, libraries, and other resources, enabling developers to focus more on application logic rather than low-level hardware details. This article will guide you through the importance of MCC, how to set it up, and provide practical examples to help you get started.

Examples:

Setting Up MCC in MPLAB X IDE

1. Install MPLAB X IDE and MCC Plugin:

   • Download and install MPLAB X IDE from Microchip's official website.
   • Open MPLAB X IDE, navigate to Tools -> Plugins, and search for "MPLAB Code Configurator". Install the plugin and restart the IDE.

2. Creating a New Project:

   • Open MPLAB X IDE and go to File -> New Project.
   • Select Microchip Embedded -> Standalone Project and click Next.
   • Choose your device (e.g., PIC16F877A) and click Next.
   • Select your tool (e.g., Simulator or a specific programmer/debugger) and click Next.
   • Choose your compiler (e.g., XC8) and click Next.
   • Name your project and click Finish.

3. Configuring Peripherals with MCC:

   • Open the MCC by clicking on the MCC icon in the toolbar.
   • In the MCC window, add peripherals by selecting them from the Device Resources tab and clicking the Add button.
   • Configure each peripheral by clicking on it in the Project Resources tab and adjusting the settings in the configuration window.

Example: Configuring a UART Module

1. Add UART Peripheral:

   • Open MCC and find the UART module under Device Resources.
   • Click Add to include it in your project.

2. Configure UART Settings:

   • In the Project Resources tab, click on the UART module.
   • Set the baud rate, data bits, parity, and stop bits according to your requirements.
   • Enable the UART module.

3. Generate Code:

   • Click on the Generate button in the MCC window to create the necessary initialization and driver code.
   • MCC will generate code files such as mcc.c, mcc.h, uart.c, and uart.h.

4. Write Application Code:

   • Open main.c and include the UART header file:

     #include "mcc_generated_files/mcc.h"
     #include "mcc_generated_files/uart.h"

   • Initialize the system and UART module:

     void main(void) {
      // Initialize the device
      SYSTEM_Initialize();
     
      // Enable global and peripheral interrupts
      INTERRUPT_GlobalInterruptEnable();
      INTERRUPT_PeripheralInterruptEnable();
     
      // Application code
      while (1) {
          // Example: Send a string over UART
          UART_WriteString("Hello, UART!\r\n");
      }
     }

Running the Project

1. Build and Program:

   • Click on the Build button to compile your project.
   • If using a hardware programmer, connect your microcontroller and click the Make and Program Device button.

2. Monitor Output:

   • Use a serial terminal application (e.g., PuTTY or Tera Term) to connect to the UART port of your microcontroller.
   • You should see the "Hello, UART!" message being printed repeatedly.