MPLAB compatibility

[ThadSmith]

I am considering purchasing a CCS compiler for 14-bit PICs. Is symbolic debugging supported with the Microchip MPSIM? How is the CCS debugger different? Can I integrate assembly modules?

Thad

[kypec]

Hi Thad,

I'm using CCS PCWH 3.180 for 14-bit & 16-bit PICs since last October
within MPLAB 6.4x and it works quite well.
This week I've upgraded to MPLAB 6.42 and then installed CCS
MPLAB plug-in from Jan-2004 (Suite_CCSPic.dll version 1.14.0.0)
and some issues from previous versions have been removed.
I don't know exactly what you mean by "symbolic debugging"
but MPLAB simulator runs smoothly with both C source file
and Disassembly listing code = instruction opcodes.
I have no problems setting BREAKPOINTS, STEPPING through
instructions/statements/functions.
Unfortunately I don't have any ICD debuggers (MPLAB ICD2, CCS ICDU-20/40S/U) actually so maybe someone else could share his opinions on this topic.

My final result is: "CCS PIC C compiler + MPLAB IDE 6.42 = generally good choice"

Best regards, kypec

[Freddie]

Compiling PCM v3.184 inside of MPLAB 6.42 works great 100% of the time for me.

Using the ICD2 for in circuit debugging seems to work 98% of the time. Sometimes it crashes during debugging. This is probably not a CCS PCM issue.

I also want to pass along a tip for the ICD2 and debugging. According to Microchip, the cable beteen the ICD2 and your PIC can not be longer than 15 inches. This includes the length of the telephone cable and the circuit traces on your circuit board. I ran into a in-circuit debugging problems when my cable was 16 inches!