Microchip Technology announced that the MPLAB XC Pro compiler and MPLAB machine learning (ML) development suite are now available free of charge to customers. With unlimited installations across personal and team environments, these tools give developers unfettered access to advanced optimization features and integrated built-in machine learning workflows.
“We are focused on optimizing the development experience for engineers using Microchip’s devices,” said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s Development Tools, MCU and Wireless business unit. “By eliminating license fees and providing high-performance tools for free, we remove barriers to innovation. Our customers can now take advantage of our optimized compilers and integrated machine learning capabilities to efficiently move from design to deployment.”
Previously available through a paid license tier, the MPLAB XC Pro compiler applies high-level techniques to reduce code size, reduce memory footprint, increase execution speed, and produce highly efficient, architecturally optimized code for embedded applications. These professional-grade features enable developers to streamline embedded designs across Microchip’s 8-, 16-, and 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) and microprocessor (MPU) portfolio.
MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite Model Builder, an MPLAB or Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) plugin used to generate optimized AI and IoT sensor recognition code, is also available for free. This enables developers to build and deploy end-to-end embedded machine learning solutions, allowing them to efficiently deploy edge intelligence on resource-constrained devices. By offering MPLAB ML in VS Code, Microchip is furthering its commitment to providing developers with a more flexible and easier-to-use development experience in the environment of their choice.
The transition to providing free development tools also extends to Microchip’s MPLAB XC functional safety compiler. These TÜV SÜD certified compilers support safety-critical applications and enable compliance with industry functional safety standards with optionally available certification documentation and support. The free download now allows developers to start designing for safety without any upfront licensing costs or fees that only apply if certification is required.
