Learn more about the benefits of using Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power your MPLAB® In-Circuit Debugger (ICD) 5.
Advanced Connectivity Features of MPLAB® ICD 5
When Microchip’s Development Tools group released the MPLAB® In-Circuit Debugger (ICD) 5, some of the biggest upgrades that signaled a shift from previous iterations of the debugger were the easy-to-use connectivity features. The ICD 5 boasts both USB Type-C® and Fast Ethernet connectivity. Read more to find out details about each connectivity option.
USB Type-C makes connecting the ICD 5 to a computer quick and easy. The cable is reversible, allowing you to connect it regardless of the orientation. The ICD 5 can detect your computer’s power advertisement to determine if it has enough current to support your target application. If this is the case, you may not even need to provide an additional power supply. If you have an older laptop or computer that doesn’t provide enough power, you can still use the USB Type-C cable to connect the ICD 5 to a USB hub to deliver up to three amps.
Another way to power your ICD 5 is via a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection. PoE technology allows power source equipment to deliver power and data simultaneously over the same Ethernet data connection. With PoE, you can safely power up your ICD 5 and your target application up to 1A.
What Are the Benefits of Using PoE to Power Your ICD 5?
Using PoE instead of relying on an external power supply allows the ICD 5 and the target to be powered even if the USB cable is unplugged. Another advantage is that Ethernet cables can be much longer—up to 100 meters—than USB cables. While USB connectivity is more local and better suited for working next to your computer, Ethernet is a good option for more remote access. As long as you are connected to the network and DHCP server on an Ethernet port, you will be able to access the ICD 5 from another port anywhere within the network.
It’s quite straightforward to set up PoE connectivity and provision the ICD 5 to make use of the PoE supply and Ethernet connection. You only need to go through this process once. The ICD 5 user’s guide has a list of tried and tested PoE injectors to choose from, which are available on www.microchipdirect.com. Simply type in “POE” to browse the items.
Setting up Your Debugger to Use Ethernet Connectivity
Follow these steps to enable the ICD 5 to become a Fast Ethernet device via the “Manage Network Tools” window in MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE):
Connect your device to your computer using the USB cable and ensure that the PoE injector is connected.
Launch the IDE, go to the “Manage Network Tools” window and find your device.
Select the Ethernet option and click on “Update Connection Type.”
Unplug the USB cable from the ICD 5 and that is it; you will not have to repeat this process again.
To learn more about the MPLAB ICD 5, please visit our web page.
Yara Matar, May 23, 2024
Tags/Keywords: Development Tools
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