Microchip Technology has made its MPLAB XC Pro Compilers and MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite available at no cost. The change removes the previous paid license requirement and allows unlimited installations across individual and team development environments.
The free XC Pro tools retain the compiler optimization features previously associated with the paid tier, including code-size reduction, memory-footprint optimization, and architecture-specific code generation. The compilers support development across Microchip's 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit MCU and MPU families.
XC Pro Optimization Tools Included
MPLAB XC Pro Compilers apply optimization techniques intended to reduce code size and memory use while improving execution speed on supported Microchip devices. These capabilities are particularly relevant to embedded systems where flash, RAM, and processing resources are limited. Rather than moving to a larger device to accommodate application code, developers can use the compiler's optimization tools to improve how the available hardware resources are used.
Microchip states that compiler updates and priority technical support for compiler-related queries are also included at no additional cost.
MPLAB Machine Learning Model Builder
The MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite Model Builder is also now available free of charge. The tool is used to generate optimized code for AI and IoT sensor-recognition applications running on embedded hardware. Model Builder is available as an MPLAB plug-in and through Microsoft Visual Studio Code. This allows embedded machine learning workflows to be used from either development environment.
Microchip positions the suite for deploying machine learning models on resource-constrained edge devices, where available memory and processing capacity can limit the size and complexity of an implementation.
Functional Safety Compilers
The change also applies to Microchip's MPLAB XC Functional Safety Compilers. These tools are TÜV SÜD certified and support development for safety-critical applications.
Developers can download and use the functional safety compilers without an upfront license fee. Microchip states that certification documentation and related support remain available for purchase when required by a project. MPLAB XC Compilers and the MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite are available now at no cost.
Learn more and read the original announcement at Microchip's website.
Technology Overview
Microchip MPLAB XC Pro Compilers provide architecture-specific code optimization for the company's 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit MCU and MPU portfolios. The MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite adds tools for generating embedded AI and sensor-recognition code, with Model Builder available through MPLAB and Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Microchip MPLAB XC Pro Compilers now free?
Yes. Microchip has made its MPLAB XC Pro Compilers available at no cost, with unlimited installations across individual and team development environments.
Is the MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite free?
Yes. The MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite Model Builder is available at no cost and can be used through MPLAB or Microsoft Visual Studio Code.
Are MPLAB XC Functional Safety Compilers free to download?
Yes. Microchip states that its TÜV SÜD-certified MPLAB XC Functional Safety Compilers can now be downloaded without an upfront license fee. Certification documentation and associated support remain available for purchase when required.
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