Eflightworks.net PIC32 on a DIP

Introducing a new tool for universities and educational institutions enabled with Microchip’s PIC32 32-bit microcontroller. The Eflightworks.net PIC32 on a DIP allows you to create and perform labs using a PIC32 in a form factor that fits on a typical breadboard. At the heart of the board is Microchip’s PIC32MX4 USB processor.
The PIC32 on a DIP board features:

• PIC32MX440F256H 64-pin USB microcontroller
• 8-MHz primary crystal
• 32.768-kHz Secondary crystal (for RTCC)
• USB device operation
• Power from USB or external battery
• microUSB connector
• Access to all I/O pins
• 4 programmable LEDs
• 2 programmable switches
• 2.6-x-0.8 52-pin DIP format
• MCLR switch
• ICSP header

Microchip Puts “Cash for Clunkers” Development Tool Exchange Program in Gear

Microchip’s Cash for Clunkers program allows embedded designers who are tired of looking at the faded paint jobs on their old tools to exchange selected models from Microchip’s competitors for a rebate as high as 30%—up to a $120 savings—on select PIC® Microcontroller, memory and analog development tools. But you’d better act fast—the program ends on October 30, 2009. Of course, Microchip will dispose of all exchanged competitor tools in an appropriate manner.

Read the press release for more information

Robotics Development Kit Announced by Microchip and Digilent

Microchip Technology today announced the availability of a PIC32 32-bit microcontroller (MCU)-based robotics development kit through Digilent Inc. The Digilent Cerebot™ 32MX4 Robotics Development Kit (part # 32MX4) comes with a free version of Microchip’s MPLAB C Compiler for PIC32 and an integrated programming/debugging circuit that is compatible with the free MPLAB® IDE.

Read the full press release: http://bit.ly/41KLUK

[Embeded.com] Embedded multitasking with small MCUs

Keith Curtis posted an article about embedded multitasking on small microcontrollers over on embedded.com.

Multitasking is the ability to execute multiple separate tasks in a fashion that is seemingly simultaneous. Note the phrase "seemingly simultaneous." Short of a multiple processor system, there is no way to make a single processor execute multiple tasks at the same time. However, there is a way to create a system that seems to execute multiple tasks at the same time.

Check it out. It's a good read if you're interested in embedded multitasking.

Preorder Windows 7 Upgrade for $50 instead of $120

Windows 7 will be available on October 22. Here's an easy way to get it fast and save a bundle: Pre-order a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49 or a Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99. That's about half off the estimated retail prices.

If you have Windows Vista, you can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. You can do a clean install (back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications) or an in-place upgrade (Windows 7 installs over Windows Vista).

If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000, you can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. But you must back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications.

http://bit.ly/Win7pre

Embedded.com - Padding and rearranging structure members

Dan Saks, president of Saks & Associates, posted a good article about Padding and rearranging structure members in C. Questions about struct padding seem to pop up on the Microchip web forums from time to time. This article explains it well. Read the article @ Embedded.com.

Embedded.com - Six Rules for Writing Clean Code

Matt Gordon from Micriµm posted a good article with some tips for writing clean C code. Read his article @ Embedded.com - Six Rules for Writing Clean Code

Microsoft demos Project Natal for Xbox 360 at E3

At their press briefing at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, Microsoft introduced Project Natal. Project Natal brings controller-free gaming and entertainment using a 3D camera to the Xbox 360. The rumors, which started when Microsoft purchased 3DV Systems, are true.


A tech-demo game that uses real 3D physics.


A story of a boy and his 3D camera...


Microsoft's full concept video