Microchip Technology AC244055

Overview

AC244055 from Microchip Technology is an Emulation Header designed for in-circuit debugging of PIC® microcontrollers with -ME2 silicon revision. It hosts a physical -ME2 device, provides 32 hardware breakpoint resources, supports real-time instruction trace up to 32 MHz via TRCLK/TRDAT pins, and enables runtime watches on SFRs and symbols for 8-bit and 16-bit PIC devices. It is used with MPLAB® REAL ICE™, ICD 3, or PICkit™ 3 debug tools during firmware development.

For engineers reviewing the AC244055 datasheet, AC244055 pinout, AC244055 application, or AC244055 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, trace interface specifications, hardware breakpoint capabilities, target socket compatibility (PDIP/TQFP/PLCC), and tool-specific feature support across MPLAB X IDE v1.90+ environments.

Technical Context

The AC244055 implements a dedicated hardware emulation interface using a factory-calibrated -ME2 microcontroller variant with enhanced debug circuitry not present in standard production devices. It exposes TRCLK, TRDAT[6:0], TRSTALL, TRGIN, and TRGOUT signals for non-intrusive real-time instruction trace and event triggering.

It allocates 32 shared data capture resources for concurrent use across hardware address/data breakpoints, runtime watches, and trace - with trace and runtime watches mutually exclusive. Breakpoint logic supports range matching, data value comparison, mask-based filtering, and interrupt context detection, all configurable via MPLAB X IDE's New Breakpoint dialog.

Key Specifications

Availability

AC244055 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded firmware development, production test validation, and automotive ECU debug workflows requiring stable component supply and full trace capability.

Supply support for AC244055 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools, certified to ISO/TS-16949 and ISO 9001 standards.

The AC244055 belongs to Microchip's Emulation Header product line, engineered to extend debugging depth beyond on-chip debuggers by integrating -ME2 silicon with dedicated trace and breakpoint hardware for complex firmware analysis.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AC244055 in a development workflow?

The AC244055 serves as a physical emulation interface that hosts a -ME2 microcontroller variant, enabling advanced in-circuit debugging features not available on standard production devices. It allows engineers to perform real-time instruction trace, configure up to 32 hardware breakpoints with conditional logic, and monitor runtime SFR/symbol values - all while preserving target board I/O resources. The AC244055 is essential when deep visibility into firmware execution is required during validation of PIC-based designs.

Which debug tools are compatible with the AC244055, and how do their capabilities differ?

The AC244055 is supported by MPLAB REAL ICE™, MPLAB ICD 3, and PICkit™ 3 debug tools - but feature availability varies. Only MPLAB REAL ICE™ supports full real-time instruction trace (TRCLK/TRDAT). All three support hardware address/data breakpoints and runtime watches, though ICD 3 and PICkit™ 3 lack enhanced event combiners and stopwatch cycle counter functionality documented in DS50002243B. Tool selection must align with required debug depth for the AC244055.

Can the AC244055 be used to program production devices?

No - the AC244055 is strictly a debug-only interface and cannot be used to program standard production microcontrollers. It contains a special -ME2 device intended solely for emulation and debugging within MPLAB X IDE's Debug menu. Programming of production parts requires separate tools such as MPLAB PM3, PICkit™ 3 in programmer mode, or the Universal Programming Module (AC162049). The AC244055 does not support Run>Run Project operations.

What target device packages does the AC244055 support, and how is mechanical interfacing achieved?

The AC244055 supports PDIP, TQFP, and PLCC target footprints as defined in Appendix B of DS50002243B. Interfacing uses a bottom-mounted socket matching the target device's pin count; the -ME2 IC on the header has additional debug pins not exposed to the target. Connection methods include direct header-to-target socket mating, stand-off male-to-male pins, or transition sockets (DS51194). Mechanical compatibility is footprint-specific, not pin-count generic.

Does the AC244055 require external power, and how is it integrated into the debug chain?

The AC244055 receives power from the connected debug tool (e.g., MPLAB REAL ICE™ or ICD 3) via its interface cable - no external power supply is needed. It sits between the debug tool and the target board: the top side connects to the emulator via modular or SIL connectors and trace adapter board, while the bottom side mates with the target device socket. This architecture isolates debug signaling from the target's normal operation, preserving VDD/VSS/VPP lines for application use.