Microchip Technology AC244064

Overview

AC244064 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.

For engineers reviewing the AC244064 datasheet, AC244064 pinout, AC244064 application, or AC244064 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, trace interface specifications, target socket compatibility (TQFP/PLCC), supported debug tool integration, and functional distinctions versus debug headers - all critical for embedded firmware validation and resource-constrained debugging workflows.

Technical Context

The AC244064 implements a dedicated hardware emulation interface using a -ME2 silicon variant, which integrates enhanced debug circuitry not present in standard production devices. It exposes TRCLK, TRDAT[6:0], and TRSTALL signals for non-intrusive instruction trace and supports hardware address/data breakpoints with range, data value comparison, and interrupt context detection.

It requires connection to a compatible debug tool (REAL ICE, ICD 3, or PICkit 3) and interfaces to target boards via bottom-mounted sockets matching TQFP or PLCC footprints. Debug functionality is enabled exclusively in MPLAB X IDE v1.90+, with trace support limited to REAL ICE hardware and runtime watches constrained by shared data capture resource allocation.

Key Specifications

Availability

AC244064 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded firmware validation, production test fixture integration, and engineering lab-based microcontroller debug workflows requiring non-intrusive trace and advanced breakpoint control.

Supply support for AC244064 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 AC244064 belongs to Microchip's Emulation Header product line, engineered to extend debugging capability beyond on-chip debug modules by offloading debug logic to a dedicated -ME2 device - enabling full hardware trace, resource-free I/O usage, and deterministic breakpoint behavior for PIC MCU development.

FAQ

What is the AC244064 used for in PIC microcontroller development?

The AC244064 is an Emulation Header that hosts a -ME2 silicon device to enable advanced in-circuit debugging of PIC microcontrollers. Unlike standard debug headers, it preserves all target I/O pins for application use while delivering real-time instruction trace, 32 hardware breakpoints, and runtime watches. The AC244064 connects between a supported debug tool (e.g., REAL ICE) and the target board, allowing engineers to validate firmware without sacrificing peripheral resources or compromising timing-critical operation.

Which Microchip debug tools are compatible with the AC244064?

The AC244064 is officially supported with MPLAB REAL ICE, MPLAB ICD 3, and PICkit 3 debug tools. However, feature availability differs: only REAL ICE supports full real-time instruction trace; ICD 3 and PICkit 3 support hardware breakpoints and runtime watches but lack trace capability. All require MPLAB X IDE v1.90+. The AC244064 is not compatible with legacy MPLAB IDE v8 or standalone programmer modes - it operates exclusively in debug mode (Debug > Debug Project).

Does the AC244064 support programming of production devices?

No, the AC244064 is strictly a debugging interface and cannot program standard production microcontrollers. It contains a special -ME2 device intended solely for emulation and debug purposes. Programming of production parts must be performed using dedicated programmers such as the MPLAB PM3, PICkit 3 (in programmer mode), ICD 3 (as programmer), or REAL ICE (as programmer). The AC244064 does not expose ICSP or LVP programming interfaces - its sole function is runtime analysis and non-intrusive trace.

What target packages does the AC244064 support?

The AC244064 supports TQFP and PLCC package footprints on its bottom-side socket, as documented in Appendix B of DS50002243B. It does not support PDIP directly - PDIP targets require a transition socket or stand-off connector. The header's top-side -ME2 device has more pins than the target device to accommodate dedicated debug signals (e.g., TRCLK, TRDAT, TRSTALL), while the bottom socket matches the exact pin count and layout of the target TQFP or PLCC package.

Can the AC244064 be used with PIC32 microcontrollers?

No, the AC244064 is not designed for PIC32 MCUs. Its documentation, feature set (e.g., 8-bit/16-bit symbol sizing rules in Section 2.3.1), and -ME2 silicon targeting confirm it is intended for 8-bit and 16-bit PIC families (e.g., PIC12F, PIC16F, PIC18F). PIC32 devices use different emulation architectures, trace protocols (e.g., ETM), and debug interfaces - they require PIC32-specific emulation headers such as AC244065 or AC244066, as listed in Chapter 3 of DS50002243B.