4.7.1.3.2 Hardware or Software Breakpoint Selection

To select hardware or software breakpoints:

  1. Select your project in the Projects window and then right click to select “Properties.”
  2. In Project Properties, select PICkit 5>Debug Options.
  3. Check “Use software breakpoints” to use software breakpoints. Uncheck to use hardware breakpoints.
Note: Using software breakpoints for debug impacts device endurance. Therefore, it is recommended that devices used in this manner not be used as production parts.

To help you decide which type of breakpoints to use (hardware or software) the following table compares the features of each.

Table 4-4. Hardware vs. Software Breakpoints
Feature Hardware Breakpoints Software Breakpoints
Number of breakpoints Limited Unlimited
Breakpoints written to* Internal debug registers Flash Program Memory
Breakpoints applied to** Program Memory/Data Memory Program Memory only
Time to set breakpoints Minimal Dependent on oscillator speed, time to program Flash Memory and page size.
Breakpoint skidding Most devices. See MPLAB X IDE Help>Help Contents>Hardware Tool Reference> Limitations - Emulators and Debuggers. No
* Where information about the breakpoint is written in the device.
** What kind of device feature applies to the breakpoint. This is where the breakpoint is set.