3 Getting Started with MPLAB X IDE

Using a Curiosity Nano

In this example you will learn a simple application using an input and an output to blink an LED
MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler is the software used in this example.
The Curiosity Nano Board is connected to MPLAB X IDE via the on-board USB connector on the embedded debugger. The USB powers the kit and the embedded debugger will enable debugging and programming via the USB.

Workflow

Launch MPLAB X IDE.
The page shown in the figure below will appear when any Curiosity Nano is connected to MPLAB X IDE.
Figure 3-1. Curiosity Nano Kit Window in MPLAB® X
Start creating a new project by clicking File→New Project or using the <Ctrl+Shift+N> shortcut, as shown in Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2. Create New Project in MPLAB X IDE
Select the Categories→Microchip Embedded and Projects→Standalone Project template and click Next.
Figure 3-3. New Project Window
Select the microcontroller you are using (e.g., PIC18F56Q71) and click Next, as shown in Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4. Device Selection Window

Then select the board and the desired compiler, if there are any.
Select an available compiler (e.g., XC8 (v.2.5)) the latest is usually on the top, if needed there is also a link to (Download Latest) and click Next > to continue.
Figure 3-5. Compiler Selection Window
Type in the Project Name: (e.g., LED_TOGGLE) and location (e.g., C:\) of the project and click Finish.
Figure 3-6. Project Name and Location Selection Window
Create a new main.c file by clicking File→New File or using the <Ctrl+N> shortcut.
Figure 3-7. Create a New File in MPLAB X
Select the Categories→C and File Types→C Main File template, then click Next, as shown in Figure 3-8.
Figure 3-8. New File Window
Type in the file name (e.g., main) and click Finish.
Figure 3-9. File Name Window

Replace the main.c file with the following code snippet:

#include "mcc_generated_files/system/system.h"

int main(void) {

    PORTA   = 0x80;                   /* Clear PORTA */
    LATA    = 0x00;                   /* Clear Data Latch */
    ANSELA  = 0x00;                   /* Enable digital drivers */
    WPUA    = 0x01;                   /* Enable weak pull-up for SW0 */
    TRISA   = 0x01;                   /* Configure SW0 (RA0) as input */
    PORTC   = 0x80;                   /* Clear PORTC */
    LATC    = 0x00;                   /* Clear Data Latch */
    ANSELC  = 0x00;                   /* Enable digital drivers */
    TRISC   = 0x00;                   /* LED0 (RC7) pin as output */
    
    while (1) {
        /* Check the status of SW0 */
        /* 0: Pressed */
        if (PORTAbits.RA0 == 0) {
            LATCbits.LATC7 = 0;       /* LED0 ON */
        }
        else {
            LATCbits.LATC7 = 1;       /* LED0 OFF */
        }
    }
    return (EXIT_SUCCESS);
}

Important: The previous code shows the LED0 on pin 7 of PORTC, verify what pin and port LED0 is connected to. This will be different depending on the used Curiosity Nano.

Build the code by clicking Production→Clean and Build Main Project or using the <Shift+F11> shortcut.
Program the target device with the project code and start debugging by clicking Debug→Debugging Main Project.
Steps 12 and 13 can be accomplished in a single click by using the Debug Main Project option from the toolbar.
Figure 3-10. Debug Main Project
Verify that LED0 is lit when SW0 is pushed on the Curiosity Nano board.