2 Introduction

The Microchip Debugger (MDB) is a command-line debugger interface to Microchip’s hardware and software development tools. As an alternative to using the Microchip MPLAB® X IDE (Integrated Development Environment) graphical interface, the MDB facilitates debugging devices through a Command Prompt interface and can program a production image for testing purposes.

The MDB is designed for engineers who prefer to use the Command Prompt. The command-line interface to the debugger is faster and allows more extensive testing to be performed. This is especially helpful when a task is repetitive, such as debugging an issue that is difficult to resolve, or when there is automation of a testing procedure.

The MDB can be used with a script or batch file. The MDB can be used with these tools:

  • MPLAB® ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger
  • MPLAB® ICD 4 In-Circuit Debugger
  • PICkit™ 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer
  • MPLAB® PICkit 4 In-Circuit Debugger
  • MPLAB® Snap In-Circuit Debugger
  • MPLAB® REAL ICE™ In-Circuit Emulator
  • MPLAB® ICE 4 In-Circuit Emulator
  • MPLAB® PM3 Device Programmer
  • MPLAB SIM Software Simulator
  • Licensed third party programmers and debuggers
  • SK (Starter Kits PKOB)
  • EDBG (embedded debugger)
  • Curiosity/Starter Kits (PKOB4)
  • Microchip Curiosity Nano Debugger
  • MCHV
  • MICROSTICK
  • Power Debugger
  • JTAGICE3
  • J-32
  • J0Link
  • Atmel-ICE
  • Atmel Embedded Debugger (EDBG)
  • Mini Embedded Debugger
  • SEGGER SAME-ICE