Datasheet

Common Debug Functions
2013 Microchip Technology Inc. DS52085A-page 51
5.4.2 Hardware or Software Breakpoint Selection
The following table compares hardware and software breakpoints:
TABLE 5-1: HARDWARE VS. SOFTWARE BREAKPOINTS
To select hardware or software breakpoints:
1. Select your project in the Project window. Then select either File>
Project
Properties or right click and select “Properties”.
2. In the Project Properties dialog, select “REAL ICE” under “Categories”.
3. Under “Option Categories” select “Debug Options”.
4. Check “Use software breakpoints” to use software breakpoints. Uncheck to use
hardware breakpoints.
5.4.3 Breakpoint and Stopwatch Usage
Breakpoints halt execution of code. To determine the time between the breakpoints,
use the stopwatch.
Please refer to the MPLAB X IDE Help for how to set up and use breakpoints and the
stopwatch.
5.5 EXTERNAL TRIGGERS (LOGIC PROBES)
Use external triggers to set up hardware triggers using the logic probes. All pins
(whether used or unused) should either be pulled up or grounded. Floating pins may
produce false triggers.
External triggers can be used as input to halt program execution when an external
event occurs. They can also be used as output to control external devices.
To use probe pins as inputs, you must provide the circuitry to drive them (see Table
12-3: “Logic Probe Electrical Specifications” for drive levels.)
You will not be able to use external triggers if you are using the logic probe port for
another debug feature such as:
I/O Port trace (see Section 6.3.3.3 “I/O Port Trace.)
PIC32 Instruction trace (see Section 7.3 “PIC32 Instruction Trace.)
For more on external trigger hardware, see Section 12.4.4 “Logic Probe/External
Trigger Interface”.
Feature HW Breakpoints SW Breakpoints
Number of breakpoints Limited Unlimited
Breakpoints written to* Debug registers Program memory
Breakpoints applied to** Memory registers Code
Time to set breakpoints Minimal Oscillator speed dependent;
programming Flash memory
Breakpoint skidding Most devices. See the online
help, Limitations section, for
details.
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.
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.