Microchip Technology Inc. introduced its new MPLAB integrated development environment (IDE) v6.10 software. The MPLAB IDE is a free 32-bit desktop development environment that will edit, compile, debug and emulate embedded designs without leaving the MPLAB environment.

The software provides increased code writing efficiency, an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI), easier interfacing of third party tools, a USB to MPLAB in-circuit debugger (ICD) 2 interface, and full memory emulation for all supported devices, the company says. The MPLAB IDE supports Microchip's PIC16 mid-range family and the PIC18 family of PICmicro microcontrollers. Designers will also be able to use the MPLAB IDE to design and develop code for Microchip's dsPIC digital signal controllers.

The MPLAB IDE software is available at no cost and is downloadable from Microchip's Web site.
Microchip Technology Inc.
www.microchip.com

The MathWorks Inc. announced the availability of Communications Blockset 2.5, which extends the Simulink system-level design environment by providing more than 150 blocks to model the physical and link layer of communication systems. The Blockset includes new algorithms and wireless system models to enable communications systems engineers to develop more accurate system-level simulations and specifications.

The Communications Blockset can be used in conjunction with other Math-Works products, including the DSP Blockset, Signal Processing Toolbox and Communications Toolboxes, Real-Time Workshop, and Stateflow, to perform realistic simulations of communications devices and links.

This latest version contains a new RF impairments library, which allows users to model the impact of non-linearity, phase noise, and other RF effects on baseband communications design.

Communications Blockset 2.5 is available now at a list price starting at $1,000.
The MathWorks Inc.
www.mathworks.com

Ansoft Corp. announced the release of Simplorer 6.0; simulation software designed for the digital prototyping of multi-technology systems used in the automotive, aerospace, and power-electronics industries.

Simplorer 6.0 enables engineers to accurately model systems comprised of analog, digital, mixed-signal electronics, mechanics, hydraulics, controls, and other technologies without having to choose between proprietary modeling languages, the company says.

Simplorer 6.0's features include:

• VHDL-AMS — the new IEEE standard modeling language for analog mixed-signal design;
• SPICE compatibility — Simplorer 6.0 is compatible with the standard SPICE 3F5 format, allowing existing SPICE models of components to be utilized; and
• DC and AC analyses — Simplorer 6.0 supports DC and AC analyses, extending the software's capabilities beyond its traditional transient capability.

Ansoft Corp.
www.ansoft.com

Win Semiconductors Corp. announced the availability of a comprehensive process design kit for the Agilent Technologies Inc. (www.agilent.com) EEsof Advanced Design Systems (ADS) simulation environment. The WPP15 Process Design Kit (PDK) is for Win's 0.15-micron power pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (PHEMT) process that is in volume production.

The WPP15 PDK, developed in collaboration with Agilent Technologies, offers scalable models for PHEMT cells and passive components fabricated with Win's advanced 6-inch GaAs wafer process. The kit incorporates a menu driven cell library that includes transistor models covering a wide range of gate periphery.

The ADS PDK and its associated library cells and models are free of charge to Win's foundry users, and can be downloaded at www.winfoundry.com. Win's 0.15 um PHEMT process is optimized for a variety of applications including broadband communication, optical fiber communication, automobile radar, and homeland security systems.
Win Semiconductors Corp.
www.winfoundry.com