PICsim
PICsim is an open-source circuit simulator and microcontroller emulator that allows users to test and debug PIC microcontroller code on their computer. It provides a GUI workspace for designing circuits and writing/uploading code to a virtual PIC chip.
circuit-simulation
pic-programming
embedded-systems
PICsim: Open-Source Circuit Simulator
An open-source circuit simulator and microcontroller emulator that allows users to test and debug PIC microcontroller code on their computer, with a GUI workspace for designing circuits and writing/uploading code.
What is PICsim?
PICsim is an open-source circuit simulator and microcontroller emulator designed for 8-bit PIC microcontrollers. It allows users to test and debug PIC code on their computer without needing physical PIC hardware.
Some key features of PICsim include:
- Real-time circuit simulation with various components like LEDs, switches, LCD displays, etc.
- Emulation of popular PIC models like PIC16F628A, PIC16F877A, PIC18F4550, etc.
- Assembly code editor and uploader to simulate code execution on virtual PIC
- Graphical debugging interface to view register values, I/O port states, etc.
- Simulator workspace to design circuits and interface external components
- Extensive component libraries for both analog and digital electronics
- Waveform generators and logic analyzer tools for signals analysis
PICsim provides a cost-effective method for PIC programming beginners and hobbyists to learn and experiment with PIC microcontrollers. Its simple UI, detailed documentation, circuit simulation capabilities make it a useful tool for testing PIC projects before deploying them on real hardware.
PICsim Features
Features
- Circuit simulator for PIC microcontrollers
- Supports various PIC models like PIC16F84A, PIC16F628A, PIC16F877A, PIC16F887, PIC18F452, etc.
- Allows testing PIC code on a virtual chip
- Provides GUI workspace for circuit design
- Includes debugging tools like breakpoints, variable watches, etc.
- Open-source and cross-platform (Windows, Linux, Mac)
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
No need for physical PIC and hardware to test code
Fast prototyping and debugging
Supports many common PIC models
Active community support
Cons
Limited to PIC microcontrollers only
Not all PIC models supported
Lacks some advanced debugging features
GUI could be more intuitive
Simulated environment, not 100% accurate like real hardware
Official Links
The Best PICsim Alternatives
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