Master

dsPIC30F dsPIC33F dsPIC33E dsPIC33C dsPIC33A PIC32

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CRITICAL: The Master block is MANDATORY in every MCHP Blockset model. This is always the FIRST block to add to any new model. Without it, no other MCHP blocks will function. The Master block is the central configuration block for the entire MCHP Blockset. It defines the target microcontroller, clock configuration, peripheral initialization, compiler settings, and code generation options.

Block Inputs/Outputs

Inputs: None (configuration block only)

Outputs: None (configuration block only)

This is the master configuration block that defines target device and system settings. It does not have signal ports—it provides global configuration used by all other MCHP blocks in the model.

Supported Devices

The Master block supports 800+ Microchip microcontrollers across multiple families:

16-bit DSC/MCU Families

32-bit MCU Families

ARM-based Families (SAM)

Block Parameters

Target Configuration

Clock Configuration

        Select oscillator source (internal RC or external crystal/clock)
        If using crystal, specify frequency in QUARTZ parameter
        Enable PLL if higher frequencies are required
        Set MIPS_DESIRED to target frequency - PLL multipliers are calculated automatically
        Block display shows achieved MIPS/MHz on the diagram

Fuse Configuration (Device Configuration Bits)

The Master block exposes device-specific configuration fuses extracted from Microchip XML specifications. Available fuses depend on the selected chip.

Dual-Core Configuration (dsPIC33CH only)

Build Configuration

External Mode Configuration

Busy Flag (Debug Output)

Generated Model Workspace Variables

The Master block creates essential variables in the model workspace (accessible to all blocks):

Code Generation Settings

The Master block automatically configures critical code generation parameters:

• Target Selection: Sets RTWSystemTargetFile to appropriate .tlc file
• Compiler Detection: Automatically finds and configures XC16/XC32/XC-DSC compiler paths
• DFP Integration: Loads Device Family Pack for accurate peripheral definitions
• PPS Configuration: Enables Peripheral Pin Select for remappable devices
• Code Replacement: Optionally enables optimized DSP assembly libraries

Examples

Example 1: Basic dsPIC33A Configuration

% Select dsPIC33AK128MC106
% Configure for motor control application

PICREF: 33AK128MC106
OSCILLATOR_SELECT: Crystal / Ceramic resonator
QUARTZ: 8e6              % 8 MHz crystal
ACTIV_PLL: on            % Enable PLL
MIPS_DESIRED: 100e6      % 100 MIPS target

% Result: FCY = 100 MHz, FOSC = 200 MHz
% PLL automatically configured: M=50, N1=2, N2=2

Example 2: SAME70 ARM Cortex-M7 Setup

% Select SAME70Q21B with LQFP package
% High-performance application

PICREF: SAME70Q21B - LQFP144
OSCILLATOR_SELECT: Crystal Oscillator
QUARTZ: 12e6             % 12 MHz crystal
ACTIV_PLL: on            % Enable PLL
MIPS_DESIRED: 300e6      % 300 MHz ARM core

% Result: MCLK = 300 MHz

Example 3: dsPIC33CH Dual-Core Master

% Master core configuration
% Slave core built separately

PICREF: 33CH128MP508     % Master core
OSCILLATOR_SELECT: Internal Fast RC (FRC)
ACTIV_PLL: on
MIPS_DESIRED: 90e6       % 90 MIPS master

% Slave project uses: 33CH128MP508S1

Example 4: Low-Power SAMD21 Configuration

% Ultra-low power IoT application

PICREF: SAMD21G18A
OSCILLATOR_SELECT: Internal 48MHz Oscillator
ACTIV_PLL: off
CPUDIV: 1                % No division
VDD_range: 2.7V to 3.6V  % Standard voltage

% Result: 48 MHz operation

Common Workflows

New Model Setup

• Create new Simulink model
• Open MCHP Blockset library
• Drag Master block to model (FIRST block)
• Double-click Master block to open configuration dialog
• Select target microcontroller from PICREF dropdown
• Configure clock settings for desired frequency
• Set any required fuse configuration bits
• Click OK/Apply - block display shows chip name and achieved MIPS
• Add other MCHP peripheral blocks as needed

Changing Target Device

• Open Master block
• Select new device from PICREF dropdown
• Click Apply - GUI closes automatically due to parameter structure change
• Re-open Master block - new fuses and clock options now visible
• Reconfigure clock and fuses for new device
• Review all peripheral blocks for compatibility warnings

External Mode Setup

• Configure UART in Master block for external mode

• Set baud rate (typically 115200 or higher)

• In Simulink Configuration Parameters:

• Code Generation → Interface → External mode

• Set transport to “tcpip” or “serial”

• Build and download code to target

• Connect via Simulink External Mode toolbar

• Monitor/tune parameters in real-time

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

        The Master block MUST be present before adding any other MCHP blocks
        Changing the target device may invalidate peripheral block configurations
        Always verify achieved MIPS matches application requirements
        Dual-core devices require separate projects for master and slave cores
        External mode requires dedicated UART - cannot be shared with application

See Also

Other

• Microchip Motor Control