Utility

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Overview

Utility blocks provide essential support functions for development, debugging, and system information access. The MPLAB Blockset includes blocks for viewing chip documentation, visualizing pin assignments, accessing timer information, and reset configuration - all designed to streamline embedded system development and troubleshooting.

Available Utility Blocks

Doc - Chip Documentation Access

All Families

Quick access to chip documentation - opens datasheet, reference manual, and device webpage directly from Simulink. - **Datasheet Link**: Opens device-specific datasheet PDF

Port Info - Pin Assignment Visualization

All Families

Interactive pin assignment viewer that displays all peripheral pin mappings in graphical format. - **Pin Conflict Detection**: Highlights overlapping pin assignments

Timer Info - Timer Resource Information

All Families

Display timer resource allocation and configuration details. - **Timer Usage**: Shows which timers are allocated

Simulink Reset Config - Reset Behavior Configuration

All Families

Configure microcontroller reset behavior for device startup and fault recovery. - **Reset Source Selection**: Power-on, brown-out, watchdog, software

MSI - Model State Information

dsPIC33C

Access Simulink model state information during code generation and simulation. - **Model Parameters**: Access model configuration data

Block Selection Guide

By Development Phase

By Problem Type

Common Usage Patterns

Pin Conflict Debugging

1. Add MCHP_Port_Info block to model

2. Build model (Ctrl+B)
   - Port Info generates pin assignment table
   - Conflicts highlighted in red

3. Review pin assignments:
   - Check which peripherals overlap
   - Verify PPS routing correct

4. Resolve conflicts:
   - Change pin selection in affected blocks
   - Rebuild and verify Port_Info shows no conflicts

Quick Documentation Reference

1. Add MCHP_Doc block to model

2. Double-click block:
   - Opens GUI with documentation links

3. Access resources:
   - Click "Datasheet" → Opens device-specific PDF
   - Click "Reference Manual" → Opens peripheral FRM
   - Click "Product Page" → Opens Microchip web page

4. Keep block in model:
   - Acts as documentation bookmark
   - No code generated (utility only)

Timer Resource Planning

1. Add MCHP_Timer_Info block

2. Build model:
   - Displays all timer allocations
   - Shows configuration (period, prescaler)

3. Check timer usage:
   - Verify no conflicts
   - Ensure timer availability for new features

4. Plan new features:
   - Use Timer_Info to identify free timers
   - Add new timer-based peripherals accordingly

Best Practices

Development Workflow

Always Include in Development Models:

• ✅ Port_Info - Essential for pin planning and conflict detection
• ✅ Doc - Quick reference access
• ⚠️ Timer_Info - If using multiple timer-based peripherals

Remove Before Production:

• ❌ Utility blocks generate no code but add to model clutter
• ❌ Consider removing before final release (optional)

Pin Assignment Strategy

1. Early Planning: Add Port_Info block before detailed design
2. Continuous Verification: Check Port_Info after each peripheral added
3. Pre-Hardware: Verify all pin assignments before PCB design
4. Post-Hardware: Confirm model matches hardware layout

Documentation Access

• Keep MCHP_Doc block near top of model for easy access
• Use when implementing new peripherals (quick reference)
• Share models with doc block for team collaboration

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Port_Info Not Showing Pins

Check:

• ✅ Model has been built (Ctrl+B) at least once
• ✅ Master block present and configured
• ✅ Peripherals actually using pins (not simulated)

Timer_Info Shows Conflicts

Symptoms: Multiple peripherals trying to use same timer

• Check: PWM and Input Capture on same timer (not allowed)
• Check: Multiple timer-triggered ADCs on same timer
• Fix: Use TIMER_Config with named resources
• Fix: Assign different timers to each peripheral

Doc Links Not Working

Check:

• ✅ Internet connection (for product page)
• ✅ PDF reader installed (for datasheets)
• ✅ Correct device selected in Master block

Device Family Support Summary

Legend: ✅ Full Support | ❌ Not Available

Note: MSI (Model State Information) is specific to dsPIC33C dual-core and dsPIC33A devices. Other utility blocks are universally available.

See Also

Related Block Categories:

• System Configuration - For Master block and system setup
• Timer Blocks - For timer peripheral configuration
• Digital I/O Blocks - For GPIO pin assignment

Recommended Workflow:

1. Add MCHP_Master block
2. Add MCHP_Doc and MCHP_Port_Info blocks
3. Develop application with peripheral blocks
4. Verify pin assignments with Port_Info
5. Check timer allocation with Timer_Info
6. Configure reset behavior with Simulink_Reset_Config

Example Projects:

• Getting Started Examples - See utility blocks in action
• Board Templates - Pre-configured with utility blocks

💡 Quick Tips:

• Always use Port_Info when working with multiple peripherals
• Keep Doc block for quick datasheet access during development
• Check Timer_Info before adding timer-dependent peripherals
• Configure reset behavior early for robust startup
• Use MSI for advanced build automation and metadata