MCHP Chip Webpage Launcher
When to use:
When to use:
- Need quick access to chip datasheet or errata during development
- Checking peripheral specifications without leaving Simulink environment
- Opening Microchip product webpage for additional resources or examples
- Embedding documentation links within model for team collaboration
- Verifying silicon errata before finalizing design
✗ This block is never harmful:
- Informational utility only — no impact on generated code or simulation
- Add to model for convenient documentation access
- Remove if not needed — purely a development aid
Overview
The Chip Webpage Launcher block provides quick access to chip-specific documentation directly from your Simulink model. When double-clicked, this utility block opens the selected documentation type (datasheet, errata sheet, or product webpage) for the target chip configured in the MCHP Master block.
Key Features:
- One-click access to chip documentation
- Automatic chip detection from model configuration
- Opens datasheets, errata documents, or product webpages
- No simulation or code generation overhead
- Synchronized with MCHP Master block chip selection
Typical Applications
- Development Reference: Quick access to chip documentation while modeling
- Specification Verification: Check peripheral specifications without leaving Simulink
- Errata Review: Review silicon errata for current chip
- Model Documentation: Embed documentation links within model structure
- Team Collaboration: Ensure team members have easy access to reference material
Parameters
No User Parameters
The chip webpage launcher requires no configuration parameters. It automatically:
- Detects target chip from MCHP Master block
- Determines documentation availability
- Opens appropriate documentation when double-clicked
Block Behavior
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Double-click block | Opens chip documentation (datasheet/errata/webpage) |
| Simulation | No effect (empty S-Function) |
| Code Generation | Not included in generated code |
Documentation Types
Datasheet
Opens the official product datasheet PDF for the selected chip. Contains:
- Complete peripheral specifications
- Electrical characteristics
- Pin assignments and package information
- Register definitions
- Timing diagrams
Errata Sheet
Opens the silicon errata document listing:
- Known silicon issues
- Workarounds and solutions
- Affected device revisions
- Fix status and timeline
Product Webpage
Opens the Microchip product page with:
- Product overview and features
- Development tools and resources
- Application notes and code examples
- Technical support forums
- Software downloads
Notes
Documentation Availability
- Local datasheets: Requires MPLAB X IDE installation with DFP (Device Family Pack)
- Web access: Internet connection required for webpage/errata
- Chip support: Documentation availability varies by chip
Synchronization with Master Block
The launcher automatically updates when:
- MCHP Master chip selection changes
- Model is loaded/refreshed
- Block is copied to new model
Changes are detected via MCHP_Doc_Callback initialization.
Browser Behavior
- Opens documentation in default web browser
- PDF files open in system PDF viewer
- Local files have priority over web resources
Model Portability
- Block contains no hardcoded paths
- Automatically adapts to user environment
- Safe to share models across team members
Device Support
Universal Support: Works with all Microchip device families supported by the MCHP Blockset:
- dsPIC30F/33F/33E/33C/33CH/33CK/33A
- PIC24F/H/E
- PIC32 (MIPS: MK/MZ/MX)
- PIC32A (dsPIC33A core)
- SAM ARM devices (E5x/E7x/C2x/D2x/RH70x)
Examples
Adding to Model
1. Drag "chip webpage" block from MCHP Blockset library
2. Place in model canvas (typically in annotation area)
3. Double-click block to open documentation
4. Block automatically detects chip from MCHP Master configuration
Model Organization
Recommended placement:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Model Header Area │
│ ┌──────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌──────────┐ │
│ │Master│ │chip webpage│ │PortInfo │ │
│ └──────┘ └───────────┘ └──────────┘ │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Peripheral Configuration Blocks │
│ ... │
Documentation Workflow
% 1. Configure target chip in MCHP Master block
% 2. Add chip webpage launcher to model
% 3. During development:
% - Double-click to check specifications
% - Verify register addresses
% - Review errata for workarounds
% - Check electrical characteristics
Troubleshooting
Block Doesn’t Open Documentation
Check:
- MCHP Master block present in model
- Valid chip selected in Master block
- Internet connection for web resources
- MPLAB X IDE installed for local datasheets
Wrong Documentation Opens
Verify:
- Chip name correct in MCHP Master
- Model saved after chip change
- Block reinitialized (close/reopen model)
Documentation Not Found
Possible causes:
- Chip too new (documentation not yet published)
- Legacy chip (documentation archived)
- DFP not installed for this chip family
- Network issue blocking web access
Solutions:
- Install appropriate DFP via MPLAB X
- Search manually at https://www.microchip.com
- Check chip name spelling in Master block
- Verify internet connectivity
PDF Viewer Issues
If PDF doesn’t open:
- Verify PDF reader installed
- Check file associations
- Try manual download from Microchip website
- Update Adobe Reader or alternative PDF viewer
Implementation Details
Empty S-Function Block
The chip webpage launcher uses MCHP_EmptySFunction as its S-Function. This means:
- Block has no effect during simulation
- Block is not included in generated code
- Block serves only as documentation launcher
- No computational overhead
Automatic Chip Detection
The block reads chip configuration from:
- MCHP Master block in current model
- DOC_MCHP_Id parameter stores detected chip name
- Documentation paths resolved automatically
Documentation Path Resolution
% Internal callback: MCHP_Doc_Callback
% Detects chip: e.g., "dsPIC33EP512MU810"
% Opens appropriate documentation:
% - Datasheet: Searches local + web resources
% - Errata: Microchip errata repository
% - Webpage: https://www.microchip.com/[CHIP]
References
- MCHP Master Block Documentation
- Microchip Product Selector: https://www.microchip.com/productselector
- MPLAB X IDE DFP Documentation
- MCHP Doc System Architecture
Related Blocks
- MCHP Master: Chip configuration and target selection
- Doc: General documentation launcher
- Port Info: Pin assignment reference
- Timer Info: Timer peripheral usage reference