Doc
When to use:
When to use:
- Need quick access to device datasheet during model development
- Checking peripheral register descriptions or pin mappings
- Verifying electrical specifications or timing diagrams
- Accessing silicon errata to understand known hardware limitations
- Opening Microchip product webpage for additional resources
✗ This block is never harmful:
- Informational utility only — no impact on generated code
- Add to model for convenient documentation access
- Remove if not needed — purely a development aid
Overview
The Data Sheet block opens technical documentation for the currently selected Microchip device. It automatically detects the device from the MCHP Master block, downloads the corresponding PDF if needed, and opens it in the default system PDF viewer.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DOC_Type | popup | Document type: datasheet, errata, or www (product webpage) |
| DOC_FilePath | text | Path to cached PDF file (read-only) |
| DOC_FileLastCheckTime | text | Last update check timestamp (read-only) |
Note: Parameters are managed automatically. DOC_Type can be changed to switch between datasheet, errata, and product webpage.
Operation
Opening Documentation
Double-click the block to open the document type specified in DOC_Type:
- datasheet: Opens device datasheet PDF
- errata: Opens device silicon errata PDF
- www: Opens Microchip product webpage in web browser
The block annotation displays the current device ID from the MCHP Master block.
Automatic Download and Caching
When opened, the block:
- Detects the device ID from the MCHP Master block
- Searches for the document on the Microchip website
- Downloads the PDF to
Documents/MCHP_Datasheets/(Windows) or~/Documents/MCHP_Datasheets/(Linux/Mac) - Opens the PDF in the default system viewer
- Stores file reference in mchp.prefs preference table
Files are named: {chip}_{doctype}_DS{number}.pdf (e.g., dsPIC33CK256MP508_datasheet_DS70005349.pdf)
Update Checking
- Cached files are reused if less than 15 days old
- After 15 days, the block checks for updated documentation online
- If download fails, the block falls back to the cached file or opens the browser search page
Examples
Accessing PWM register details:
- Add a Data Sheet block to your model
- Ensure MCHP Master block has the target device selected (e.g., dsPIC33CK256MP508)
- Double-click the Data Sheet block
- The device datasheet PDF opens automatically
- Navigate to the PWM chapter and review register descriptions
Switching to errata:
- Open the block mask parameters
- Change DOC_Type from
datasheettoerrata - Double-click the block to open the errata PDF
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| PDF doesn’t open | Install a PDF viewer (e.g., Adobe Reader) |
| Block shows “Undefined” | Add an MCHP Master block and select a device |
| Download fails | Check internet connection; cached file will be used if available |
| Wrong datasheet | Verify the correct device is selected in the MCHP Master block |
Related Blocks
- MCHP Master: Device selection and project configuration