Quick Start Guide

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This guide will walk you through creating your first MCHP Blockset project in 10 minutes.

Step 1: Open Simulink Library Browser

• Launch MATLAB
• Type simulink in the command window and press Enter
• In the Library Browser, find MCHP Blockset

Step 2: Create a New Model

• Click File → New → Model (or Ctrl+N)
• Save the model as my_first_mchp_project.slx

Step 3: Configure Target Hardware

• Open Model Configuration Parameters (Ctrl+E)

• Navigate to Code Generation → System target file

• Select one of the MCHP target files:

• MCHP_dsPIC_PIC24.tlc - For dsPIC/PIC24 devices

• MCHP_PIC32.tlc - For PIC32 devices

• MCHP_SAM.tlc - For SAM devices

• Click Apply

Step 4: Select Device and Compiler

• In Configuration Parameters, go to Code Generation → MCHP Target
• Select your target device (e.g., dsPIC33AK128MC106)
• Select compiler version (auto-detected if installed correctly)
• Click OK

Step 5: Add Master Block

• From MCHP Blockset library, drag Master block to your model
• Double-click to configure:
• Set system clock frequency
• Configure oscillator settings
• Set sample time (e.g., 0.0001 for 100μs)

Step 6: Add Peripheral Blocks

Example: Toggle a Digital Output

• Add Digital Output block from MCHP Blockset → GPIO

• Double-click the block:

• Select output pin (e.g., RB0)

• Set initial value (0 or 1)

• Add a Pulse Generator from Simulink → Sources

• Connect Pulse Generator output to Digital Output input

• Configure Pulse Generator:

• Period: 2 (toggle every second)

• Sample time: Inherited (-1)

Step 7: Build the Model

• Click the Build button (or press Ctrl+B)
• Wait for code generation and compilation
• Check for successful build in the Diagnostic Viewer
• Verify output files are created:
• *.hex - Programming file
• *.elf - Executable with debug symbols

Step 8: Program the Device

• Option A: Using MPLAB X IPE

• Open MPLAB X IPE

• Select device and programmer

• Browse to .hex file in model folder

• Click “Program”

• Option B: From Simulink (if configured)

• In model configuration, enable auto-programming

• Click “Build Model” - device will be programmed automatically

Example Models

The blockset includes example models to help you get started:

• Basic Examples - GPIO, timers, interrupts
• Motor Control - FOC, BLDC, sensor interfaces
• Communication - UART, SPI, I2C, CAN
• Power Conversion - SMPS, inverters, PFC

Common First Projects

1. LED Blink

Digital output + pulse generator (as shown in Step 6)

2. PWM Output

• Add PWM block from MCHP Blockset
• Configure frequency and duty cycle
• Add Constant block for duty cycle input
• Build and test on hardware

3. ADC Read and Serial Output

• Add ADC block to read analog input
• Add UART Tx block for serial output
• Add Display block for simulation
• Monitor ADC values via serial terminal

Next Steps

• [Learn External Mode] - Real-time parameter tuning
• [Learn PIL Testing] - Code verification on hardware
• [Explore Block Reference] - Detailed block documentation
• [Advanced Examples] - Complex motor control applications

Troubleshooting

• Build fails - Check compiler installation and paths
• Device not found - Verify Device Family Pack (DFP) is installed
• Code doesn’t run - Check oscillator configuration matches hardware
• Simulation error - Set proper sample times for all blocks

See Also

[Overview] | [Supported Devices] | User Guide