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MicroSim Overview

The following is a quick overview of the main features of MicroSim. For more information on each section, please refer to its corresponding help page. The links can be found under Contents on the index page.

File Loading

  • Able to load PIC programs from HEX and symbolic COD files.
  • PIC program code is loaded via an open file dialog (more intuitive than command line).

  • Program Execution

  • Step through program one instruction at a time.
  • Run program at full-speed (pseudo realtime)
  • Toolbar contains buttons to step, run and stop a program execution
  • MicroSim user interface remains responsive during continuous run of a program.
  • Breakpoints can be set on specific lines of code to automatically stop program execution.

  • Source Browser

  • Provides a view of the program code currently loaded into program memory.
  • Allows the user to set breakpoints on specific lines of code via the source code text window.
  • Provides a History List of previously executed instructions for debugging purposes.

  • Memory Browser

  • Opcode Viewer lists the opcodes contained in program memory.
  • Watch Viewer allows the user to select specific file registers to monitor
  • Memory Viewer is table that can switch views between program memory, RAM and EEPROM. The Status, W and PC registers are also displayed and can be edited by the user.

  • Hardware Mapper

  • Maps the PIC port pins to parallel port pins to simulate the IO operation of the microcontroller.
  • Mapping configurations can be saved to a file and loaded from an existing mapping file.
  • Displays the direction, state and parallel port pin assignments.
  • Allows the user to initiate a master clear with a button.

  • Workspace Tab

  • Provides a view of important components of the simulator such as Source Browser, Register Viewer and Opcode Viewer.
  • Eliminates the need for multiple dockable windows and helps reduce desktop clutter.