Access Microchip debug tools in another location from your desktop PC using the MPLAB® X IDE Plugin - Remote USB Debugging (SW100300). Communication with multiple debug tools and multiple locations is supported depending on remote hardware capabilities.
Note: No security is provided across the network.
Benefits and Considerations
Although a VNC service may be used to connect a host and remote computer to access remote tools, the Remote USB Debugging plug-in provides a lightweight remote solution with better debugging response time. This means the remote machine does not require the MPLAB X IDE to be installed.
All that is required on the remote machine are the MPLAB Communications Library and JRE from MPLAB X IDE v3.40 (or later), but not the entire MPLAB X IDE application. This means the remote machine can be small like a Raspberry Pi.
The support of an Ethernet connection means you can work from your office desk and communicate with a remote system in the lab. However, attempting to communicate over long distances can produce delays and glitches inherent in long-distance connections.
System Overview
A simple remote hardware setup would consist of a debug tool, a target board, and a remote system capable of communicating with your host PC via Ethernet or WiFi (see Figure).
For details on setting up and using the remote system and MPLAB X IDE on the host, seeplugin installation,remote operation andhost operation.
Figure: Remote USB System
Host Requirements
- Software: MPLAB X IDE v3.40 or later and Remote USB plugin.
A free trial version of the Remote USB Debugging plugin is available through the MPLAB X IDE Plugins window (Tools > Plugins). This version provides full plugin functionality for 30 days. After that, a dialog will pop up on remote operations reminding you to purchase the regular version.
A regular version of the plugin is available for purchase and download through theMicrochipDirect.com web site. Install the plugin using the MPLAB X IDE Plugins window. - Hardware: Any computer running the operating systems supported by MPLAB X IDE v3.40 or later as specified in the Release Notes.
Remote Server Requirements
- Software: Either of the following:
- MPLAB Communications Library v3.20.01 or later and JRE 8 (Java Runtime Environment 8) or later. See the release notes for your version of MPLAB X IDE to determine the correct version of the JRE.
- MPLAB X IDE v3.40 or later (installs MPLAB Communications Library v3.20.01 or later and JRE 8 or later)
- Hardware: Either of the following:
- Any computer running the operating systems supported by MPLAB X IDE v3.40 as specified in the Release Notes.
- Raspberry Pi 3
Remote System Requirements
- Any Microchip hardware debug tool
- Target board compatible with above debug tool
