MPLAB® X IPE

Last modified by Microchip on 2023/11/10 11:02

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What is MPLAB Integrated Programming Environment?

MPLAB® Integrated Programming Environment (IPE) is a software application that provides a simple interface to quickly access key programmer features. MPLAB IPE provides a secure programming environment for production programming and uses the Microchip Debugger (MDB) Core and MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) framework to provide all the programming capabilities for all Microchip programmers. It runs on Windows®, macOS®, and Linux®.

The IPE is a multi-platform application, meaning that it can be run independently of MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The IPE is dedicated to the task of programming Microchip PIC® devices. It offers more programming features than the IDE, especially for production programming. Since it only deals with programming, it is a small, responsive, and fast application. The IPE works with the Microchip PICkit™ 4MPLAB® ICD 4 In-Circuit Debugger, and REAL ICE™ In-circuit emulator programmer/debuggers. The IPE is contained within the MPLAB X IDE package, so once you install MPLAB X IDE, the IPE application installs along with it.

Once you’ve installed the software, the IPE application can be accessed through the MPLAB IPE icon on your desktop or startup menu. You must run the IPE as the administrator for all features to be fully functional.

The Integrated Programming Environment application operates in two modes:

1. Production Mode – in which you can perform all the production programming operations. By default, the IPE is in this mode when it is launched.

2. Advanced Mode – a feature-rich Graphical User Interface (GUI) in which you can view and change the settings for programming operations, and set up secure environments for production programming.

Self-Paced Training

In the next few modules, we'll first look at the installation and software requirements of the IPE. Then we'll review the use of the IPE to perform simple tasks, such as programming a device using a HEX file.

The IPE uses the Microchip Debugger (MDB) Core and MPLAB X IDE framework to provide all the programming capabilities for all Microchip programmers.

Download the "Microchip IPE User's Guide".

IPE Launch App