Microchip Technology Inc (Nasdaq: MCHP) has announced that its MPLAB® XC Pro Compilers and MPLAB Machine Learning (ML) Development Suite are now available at no cost to customers, giving engineers greater flexibility and broader access to advanced embedded development capabilities. The move enables unlimited installations across individual and team environments, helping developers accelerate product development while reducing barriers associated with professional-grade software tools.
The availability of these tools at no cost is designed to support developers working across a wide range of embedded applications, from traditional microcontroller-based designs to emerging edge artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. By combining optimized compilation technology with integrated machine learning workflows, Microchip is enabling engineers to streamline development from initial design concepts through final deployment.
“Optimizing the development experience for engineers using Microchip devices remains a key priority,” said Greg Robinson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s development tools, MCU and wireless business units. “By removing license fees and providing access to high-performance development tools at no cost, we are helping customers overcome challenges and bring innovative embedded solutions to market more efficiently. Developers can now leverage advanced compiler optimization and machine learning capabilities throughout their design process.”
Previously offered through paid licensing options, the MPLAB XC Pro Compilers provide advanced optimization features that help reduce code size, minimize memory usage, improve execution performance and generate architecture-optimized code for embedded systems. These capabilities allow developers to create efficient applications across Microchip’s extensive portfolio of 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) and microprocessors (MPUs).
Microchip’s MPLAB Machine Learning Development Suite Model Builder is also now available without cost. Delivered as an MPLAB or Microsoft® Visual Studio® Code (VS Code®) plug-in, Model Builder enables developers to generate optimized artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) sensor recognition code. The tool supports complete embedded machine learning workflows, helping engineers deploy intelligent functionality on resource-constrained edge devices while improving development efficiency.
By extending MPLAB ML support to VS Code, Microchip is providing developers with greater choice and a more flexible workflow that aligns with commonly used development environments. This approach helps simplify machine learning integration and allows engineers to build edge intelligence solutions using familiar tools.
The expanded free access initiative also includes Microchip’s MPLAB XC Functional Safety Compilers. These TÜV SÜD-certified compilers support safety-critical applications and help developers address functional safety requirements. While certification documentation and related support remain available through paid options when required, developers can now begin safety-focused design activities without initial licensing costs.
Microchip Technology is widely recognized for its semiconductor, embedded systems, and timing solutions used across automotive, industrial, aerospace, communications, and consumer electronics applications. Through ongoing innovation in frequency control and precision timing technologies, the company aims to support next-generation electronic systems that demand higher performance, lower power consumption, and improved operational resilience.
