MPLAB ICD 4 Help

Debug

If this option is available for the project device, you can select to use software breakpoints.

Table: Debug Option Category 

Use Software Breakpoints

Check to use software breakpoints. Uncheck to use hardware breakpoints. See the following table to determine which type is best for your application.

 

Table: Software vs Hardware Breakpoints

Features	Software Breakpoints	Hardware Breakpoints
Number of breakpoints	Unlimited	Limited
Breakpoints are written to	Program Memory	Debug Registers
Time to set breakpoints	Oscillator Speed Dependent – can take minutes	Minimal
Skidding	No	Yes
Note: Using software breakpoints for debugging impacts device ­endurance. Therefore, it is recommended that devices used in this manner not be used as production parts.

Microchip Support Help Updated: 2019-06-25 10:29:54Z Help Page: 56