Artificial Intelligence Meets Embedded Development with Microchip’s MPLAB® AI Coding Assistant

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology (MCHP) has launched the MPLAB® AI Coding Assistant, a free Microsoft VS Code extension designed to enhance software development efficiency. The tool, based on the Continue open-source AI code assistant, features Microchip's AI chatbot for real-time support and includes advanced autocomplete capabilities, error detection, and integrated access to Microchip documentation.

The assistant's unique sidebar chat feature can deliver block diagrams within the VS Code interface, distinguishing it from other code assistants. While the basic version is free, some advanced features require a subscription license. The company will showcase the tool at Embedded World (March 11-13, 2025).

Positive

• Launch of innovative AI-powered development tool that could enhance operational efficiency
• Free basic version availability with potential subscription revenue from advanced features
• Integration with Microsoft VS Code expands market reach

Negative

• None.

AI-powered tool streamlines software development for greater efficiency and accuracy

CHANDLER, Ariz., Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) is leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist software developers and embedded engineers in writing and debugging code with the launch of its MPLAB^® AI Coding Assistant. A Microsoft^® Visual Studio^® Code (VS Code^®) extension, the free tool is based on Continue—the market’s leading open-source AI code assistant—and comes preconfigured with Microchip’s AI chatbot for real-time support.

The Microchip chatbot enables a chat functionality which allows developers to evaluate and iterate on code directly from the sidebar. This interactive support enhances the coding experience by providing highly customized, relevant real-time assistance and insights on Microchip-specific products with the chatbot being updated on a continuous basis. Additional features include advanced autocomplete for easier coding, an edit feature and error detection for efficient code modifications within the current file and integrated access to searchable Microchip documentation within the IDE.

“The MPLAB® AI Coding Assistant represents a significant leap forward in software development and will transform how engineers work with Microchip products,” said Rodger Richey, vice president of development systems and academic programs at Microchip. “We’re harnessing the power of AI to provide interactive, real-time support that helps developers create better software, more quickly and with less hassle.”

Unlike most other code assistants on the market, MPLAB AI Coding Assistant’s sidebar chat feature can deliver block diagrams directly within the VS Code interface rather than just text responses. This capability, combined with easy access to a library of documentation on Microchip microcontrollers and microprocessors streamlines the coding process and helps enhance accuracy.

Visit the website to learn more about Microchip’s wide range of development tools.

Pricing and Availability
The MPLAB AI Coding Assistant is available for free; some advanced features may require a subscription license. For additional information contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com. To learn more, a Microchip development systems representative will be onsite during Embedded World (March 11-13, 2025) to answer questions and discuss tool details.

Resources
High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

• Application image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/54284596862/sizes/l/

About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control and processing solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve over 100,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo and MPLAB are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact:	Reader Inquiries:
Name: Amber Liptai	1-888-624-7435
Phone: 480-792-5047
amber.liptai@microchip.com

FAQ

What features does Microchip's (MCHP) new MPLAB AI Coding Assistant include?

The MPLAB AI Coding Assistant includes an AI chatbot for real-time support, advanced autocomplete capabilities, error detection, code modification features, and integrated access to Microchip documentation. It can also deliver block diagrams directly within the VS Code interface.

How much does MCHP's MPLAB AI Coding Assistant cost?

The basic version of MPLAB AI Coding Assistant is available for free, though some advanced features require a subscription license.

When will Microchip (MCHP) showcase the MPLAB AI Coding Assistant at Embedded World?

Microchip will showcase the MPLAB AI Coding Assistant at Embedded World from March 11-13, 2025.

What differentiates MCHP's MPLAB AI Coding Assistant from other code assistants?

Unlike most code assistants, MPLAB AI Coding Assistant can deliver block diagrams directly within the VS Code interface, rather than just text responses, and includes Microchip-specific product support through its AI chatbot.