MPLAB XC8 Activation Key: How to Install, Activate, and Manage Your Compiler

MPLAB XC8 Activation Key: What You Need to Know

If you are a developer who works with Microchip PIC microcontrollers, you probably have heard of MPLAB XC8 compiler. It is a full-featured, highly-optimized ANSI C compiler that supports all 8-bit PIC devices.

Mplab Xc8 Activation Key

But do you know what an activation key is and why you need one? An activation key is a unique code that allows you to activate your MPLAB XC8 compiler license. A license is a legal agreement that grants you certain rights and privileges to use the compiler. Depending on the type of license you have, you may have different features and limitations for using the compiler. For example, you may have access to more optimization levels, more device families, more technical support, and more updates.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about MPLAB XC8 activation key, including how to install, license, find, and manage your compiler. By the end of this article, you will be able to use your compiler with confidence and ease.

How to Install MPLAB XC8 Compiler

The first step to use MPLAB XC8 compiler is to install it on your machine. You can install the compiler on different platforms, such as Windows, Linux, or Mac OS. You can also install the compiler on a single workstation or on multiple workstations connected to a network server.

To install the compiler, you need to download the installer from the Microchip website. You can choose the installer that matches your platform and operating system. The installer will guide you through the installation process and let you choose the options that suit your needs.

Workstation Installation

If you want to install the compiler on a single workstation, you can follow these steps:

• Run the installer and accept the license agreement.

• Select the destination folder for the installation.

• Select the components you want to install. You can choose the compiler, the documentation, and the device header files.

• Select the integration options. You can choose to integrate the compiler with MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE.

• Click Install to start the installation.

• Click Finish to complete the installation.

After installing the compiler, you can launch it from the Start menu (Windows) or from the Applications folder (Mac OS). You can also launch it from MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE if you integrated them during the installation.

Network Client Installation

If you want to install the compiler on multiple workstations connected to a network server, you can follow these steps:

• On the network server, run the installer and accept the license agreement.

• Select the destination folder for the installation.

• Select the components you want to install. You can choose the compiler, the documentation, and the device header files.

• Select the integration options. You can choose to integrate the compiler with MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE.

• Select Network Server as the license type and enter the server name or IP address.

• Click Install to start the installation.

• Click Finish to complete the installation.

On each network client workstation, run the installer and follow these steps:

• Accept the license agreement.

• Select Network Client as the license type and enter the server name or IP address.

• Select Install Client Files Only as the installation type.

• Select a destination folder for installing client files only.

• Select integration options if desired.

• Click Install to start installing client files only.

• Click Finish to complete installing client files only.

After installing client files only, you can launch the compiler from MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE if you integrated them during installation. You can also launch it from a command prompt by entering xclm -status.

Dongle Compiler License

If you want to use a dongle to license your compiler, you need to purchase a dongle license from Microchip or its distributors. A dongle is a small device that plugs into a USB port on your machine and contains a unique identification number. A dongle license allows you to use your compiler on any machine that has a dongle attached.

To use a dongle license, you need to install a dongle driver on your machine. You can download the driver from Microchip website. After installing the driver, plug in your dongle and run xclm -status from a command prompt. You should see a message that says "Dongle License Found".

You can also use MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE to check your dongle license status. In MPLAB X IDE, go to Tools > License Manager and click Refresh. In MPLAB IPE, go to Settings > Advanced Mode > License Manager and click Refresh. You should see your dongle license information in both tools.

How to License MPLAB XC8 Compiler

The next step to use MPLAB XC8 compiler is to license it. A license is a legal agreement that grants you certain rights and privileges to use the compiler. Depending on the type of license you have, you may have different features and limitations for using the compiler.

There are three types of licenses available for MPLAB XC8 compiler: Free, Standard, and PRO. Here is a table that compares the features and limitations of each license type:

License Type

Features

Limitations

Free

- No cost- No activation required- Supports all 8-bit PIC devices- Includes basic optimization level (O0)- Includes device header files and documentation

- No technical support- No updates- No access to advanced optimization levels (O1, O2, O3, Os)- No access to additional device families (e.g. PIC18 Q Series)

Standard

- Low cost- Activation required- Supports all 8-bit PIC devices- Includes basic and medium optimization levels (O0, O1)- Includes device header files and documentation- Includes one year of High Priority Access (HPA) for technical support and updates

- No access to high optimization levels (O2, O3, Os)- No access to additional device families (e.g. PIC18 Q Series)

PRO

- High cost- Activation required- Supports all 8-bit PIC devices- Includes all optimization levels (O0, O1, O2, O3, Os)- Includes device header files and documentation- Includes one year of High Priority Access (HPA) for technical support and updates- Includes access to additional device families (e.g. PIC18 Q Series)

- None

As you can see, the PRO license offers the most features and the least limitations for using the compiler. However, it also costs more than the other license types. Therefore, you need to consider your needs and budget before choosing a license type.

How to Purchase a PRO License

If you decide to purchase a PRO license, you have two options: online or through distribution. You can purchase a PRO license online from the Microchip website or from your mySoftware account. You can also purchase a PRO license through distribution from a Microchip authorized distributor or reseller.

When you purchase a PRO license online, you will receive an email confirmation with your activation key and instructions on how to activate your license. When you purchase a PRO license through distribution, you will receive a physical package with your activation key and instructions on how to activate your license.

How to Acquire a Free 60-day Evaluation of PRO

If you are not sure whether you need a PRO license or not, you can request a free 60-day evaluation of PRO license online or through distribution. You can request a free trial online from the Microchip website or from your mySoftware account. You can also request a free trial through distribution from a Microchip authorized distributor or reseller.

When you request a free trial online, you will receive an email confirmation with your activation key and instructions on how to activate your license. When you request a free trial through distribution, you will receive a physical package with your activation key and instructions on how to activate your license.

A free trial of PRO license allows you to use all the features and benefits of the PRO license for 60 days without any cost or obligation. However, after 60 days, your license will expire and you will need to purchase a PRO license or switch to another license type.

How to Activate Your License

After you purchase or request a license, you need to activate it using an activation key. An activation key is a unique code that allows you to activate your MPLAB XC8 compiler license. You can activate your license online or offline depending on your internet connection.

To activate your license online, follow these steps:

• Launch MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE.

• Go to Tools > License Manager.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products.

• Click Activate.

• Enter your activation key in the dialog box.

• Click OK.

• Your license will be activated and displayed in the License Manager.

To activate your license offline, follow these steps:

• Launch MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE.

• Go to Tools > License Manager.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products

• Click Activate.

• Select Offline Activation from the dialog box.

• Click Generate Request File and save the file to a removable media device.

• Transfer the file to a machine that has internet access and go to https://www.microchip.com/xclm/offline.

• Enter your activation key and upload your request file.

• Download the response file and transfer it back to your original machine.

• Click Load Response File and select the file from your removable media device.

• Click OK.

• Your license will be activated and displayed in the License Manager.

You can also use the xclm command line tool to activate your license online or offline. For more information, refer to the MPLAB XC8 Compiler User's Guide.

How to Purchase and Activate an Add-On License

If you already have a license for MPLAB XC8 compiler, you can purchase and activate an add-on license for another compiler or device family. An add-on license allows you to use additional features and benefits of another compiler or device family without purchasing a separate license.

To purchase and activate an add-on license, follow these steps:

• Purchase an add-on license online from the Microchip website or from your mySoftware account. You can also purchase an add-on license through distribution from a Microchip authorized distributor or reseller.

• You will receive an email confirmation with your activation key and instructions on how to activate your add-on license.

• Launch MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE.

• Go to Tools > License Manager.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products.

• Click Add-Ons.

• Select the add-on license you want to activate from the list of available add-ons.

• Click Activate.

• Enter your activation key in the dialog box.

• Click OK.

• Your add-on license will be activated and displayed in the License Manager.

How to Renew or Apply Your High Priority Access (HPA)

If you have a Standard or PRO license for MPLAB XC8 compiler, you also have a High Priority Access (HPA) subscription for one year. HPA is a service that provides you with technical support and updates for your compiler. You can renew or apply your HPA subscription online or through distribution.

To renew or apply your HPA subscription online, follow these steps:

• Go to https://www.microchip.com/hpa and log in with your mySoftware account credentials.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products.

• Select Renew or Apply from the list of actions.

• Enter your credit card information and confirm your order.

• You will receive an email confirmation with your HPA activation key and instructions on how to activate your HPA subscription.

• Launch MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE.

• Go to Tools > License Manager.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products.

• Click HPA.

• Enter your HPA activation key in the dialog box.

• Click OK.

• Your HPA subscription will be activated and displayed in the License Manager.

To renew or apply your HPA subscription through distribution, follow these steps:

• Purchase an HPA subscription through distribution from a Microchip authorized distributor or reseller.

• You will receive a physical package with your HPA activation key and instructions on how to activate your HPA subscription.

• Follow the same steps as above to activate your HPA subscription using your HPA activation key.

How to Find Your MPLAB XC8 Activation Key

If you need to find your MPLAB XC8 activation key, you have several methods to do so. You can find your activation key using the License Status dialog, the xclm command line tool, or your mySoftware account. Here is how to use each method:

License Status Dialog

The License Status dialog is a graphical user interface that shows you the status of your license and activation key. To access the License Status dialog, follow these steps:

• Launch MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE.

• Go to Tools > License Manager.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products.

• Click Status.

The License Status dialog will show you the following information:

• <ul The license type (Free, Standard, PRO, or Dongle).

• The activation key (if applicable).

• The license status (Activated, Not Activated, Expired, or Invalid).

• The license expiration date (if applicable).

• The HPA status (Active, Not Active, Expired, or Invalid).

• The HPA expiration date (if applicable).

You can also use the License Status dialog to activate, deactivate, or transfer your license.

xclm Command Line Tool

The xclm command line tool is a command line interface that allows you to perform various operations on your license and activation key. To use the xclm command line tool, follow these steps:

• Open a command prompt on your machine.

• Navigate to the folder where the compiler is installed. For example, C:\Program Files (x86)\Microchip\xc8\v2.32\bin.

• Type xclm followed by the option you want to use. For example, xclm -status.

The xclm command line tool supports the following options:

• -status: Shows the status of your license and activation key.

• -activate: Activates your license online or offline using an activation key.

• -deactivate: Deactivates your license online or offline using an activation key.

• -transfer: Transfers your license from one machine to another using online or offline methods.

• -help: Shows the usage and syntax of the xclm command line tool.

For more information, refer to the MPLAB XC8 Compiler User's Guide.

mySoftware Account

Your mySoftware account is an online portal that allows you to manage your Microchip software products and licenses. To access your mySoftware account, follow these steps:

• Go to https://www.microchip.com/mysoftware and log in with your email and password.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products.

• Select License Management from the list of actions.

Your mySoftware account will show you the following information:

• Your license type (Free, Standard, PRO, or Dongle).

• Your activation key (if applicable).

• Your license status (Activated, Not Activated, Expired, or Invalid).

• Your license expiration date (if applicable).

• Your HPA status (Active, Not Active, Expired, or Invalid).

• Your HPA expiration date (if applicable).

You can also use your mySoftware account to purchase, activate, deactivate, transfer, or renew your license and HPA subscription.

How to Manage Your MPLAB XC8 Licenses

After you activate your license, you may need to manage it from time to time. You may need to transfer your license to another machine, deactivate your license if you no longer need it, or view your license details and history. You can manage your licenses using different tools: the License Manager dialog, the xclm command line tool, or your mySoftware account. Here is how to use each tool:

License Manager Dialog

The License Manager dialog is a graphical user interface that allows you to perform various operations on your license. To access the License Manager dialog, follow these steps:

• Launch MPLAB X IDE or MPLAB IPE.

• Go to Tools > License Manager.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products.

The License Manager dialog supports the following operations:

• <ul Activate: Activates your license online or offline using an activation key.

• Deactivate: Deactivates your license online or offline using an activation key.

• Transfer: Transfers your license from one machine to another using online or offline methods.

• Status: Shows the status of your license and activation key.

• Add-Ons: Allows you to purchase and activate an add-on license for another compiler or device family.

• HPA: Allows you to renew or apply your HPA subscription for technical support and updates.

xclm Command Line Tool

The xclm command line tool is a command line interface that allows you to perform various operations on your license. To use the xclm command line tool, follow these steps:

• Open a command prompt on your machine.

• Navigate to the folder where the compiler is installed. For example, C:\Program Files (x86)\Microchip\xc8\v2.32\bin.

• Type xclm followed by the option you want to use. For example, xclm -status.

The xclm command line tool supports the following options:

• -status: Shows the status of your license and activation key.

• -activate: Activates your license online or offline using an activation key.

• -deactivate: Deactivates your license online or offline using an activation key.

• -transfer: Transfers your license from one machine to another using online or offline methods.

• -help: Shows the usage and syntax of the xclm command line tool.

For more information, refer to the MPLAB XC8 Compiler User's Guide.

mySoftware Account

Your mySoftware account is an online portal that allows you to manage your Microchip software products and licenses. To access your mySoftware account, follow these steps:

• Go to https://www.microchip.com/mysoftware and log in with your email and password.

• Select MPLAB XC8 Compiler from the list of products.

• Select License Management from the list of actions.

Your mySoftware account supports the following operations:

• Purchase: Allows you to purchase a new license or an add-on license for MPLAB XC8 compiler.

• Activate: Allows you to activate your license online using an activation key.

Deactivate: Allows you to deactivate you