Use external triggers to set up hardware triggers using the logic probe cables. External triggers can be used as input to halt program execution when an external event occurs. They can also be used as output to control external devices.

You will not be able to use external triggers if you are using the emulator logic probe port for another debug feature such as:

• I/O Port trace (see Types of Trace)
• PIC32 Instruction trace (see Instruction Trace)

Hardware Connections

To connect the logic probe cables:

1. Plug the connector on the logic probes bundle into the logic probes port on the emulator (see figure). If you do not have the logic probes that came with your emulator, you can order them at Microchip Direct (ACICE0104).
2. Connect probes to your target. All pins, used or unused, should be pulled up or be grounded. Floating pins may produce false triggers.

To use probe pins as inputs, you must provide the circuitry to drive them (see "Logic Probe/External Trigger Interface" under Emulator Pod Hardware).

Figure: Logic Probe Connector

Software Setup

To select functions on logic probe port pins:

1. Right click on your MPLAB X IDE project and select “Properties”.
2. Click on the “Real ICE” under “Categories” and select the “External Triggers” option category.
3. Use the drop down list next to a Trigger (Trigger 0 through Trigger 7) to set up the function. See options in the table below.

Table: Options for Each Trigger