Using a LCD Terminal for MCU Software Debugging

One of the advantages of an in circuit debugger, ICD, is the ability to monitor variables. If you are using a bootloader for development an LCD terminal can be used for that purpose. Connect the LCD terminal to an unused pin on the MCU and output the variable information using software UART code that most compilers provide. Setting a break or tight loop right after the variable output is often necessary. In time I will provide some examples of this method below.