PIC development tools

PICkit3 incircuit debugger/programmer

The PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer a simple, low-cost in-circuit debugger that is controlled by a PC running MPLAB X IDE software. The PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer is an integral part of the development engineer’s tool suite. The PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer is a debugger system used for hardware and software development with Microchip PIC  microcontrollers and dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers  that are based on In-Circuit Serial Programming(ICSP) and Enhanced In-Circuit Serial Programming  2-wire serial interfaces.
The PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer is NOT a production programmer. It should be used for development purposes only. The PICkit 3 features include: 

•  Full-speed USB support using Windows standard drivers
•  Real-time execution
•  Processors running at maximum speeds
•  Built-in over-voltage/short circuit monitor
•  Low voltage to 5V (1.8-5V range)
•  Diagnostic LEDs (power, active, status)
•  Read/write program and data memory of microcontroller
•  Erasing of all memory types (EEPROM, ID, configuration and program) with verification 
•  Peripheral freeze at break point

Lanyard Loop

The lanyard loop provides a point of attachment so that the PICkit 3 can be suspended or worn.

USB Port Connection

The USB port connection is a USB mini-B connector. Connect the PICkit 3 to the PC using the supplied USB cable

Pin 1 Marker

This marker designates the location of pin 1 for proper connector alignment

Programming Connector

The programming connector is a 6-pin header (0.100" spacing) that connects to target device. the pin out specification is shown in below

Indicator LEDs

The indicator LEDs indicate the status of operations on the PICkit 3.

1. Power (green) – power is supplied to the PICkit 3 via the USB port

2. Active (blue) – connected to the PC USB port and the communication link is active

3. Status (one of three colors)

Success (green) – ready to start, or successful completion

Busy (orange) – busy with a function in progress, e.g., programming

Error (red) – an error has occurred

Push Button

The push button is used for Programmer-To-Go operations.

BASIC DEBUGGER SYSTEM

PICkit 3 vs. PICkit 2

The PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer system is similar in function to PICkit 2 In-Circuit Debugger system. Similarities of the two debuggers include:

• Powered via USB cable to PC
• Provides a programmable voltage power supply

The PICkit 3 differs from the PICkit 2 by providing these additional features:

• Extended EE program image space (512 Kbytes)
• True voltage reference
• Increased voltage range (1.8-5V VDD; 1.8-14V VPP)

Target Connection Circuitry

Figure below shows the interconnections of the PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer to the connector on the target board. The diagram also shows the wiring from connector to a device on the target PC board. A pull-up resistor (typically around 10 kW) is recommended to be connected from the VPP/MCLR line to VDD so that the line maybe strobed low to reset the device.

Circuits That Will Prevent the Debugger From Functioning

Figure below shows the active debugger lines with some components that will prevent PICkit 3 debugger system from functioning so be careful.

• Do not use pull-ups on PGC/PGD – they will disrupt the voltage levels, since these lines have 4.7 kW pull-down resistors in the debugger.
• Do not use capacitors on PGC/PGD – they will prevent fast transitions on data and clock lines during programming and debug communications.
• Do not use capacitors on MCLR – they will prevent fast transitions of VPP. A simple pull-up resistor is generally sufficient.
• Do not use diodes on PGC/PGD – they will prevent bidirectional communicationbetween the debugger and the target device.