DS51795A Datasheet, PDF (19/98 Pages) Microchip Technology – PICkit™ 3 Programmer/Debugger

PICkit™ 3 USER’S GUIDE
Chapter 2. Theory of Operation
2.1 INTRODUCTION
A simplified description of how the PICkit 3 programmer/debugger system works is
provided here. It is intended to provide enough information so a target board can be
designed that is compatible with the debugger for both emulation and programming
operations. The basic theory of in-circuit emulation and programming is described so
that problems, if encountered, are quickly resolved.
• PICkit 3 vs. PICkit 2
• Debugger to Target Communication
• Communication Connections
• Debugging
• Requirements for Debugging
• Programming
• Resources Used by the Debugger
2.2 PICkit 3 VS. PICkit 2
The PICkit 3 programmer/debugger system is similar in function to the 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:
• Extended EE program image space (512 Kbytes)
• True voltage reference
• Increased voltage range (1.8-5V VDD; 1.8-14V VPP)
2.3 DEBUGGER TO TARGET COMMUNICATION
The debugger system configurations are discussed in the following sections.
CAUTION
Do not change hardware connections while the PICkit 3 or target is powered.
Standard ICSP Device Communication
The debugger system can be configured to use standard ICSP communication for both
programming and debugging functions. This 6-pin connection is the same one used by
the PICkit 2 programmer/debugger.
© 2009 Microchip Technology Inc.
DS51795A-page 15