In-circuit Programming.

[koossa]

Good day Picers

I have always done my programming with the Microchip picstart plus for DIP PICs.

I want to do In-circuit programming on SMD PICs now.
What are the best options?
I see Microchip have a "MPLAB REAL ICE" and the "MPLAB ICD 2".
Are these the best programmers to use and what else do I need.
Do I need any changes on my circuit side?

Thank you
Koossa

[Acetronics2]

Hi, Koossa

Depends on the pinouts you use ... but 3M builds "pinthrough" test chip carriers for SMD devices ... just build an adaptator to suit you need. ( to buy from Farnell i.e.)

Microchip also sells ready to use adaptators ...

Alain

[koossa]

Alain

Thank you for your reply.
I want to program my SMD Pic while it is in the circuit.
I'm not that clued up with this stuff, but what will the adaptor do?

[Acetronics2]

So,

ICD2 from Microchip
PicFlash2 from Mikroelektronika ...

are the ones I would recommend.

Alain

[koossa]

Thank you very much!!

Do I need any modifications on my circuit if I move over to in-circuit programming?

[Acetronics2]

The ICSP used pins must be disabled from your circuitry just for programming ... you re-enable those PCB tracks after programming by using jumpers or, simpler by tin drops on the PCB side.

see here :

http://www.mikroe.com/pdf/picflash_manual_v5.pdf

It's the clearest document I know ...

Alain

[koossa]

Thank you very much!!
I really appreciate it!

[Acetronics2]

By the way ...

Think ICD2 is the most powerful and will allow 16 and 32 Bits ICSP Pics programming AND Debugging with MPLAB ...

Only 8 bits with The PicFlash ... and no PbP debugging.

But cost is also different !!!

Alain

[koossa]

Will I be able to do PbP debugging with the ICD2?

[mackrackit]

This also explains ICSP. http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/51553E.pdf

You can also adapt you PICSTART into a ICSP. I use 6x1 headers that match the PICKIT2 on the PCB. Make the adapter DIP to cable for the PICSTART , use MCLR, ICSPDAT, ICSPCLK, and VSS from the PICKSTART. Power is provided at the PCB.

FOLLOW ALL OF THE ISOLATION GUIDELINES

Now you can use a PICKIT2 or the PICSTART.

My PICKSTART stays on the bench and my PICKIT goes on the road.

Thats my two cents :)

[koossa]

Thank you Dave.

Do I need the PICKIT2 to adapt the PICSTART into an ICSP?

Koossa

[mackrackit]

No, sorry I made it confusing.

All you need are the 4 wires from the PICSTART to the chip. Plus power at the chip.

[mackrackit]

You may want to read this.
http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=4932&postcount=25

[mister_e]

maybe this one too
http://www.auelectronics.com/Q8.htm

[koossa]

Thanks a Lot!!!