"Program Memory Error" with MPLAB IDE (PBP)

[aggie007]

I tried using different PICs, but still the problem persists. I tried switching to a different computer, it worked fine for the first couple of times and then again the problem appeared. I tried testing different codes with no luck.

Please Help !!!

[mackrackit]

Hi,

I had a similar problem with 18F4320. Using a PICSTART PLUS and MPLAB.

I bought the latest update chip for the PICSTART and that did not help. Then I contacted MICRO CHIP and was told to add a capacitor between VDD and VSS . Helped a little.

The way I got it to work is to have the 18F4320 powered up during the programming process. Using the PICSTART as an ICSP, MCLR internal, and the "ground" from the programmer connected to the pic power supply "ground".

I am not using MCLR for IO, have it set for internal to make things simple. The two programming pins are not used for IO either, again to keep things simple.

If you want to use these pins and do ICSP there are ways around it but that is another subject.

[mister_e]

Which programmer are you using?

ICSP or in the ZIFF socket?

If ICSP, did you loaded the PGM pin to gnd?

[HenrikOlsson]

Hi,
I had a simmilar problem with the 18F2431. With help from other forum contributors this was found in the PICStart help-file:

PICSTART Plus Limitations for PIC18F2331/2431
All power supply (Vdd and AVdd) and ground (Vss and AVss) pins must be used in order for these devices to program. PICSTART Plus will handle Vdd, Vss and AVss properly, but you must place a 1kOhm resistor between Pin 7 (AVdd) and Pin 11 in the socket with the device for proper operation. There are other devices that may require the use of all power supply and ground pins. Consult the datasheet if an unexplained programming problem occurs, such as inconsistent programming.

May be something to look into.

/Henrik Olsson.