Microchip Technology PICkit 3 Starter Kit DV164130 DV164130 User Manual

© 2009 Microchip Technology Inc.

DS51795A-page 15

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

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 V

DD

; 1.8-14V V

PP

)

The debugger system configurations are discussed in the following sections.

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.