Microchip Technology PICkit 3 Starter Kit DV164130 DV164130 User Manual

Product codes
DV164130
Page of 98
Operational Advisory
© 2009 Microchip Technology Inc.
DS51795A-page 69
peripherals and pins which are common to the default PGC/PGD pins, you must select 
a different channel and make provisions for the required ICSP connections.
Likewise, when using MPLAB IDE to communicate with the target using this new chan-
nel pin assignment, you must ensure that the Configuration bits in MPLAB IDE match 
the connection channel in your target.
GROUNDING AND AC APPLICATIONS 
PICkit 3 connects to earth ground from the USB connector interface through the PC.
For AC line powered applications which are not referenced to ground, this presents a 
path where the different system voltage potential can cause damage to both systems. 
In these instances, the PICkit 3 must be isolated. Carefully consider the ground system 
and signal return connections before connecting the PICkit 3 to the target.
For hot or floating applications, a USB self-powered isolated hub should be used 
between the PC and the PICkit 3 to provide isolation from the PC’s earth ground 
through the USB cable (see Figure B-2). USB isolated Hub such as the following are 
suggestions:
• High/Low-Speed 4-port USB HUB, Model UISOHUB 4, B&B Electronics Mfg. Co.
• High-Speed, 7-port USB HUB, Model HUB7P, SEALEVEL Systems, Inc.
FIGURE B-2:
EXAMPLE PICKIT™ 3 SETUP FOR NON-ISOLATED AC 
POWER SYSTEMS
WARNING
Using the PICkit 3 without ensuring ground isolation will result in 
damage to the PICkit 3 or the target system as the full AC mains 
voltage will be applied.
This condition can be hazardous to the operator in the form of an 
electric shock. Therefore, take adequate precautions to avoid this 
situation.
PC
A/C
A/C
Optoisolated
Self-Powered
PICkit 3
Target
Application
Earth Ground
Target
Ground
USB Hub
HOT
WARNING
Using an optoisolated USB hub will create a hot area marked with the 
dotted line in Figure B-2.
This condition can be hazardous to the operator in the form of an 
electric shock, therefore, take adequate precautions to avoid this 
situation.