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PIC-16Fxxx-Programmer 2.4

The software programs ('burns') midrange Flash-ROM-Controller PIC 12Fxxx/16Fxxx from Microchip using the serial port of the PC. Furthermore, it offers a simple debugger and the ability to tune the oscillator.
The package also includes board layouts for an inexpensive programmer module and three test modules.

Software and boards are intended for educational purpose and home users. Commercial use is restricted to the field of Research and Development.

• Download installation file   (Version 2.4.6, 1.1 MByte, Freeware)
• Alternative Download from Heise.de

Requires: Windows 98 or better, 15 MByte disk space, serial port.
(Since the program does only use Windows standard functions it seems to work with 'WinE' under Linux, too.)

To install with a different language you may execute: "picpr246.exe /L=XX", where 'XX' is either 'DE', 'EN' or 'ES'.

Supported devices:

* = not tested!

Debugger works with: 16F7x7, 16F818/819, 16F87x, 16F87xA, 16F87/88, 16F88x, 16F91x.

Data sheets of the devices can be downloaded directly from Microchip.

User interface

The user interface is hold simple and allows the direct access to all important parameters and functions. Beside controller type and serial port one can choose, which memory area shall be programmed, verified or read.

Within the submenu View one can choose the language of the user interface and set options.
When connected with the special programmer module, for example, it can be adjusted in detail at which voltage level each operation should run. This is particularly important, if one likes to program or read the PIC directly within the application circuit.

Debugger

Some PIC 16Fxxx have an internal Debugger Circuit. To use the debugger an special software – the debug executive – has to be stored into the PIC in addition to the user program.
When using the debugger, besides of the last 144 or 160 program memory locations, other resources are not available for general use: one stack level, four registers and the connections /MCLR, RB6 and RB7, which serve for the communication with the programmer module.
In contrast to Microchip's ICD, the Watchdog Timer may be enabled.

The debugger executive works with the actual oscillator of the PIC in test.
'PicProm' adapts within a range from 15kHz to 60MHz to the oscillator frequency by measuring the target period on every debug entry (via break point or single step). Thus, the debug communication always runs with the maximal possible velocity.

After activating of the debugger the PIC always executes the first instruction and then halts.
Now one can:

• set one break point (limited by hardware),
• read and modify registers,
• start the program execution,
• initiate single steps by hand or automatically by animation.

Editor

The editor shows the loaded HEX file in assembler syntax. When reading the file, it is analysed extensively. Especially, 'PicProm' tries to find the currently active register bank for each instruction to be able to show the correct register name.

Oscillator tuning

'PicProm' offers the possibility to measure the frequency of the internal or an external RC oscillator. During measurement the value will be updated four times per second. The precision is about ±0.01% over the entire measuring range from 15kHz to 60MHz.
Using an precision trimmer in the external RC oscillator allows free adjusting of the clock frequency.

Modern PIC have an internal oscillator, which can be tuned within certain range by writing to the OSCTUNE register. 'PicProm' can determine this OSCTUNE value for a given frequency and store it automatically into the opened HEX file.

It should be taken into consideration that the value is only valid for the measured device and in addition depends on temperature and voltage.

Series programmer

For education purposes it can be necessary to equip several experimental boards quickly with identically programmed PICs. Therefore, to keep handling simple a series programmer has been implemented.
'PicProm' recognizes when a PIC is inserted into the programmer socket, and the programming cycle automatically starts after a chosen delay time.

Interface module

The level adaptation between serial port and the microcontroller is done by a more or less expensive interface module.

The simple variant supported by 'PicProm' has little parts, but allows only reading and programming the PIC and absolutely needs a desktop PC with a "powerful" port. For a faultless programming the port must have an stable High level of at least +11V at a current of 5mA.

To exhaust all possibilities of 'PicProm' one needs the programmer module suited to it. The heart of the module is a PIC 16F628(A). It receives commands from a serial port of the PC and processes them autonomous.

When developing the circuits, much importance have been attached to hold the power consumption of the programmer module as low as possible. The current consumption is below 3mA in Stand-By and of about 9mA while programming. In connection with a powerful serial port of a desktop PC the module can program a PIC without the need for an additional power supply.

Main features of the module are:

• Meets the Programming Specifications.
• Free switching between programming and program execution, while the PIC always can stay within the experimental circuit.
• Control of the operating voltage Vdd from PC.
  Vdd can be chosen between about 3.0V and 5.5V. With an external mains adapter connected, the programmer module can supply up to 75mA, which is sufficient to operate a small experimental circuit.
• The programming voltage of 13V is generated internally.
• Overload and short circuit protection.
• Can check if the PIC is correctly inserted into the socket before applying the operating voltage.
• Communication with the debugger software.
• The programmer module is suitable for ICSP and can program a PIC within the application circuit.
  It recognizes alone if the controller circuit has its own operating voltage Vdd and adapts the signal levels correspondingly.
• The baud rate between PC and programmer module is automatically adjusted to the transmission quality of the connecting cable. Ideally it will be 115200 baud.
• Works with USB to serial cables, too.

The following schemes show how to connect the programming signals to the PIC.

Some typical programming times for entire memory (includes verify):

* Depends on PC configuration.

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