PIC-ICD2-TINY

PIC-ICD2-TINY
World's lowest cost PIC microcontroller IN-CIRCUIT debugger and programmer

This item is OBSOLETE

N/AEUR

PIC-ICD2-TINY is the world's lowest cost PIC ICD2 debugger and programmer, with only 55 x 55mm (2.16 x 2.16") dimensions and only 30gr weight (without ICSP cable and packing). This little device fits in your pocket and is very convenient to carry with you when you work in field. The PIC-ICD2-TINY is a complete replacement of Microchip's original MPBA-ICD2 and with it you can do everything you could do with the original MPLAB-ICD2. The only difference is that PIC-ICD2-TINY only has a RS232 port to connect with PC and provides only fixed Vpp voltage. PIC-ICD2-TINY is a low-cost, real-time debugger and programmer for selected PIC MCUs and dsPIC DSCs. Programs can be downloaded, executed in real time and examined in detail with the debug functions of MPLAB. Set watch variables and breakpoints from symbolic labels in C or assembly source code, and single step through C source lines or into assembly code. PIC-ICD2-TINY can also be used as a development programmer for supported MCUs. The secret behind In Circuit Debugging is two dedicated hardware lines (microcontroller pins used only during debugging mode) that control In Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) of the device and, afterwards, debugging through proprietary, on-chip firmware. The ICD 2 debug features are built into the microcontroller and activated by programming the debug code into the target processor. There is some shared overhead expense that includes one stack level, some general purpose file registers and a small area of program memory.

FEATURES

  • RS232 interface to host PC
  • Real time background debugging
  • MPLAB IDE GUI (latest release available for free download from Microchip's web site)
  • Firmware upgradeable from PC
  • Light plastic enclosure
  • Supports low voltage to 2.0 volts. (2.0 to 6.0 range)
  • Diagnostic bi-color LED (Busy, Error)
  • Reading/Writing memory space and EEDATA areas of target microcontroller
  • Programs configuration bits
  • Can erase the program memory space with verification
  • Peripheral freeze-on-halt stops timers at breakpoints

HARDWARE

PIC ICSP connector (top view)

SOFTWARE

VERY IMPORTANT: MPLAB 8.XX has a bug and once upgraded you will not be able to use the PIC-ICD2-TINY anymore as this bug affects RS232 communication. Do not use MPLAB 8.XX until Microchip fix their bug

FAQ

  • What's the difference between PIC-ICD2-TINY and MPLAB-ICD2 (PIC-ICD2)?
  • There is no functional difference between them, but PIC-ICD2-TINY has 3 differences: 1. TINY uses different the ICSP connector - Microchip uses RJ45 phone jack connector, we use 0.1" step; 2. TINY only has a RS232 connector for a connection to PC host, this makes the debug and programming slower; 3. TINY uses a fixed 13V Vpp voltage and on some PICs Vpp should not exceed 12.5V so one diode should be connected serially to MCLR in this case to cause voltage drop to 12.4V.
  • What RS232 cable I need?
  • You need RS232 straight pin to pin cable (called sometimes extension cable) with Male-Female DB9 connectors on both ends.
  • What should I know when connect PIC-ICD2-TINY to target board?
  • It's very important your target PIC MCLR not to be connected directly to the VCC! During the programming/debugging MCLR goes as high as 13VDC and if your target MCLR is connected directly to a target VCC you will blow either the PIC-ICD2-TINY or your target board. Always use a 10K pullup resistor from MCLR to VCC.
  • What should I know when work PIC-ICD2 and RS232 port?
  • COM port should be set with HARDWARE FLOW CONTROL and FIFO buffers DISABLED!