Using PICKit™ 3 For MPLAB® X IDE

Integrated Development Environment
Using
In-Circuit DeBugger
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1 Install the Latest Software

Install the MPLABX IDE software onto your computer by downloading it from
www.microchip.com/mplabx. Launch the application.
2 Configure USB Communications
Circuitry and Connector Pinouts
When you install MPLAB X IDE on a Mac or Linux computer, the installer will load the
USB drivers automatically.
When you install MPLAB X IDE on a Windows computer, you must follow the
instructions on the Start Page, MPLAB IDE v8 Users - Important, to correctly install
the USB drivers.
Target Connector Pinout

Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
3 Connect to Target and Power
Signal
MCLR/VPP
VDD Target
VSS Ground
PGD (ICSPDAT)
PGC (ICSPCLK)
Do not connect*
*Reserved for future use.
1. Attach the PICkit 3 to the computer using the USB cable.

2. Attach the communications cable between the debugger and target board.
3. Connect power to the target board.
Pin 1 Indicator
VDD
*Target device must be running with

an oscillator for the debugger to
function as a debugger.
**If the device has AVDD and AVSS
lines, they must be connected for
the debugger to operate.
Target Board
Alternate Debugger System ICE Device:

Standard
Adapter
Header
Target
Application
Device
Target Device
mini-USB from
computer
4.7 10 k
Typical
tVDD
2
1
5
4
3
PGC
PGD
VPP
tVDD
4.7 k
AVDD**
AVSS**
Signal
MCLR/VPP
VDD Target
VSS Ground
PGD (ICSPDAT)
PGC (ICSPCLK)
Do not connect*
PICkit 3
Internal Circuitry (simplified)
Target VDD (tVDD)
XTAL*
VPP/MCLR
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
*Reserved for future use.
Correct
Typical Debugger System Device With On-Board Debug Circuitry:
Power
PICkit 3 Connector Pinout
tVDD
Target VDD
(tVDD) is used
to power the
Input/Output
drivers in
PICkit 3
programmer/
debugger
tVDD
VSS
4.7 k
tVDD
Target Application PC Board
Device-ICE
Transition Socket
Power
Target Board
4 Create, Build and Run Project

1. Select and install the language tools (compiler, assembler, etc.) for developing
your code. See the www.microchip.com web site for more choices.
2. Use the New Project wizard (File>New Project) to create a project, or open an
existing project (File>Open Project).
3. Configure the debugger by right clicking on the main project and selecting
Properties. Click on PICkit 3 for options.
4. Configure your language tools in the Properties dialog by clicking the language tool
name for options. Click OK when done.
5. Check that the configuration bits in your code match the Recommended Settings
listed on this poster.
6. To execute your code in Debug mode, perform a debug run by selecting
Debug>Debug Project. A debug run will build the project, program the target with
the image and debug executive, and start a debug session.
OR
To execute your code in Non-Debug (release) mode, perform a run by selecting
Run>Run Project. A run will build the project, program the target with the image
and run the device.
To hold a device in Reset after programming, use the Hold in Reset icon in the
toolbar instead of using Run Project.
Recommended Settings
COMPONENT
Oscillator
SETTING
OSC bits set properly
Running
Power
Supplied by target
WDT
Disabled (device dependent)
Code-Protect
Disabled
Table Read Protect Disabled
LVP
Disabled
BOD
VDD > BOD VDD min
JTAG
Disabled
AVDD and AVSS
Must be connected
PGCx/PGDx
Proper channel selected, if
applicable
Programming
VDD voltage levels meet
programming specs
Note: See the PICkit 3 online help for more information.
The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, MPLAB and PIC
are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in
the U.S.A. and other countries. PICkit is a trademark of Microchip
Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries.
2011 Microchip Technology Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. 10/11
www.microchip.com
DS52010A
Target Circuit Design Precautions

Incorrect
Target VDD (tVDD)
VDD
VPP/MCLR
XTAL*
VDD
Target
Application
Device
mini-USB from
computer
PGC
PGD
2
1
5
4
3
AVDD**
AVSS**
VSS
Target Application PC Board
Do not use greater than 100 F capacitance on VDD: depending

on the overall load, it will prevent the target from powering
quickly when PICkit 3 is the source of power.
Do not use capacitors on MCLR: they will prevent fast
transitions of VPP.
Do not use pull-ups on PGC/PGD: they will divide the voltage
levels since these lines have 4.7 k pull-down resistors in
PICkit 3.
Do not use multiplexing on PGC/PGD: they are dedicated for
communications to PICkit 3.
Do not use capacitors on PGC/PGD: they will prevent fast
transitions on data and clock lines during programming and
debug communications.
Do not use diodes on PGC/PGD: they will prevent bidirectional
communication between PICkit 3 and the target PICMCU.
Do not exceed recommended cable lengths: refer to the Hardware Specification section of the PICkit 3 online help or users
guide for acceptable cable lengths.

Using PICKit™ 3 For MPLAB® X IDE

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Integrated Development Environment

1 Install the Latest Software

2 Configure USB Communications

Circuitry and Connector Pinouts

Target Connector Pinout

3 Connect to Target and Power

*Reserved for future use.

1. Attach the PICkit 3 to the computer using the USB cable.

*Target device must be running with

Alternate Debugger System ICE Device:

Target VDD (tVDD)

*Reserved for future use.

Typical Debugger System Device With On-Board Debug Circuitry:

PICkit 3 Connector Pinout

Target Application PC Board

4 Create, Build and Run Project

Target Circuit Design Precautions

Target Application PC Board

Do not use greater than 100 F capacitance on VDD: depending

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