Matrix user forums

Please could you clarify the programmer support of In circuit debugging with MPLAB the pdf file states In-Circuit Debugging via MPLABΒ® ICD2.

If I buy a programmer do I have to buy anything extra to get single stepping debugging? Is the ICD2 something I buy from Microchip and plug in where the PIC goes?

Hello,

Our v3 Development Board (HP488) and E-Blocks PICmicro Multiprogrammer (EB-006) both have the appropriate socket for an ICD2 device. The ICD2 is a circular box which interfaces between a PC and a PICmicro circuit - it does not replace the existing PICmicro. You can buy the ICD2 from us.

With the ICD2, you can in-circuit debug (including single-stepping) ASM files (and C files if you have an appropriate licence) from within the MPLAB environment.

Thanks for the info I see you charge Β£150 for the Microchip ICD2.

I also found this on the web http://microcontrollershop.com/product_ ... cts_id=572
Which is considerably cheaper especially the dollar being at the rate it is.

Would this work instead

I also found on the web http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductS ... s=DV164005

It seems to suggest that I can buy the ICD2 straight from microchip for Β£80.
Is there any difference between what you are offering

I'd recommend buying it from Microchip!

It looks like we have not updated our prices for a while, and Microchip have recently reduced their prices.

One further question. I see that microchip supply a USB cable with their ICD2 device, does that mean I need two USB ports one for the your programmer and one of the ICD2 or do I just use the ICD2 USB for programming and debugging.

Thanks

Further research I see that I need a header card. For the PIC16F684 this is microchip part number AC162055 which I can see I can get from Farnells or RSS. However I get the impression that I have to use a specific ICD chip, which again for PIC16F684 is PIC16F684-ICD. Where can one buy a PIC16F684-ICD? and how much do they cost.

You can use the ICD2 both as a programmer and a debugger, so you can use it to program the HEX files to our boards (i.e. you do not need 2 USB ports).

As for the header card - I know nothing about this.

Steve

Please see http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/59383.pdf

Also the microchip part number AC162055

Thanks Keith

We don't sell the header boards. Also, it looks like this is not necessarily needed - it is only required if your application uses the resources on the PICmicro that are reserved for the ICD2.

Hello

The header is just a way of including the RJ ICD2 connector onto the circuit board. Since our hardware already has the RJ ICD2 connector this header board is not needed.

Benj

Thanks

Keith