Description
The PICkit 3 is a low-cost debugger and programmer made by Microchip Technology for their PIC microcontrollers and dsPIC digital signal controllers.
🔹 Features
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Programming: Supports most 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit PIC and dsPIC devices.
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Debugging: Allows in-circuit debugging (set breakpoints, step through code, watch variables, etc.).
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Interface: Connects via USB to PC and uses ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) to connect to the target MCU.
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Software: Works with MPLAB X IDE (older versions also supported MPLAB 8).
🔹 Pinout (6-pin ICSP Header)
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MCLR / VPP (Programming voltage)
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VDD Target (Power to MCU or sense target power)
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GND
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PGD (Program Data, ICSPDAT)
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PGC (Program Clock, ICSPCLK)
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AUX (Optional – rarely used)
🔹 Common Uses
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Flashing HEX files into PIC microcontrollers.
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Debugging applications with breakpoints and single-stepping.
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Learning and prototyping with PICs.
