ETN #20

Engineering Technical Note

MPLAB-ICD Header Board Modification

To ensure the proper operation of an MPLAB-ICD with a Revision 2 Header board (revision number is text in copper on the bottom of the board) the following items should be followed. First, all circuitry connected to pins RB6 and RB7 on the application board should be removed. The MPLAB-ICD uses these two pins exclusively to communicate and control the operation of the ICD. Second, Low Voltage Programming (LVP) should be disabled in the configuration word of the PIC16F87X device. Since LVP is not used by the ICD, enabling this fuse can cause the device to enter programming mode unexpectedly. The last item requires a trace to be cut on the Header board. The attached file shows the location of the trace and the cut. This trace was incorrectly routed to pin RD3 instead of RB3 of the PIC16F877 on the Header board. A jumper wire is not needed to connect the modular connector to RB3 because LVP should be disabled. Symptom: The MPLAB-ICD has problems communicating with the PIC16F877 device or the pin RD3 does not seem to work properly. Problem: The MPLAB-ICD Header board has the signals RB6 and RB7 incorrectly routed to the 40-pin socket connection for the Revision 2 boards. If the application hardware is connected to these pins, the MPLAB-ICD may not be able to communicate with the PIC16F877 or unexpected lock-ups may occur. Solution: Disconnect all circuitry on the application board that connects to pins RB6 and RB7. These pins must be left unconnected in the application.

Symptom: The MPLAB-ICD ceases to operate when the Low Voltage ICSP Programming configuration bit (LVP) is set to enable this mode. Lock-ups or loss of communications with PIC16F877 may occur. Problem: The MPLAB-ICD Header board has the signal RB3 incorrectly routed for the Revision 2 boards. Solution: The MPLAB-ICD does not support Low Voltage Programming mode. It should be disabled in the configuration word.

Symptom: The pin RD3 does not seem to drive correctly to Vdd or Vss. Problem: The MPLAB-ICD Header board has the signal RD3 incorrectly routed for the Revision 2 boards. Solution: The MPLAB-ICD Header requires that on trace be cut on the component side. Please see the attached drawing for the location of the trace and the position of the cut.

Rodger Richey, Project Manager, AMSG Applications

etn20.doc

Microchip Technology, Inc.

9/24/99 Rev.A

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