User manual

Getting Started
 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. DS40001812A-page 21
2.2 BOARD WITH PIM ATTACHED DEVICES
The Explorer 8 Development Board can also be used to demonstrate PIM-mounted
8-bit PIC microcontrollers. A Plug-in-Module (PIM) enables the attachment of
44/64/80-pin devices to the board.
To attach a PIM, simply seat the PIM in the 84-pin, elevated male connectors as shown
in Figure 2-1.
FIGURE 2-1: 84-PIN HEADER FOR PLUG-IN-MODULE (PIM)
Make sure that the device mounted on the PIM is supplied with the appropriate voltage.
See Section 2.6 “Selecting Vdd Values” and Section 2.6.2 “Calculating other Vdd
Values” for supplies other than 5V and 3.3V.
Some PIMs also enable the board’s 5V output to be automatically reset to 3.3V.
For a list of microcontroller-compatible PIMs, go to www.microchip.com.
2.3 PROGRAMMING THE MICROCONTROLLERS
The Explorer 8 Development Board supports the ability to program a microcontroller
through multiple options.
This section discusses:
• Programming Requirements
• Opening the Program in MPLAB X IDE
• Programming the Microcontroller Using ICD 3, REAL ICE and PICkit 3
2.3.1 Programming Requirements
To reprogram a sample device, the following are required:
• Program source code – The sample code is pre-loaded on the device, but user
source code can be substituted. If this is done, the sample program can be
restored by downloading the MPLAB X project file available at the Microchip web
site.
• An assembler or compiler – The source code must be assembled or compiled
into a hex file before it can be programmed into the device.
• A programmer – Once the code is in the hex file format, this device programs the
microcontroller’s Flash memory. If the code protection bit(s) have not been
programmed, the on-chip program memory can be read out for verification
purposes.