User manual

MPLAB
®
X PICkit™ 3 User’s Guide
DS52116A-page 32  2013 Microchip Technology Inc.
FIGURE 3-2: USING AN ICD HEADER BOARD
3.5.4 Powering the Target
These are configuration essentials:
• When using the USB connection, PICkit 3 can be powered from the PC, but it can
only provide a limited amount of current (up to 30 mA) at V
DD from 1.8-5V to a
small target board.
• The desired method is for the target to provide V
DD since it can provide a higher
current. The additional benefit is that plug-and-play target detection facility is
inherited, i.e., MPLAB X IDE will let you know in the Output window when it has
detected the target and has detected the device.
If you have not already done so, connect the PICkit 3 to the target using the appropriate
cables (see Section 3.4 “Connecting the Target”). Then power the target. You can
also power the target from PICkit 3.
Note: The target voltage is only used for powering up the drivers for the ICSP
interface; the target voltage does not power up the PICkit 3. The PICkit 3
power is derived strictly from the USB port.