User manual

MPLAB
®
X PICkit™ 3 USER’S GUIDE
 2013 Microchip Technology Inc. DS52116A-page 37
Chapter 5. PICkit 3 Programmer-To-Go
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The PICkit 3 Programmer-To-Go functionality allows a PIC MCU memory image to be
downloaded into the PICkit 3 for programming later into a specific PIC MCU. No
software or PC is required to program devices once the PICkit 3 programmer is set up
for Programming-To-Go. A USB power source for the PICkit 3 is all that is needed.
Topics discussed in this section are:
• USB Power for PICkit 3 Programmer-To-Go
• PICkit 3 Programmer-To-Go Supported Devices
• Setting up PICkit 3 for Programmer-To-Go Operation
• Using PICkit 3 Programmer-To-Go
• Exiting Programmer-To-Go Mode
5.2 USB POWER FOR PICKIT 3 PROGRAMMER-TO-GO
The PICkit 3 programmer hardware does not have the capability to be powered entirely
by the target through the ICSP connector V
DD pin. Therefore, it must be powered by a
5V power supply through the USB mini-B port at the top of the PICkit 3 unit. There are
several options for providing power, such as using:
• Any available PC USB port or USB hub port (strictly for power, not for
communication)
• A USB host port on a portable device
• A USB power adapter or charger with a USB mini-B connector, either from an
automotive power jack or an AC wall plug
• A portable battery charge or power source for cell phones or other portable
devices with USB mini-B connector
• A custom battery pack that supplies regulated 5V into the PICkit 3 USB port
5.2.1 Power Requirements
The USB power source should meet the following minimum criteria:
• supplies at least 100 mA of current to the PICkit 3 unit
• provides a steady, regulated 4.5-5.5V output
Note: Although the PICkit 3 unit is capable of programming and debugging, when
using the Programming-To-Go feature, you can only program. No
debugging capabilities are available with Programming-To-Go.
Note 1: Most portable chargers/power devices with their own batteries will not
give an indication when their internal battery voltage gets low and the out-
put drops below 4.5V. Therefore, you must be sure the device’s battery
has sufficient remaining capacity to power the PICkit 3 above 4.5V.
2: Any battery-based power sources should be disconnected from the
PICkit 3 unit when it is not in use. Otherwise, the PICkit 3 unit will drain
the power source battery.