User manual

MPLAB
®
X PICkit™ 3 USER’S GUIDE
 2013 Microchip Technology Inc. DS52116A-page 47
Chapter 6. Troubleshooting First Steps
6.1 INTRODUCTION
If you are having problems with PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer operation,
start here.
• The 5 Questions to Answer First
• Top 10 Reasons Why You Can’t Debug
• Other Things to Consider
6.2 THE 5 QUESTIONS TO ANSWER FIRST
1. Which device are you working with?
Often an upgrade to a newer version of MPLAB X IDE is required to support
newer devices. That is, yellow light = untested support.
2. Are you using a Microchip demo board or one of your own design?
Have you followed the guidelines regarding resistors/capacitors for
communications connections? See Chapter 2. “Operation”.
3. Have you powered the target?
The debugger cannot power the target if greater than 30 mA.
4. Are you using a USB hub in your set up? Is it powered?
If you continue to have problems, try using the debugger without the hub
(plugged directly into the PC.)
5. Are you using the standard communication cable (RJ-11) shipped with
debugger?
If you have used a longer cable, it could cause communications errors.
6.3 TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU CAN’T DEBUG
1. The oscillator is not working.
Check your Configuration bits settings for the oscillator. If you are using an exter-
nal oscillator, try using an internal oscillator. If you are using an internal PLL,
make sure your PLL settings are correct.
2. The target board is not powered.
Check the power cable connection.
3. The V
DD voltage is outside the specifications for this device.
See the device programming specification for details.
4. The debugger has become physically disconnected from the PC and/or the
target board.
Check the connections of the communications cables.
5. The device is code-protected.
Check your Configuration bit’s setting for code protection.
6. Debugger to PC communication has been interrupted.
Reconnect to the debugger in MPLAB X IDE.