The PICkit 3 is a programming and debugging tool for Microchip's PIC® microcontrollers. It uses In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) technology to program devices without removing them from the circuit.
The PICkit 3 supports a wide range of 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit PIC microcontrollers and can be used with MPLAB X IDE software for programming and debugging applications.
Key features include:
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MCLR/Vpp | Connected to Master Clear external reset pin of PIC to reset the MCU before programming |
| 2 | VDD (Target) | Target voltage of PIC, typically 5V or 3.3V |
| 3 | Ground | Ground pin of the system |
| 4 | PGD/ICSPDAT | Program Data (PGD) is connected to the In Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) data pin |
| 5 | PGC/ICSPCLK | Program Clock (PGC) is connected to In Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) clock pin |
| 6 | No connection | This pin is reserved for future use |