PICKIT™ 2
PROGRAMMER-TO-GO
USER GUIDE
1 Introduction
The PICkit 2 Programmer-To-Go functionality allows a PIC MCU memory image to be downloaded
into the PICkit 2 unit for later programming into a specific PIC MCU. No software or PC is required to
program devices once the PICkit 2 unit is set up for Programming-To-Go. A USB power source for the
PICkit 2 is all that is needed.
Information in this guide covers:
USB Power for PICkit 2 Programmer-To-Go
Supported PIC MCU Devices
Memory Image Size Limitations
PICkit 2 Programmer-To-Go Wizard Walkthrough
LED Status Codes
© 2008 Microchip Technology Inc. Page 1 of 15
PICkit™ 2 Programmer-To-Go Users Guide
Note:
not in use. Otherwise, the PICkit 2 unit will drain the pow
er source battery.
Note:
PICkit 2 a
bove 4.5 Volts.
2 USB Power for PICkit 2 Programmer-To-Go
The PICkit 2 unit hardware prevents it from being powered by the target through the ICSP connector
VDD pin. Therefore, it must be powered by a 5 Volt supply through the USB mini-B port at the top of
the PICkit 2. Many options exist for providing power. Some of these include:
Any available PC USB port or USB hub port. (No USB communication is necessary; it is only
used to provide power)
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 charger or power source for cell phones or other portable devices with USB
mini-B connector.
A custom battery pack that supplies regulated 5 Volts into the PICkit 2 USB port.
2.1 Power Requirements
The USB power source used should meet the following minimum criteria:
Is able to supply at least 100mA of current to the PICkit 2 unit.
Provides a steady, regulated 4.5 Volt to 5.5 Volt output at a load of 30mA to 100mA. A 160
Ohm resistor between the USB power output and ground gives a quick check of the low end
30mA voltage. Use a 47 Ohm resistor to test voltage at about 100mA.
Most portable chargers/power devices with their own batteries will not give an indication
when their internal battery voltage gets low and the output drops below 4.5 Volts. Therefore
it is up the user to be sure the device’s battery has sufficient remaining capacity to power the
2.2 Example Battery-based Portable USB Power Sources
The following three products are shown only for the purpose of illustrating the options available for
portable PICkit 2 Programmer-To-Go USB power sources. They are neither specifically endorsed nor
recommended by Microchip Technology Inc.
Any battery-based power sources should be disconnected from the PICkit 2 unit when it is
© 2008 Microchip Technology Inc. Page 2 of 15
PICkit™ 2 Programmer-To-Go Users Guide
2.2.1 Bluegears b-mobile Emergency Cell Phone Charger
This device is a small mini-B USB power source that can recharge its internal battery cell from a USB
port via the PICkit 2 mini-B USB cable. The Bluegears part number is BG01145. The flip-open cover
reveals a USB mini-B male plug that connects directly to the PICkit 2 unit USB port.
Figure 2-1 shows the device recharging itself off a USB port.
FIGURE 2-1: BLUEGEARS B-MOBILE
Informational Points:
Rechargeable via USB port.
Small form factor.
Connects directly to PICkit 2 unit.
Approximate retail cost: $10 (US)
Manufacturer website: www.bgears.com
Potential Limitations:
Supplied voltage may not be much higher than 4.5 Volts even
when fully charged. Not recommended for use when PICkit
Programmer-To-Go is powering the target VDD.
Does not “pass-through” USB data when connected to both a
USB port and a PICkit 2 unit.
Rechargeable battery is not replaceable.
Figure 2-2 shows the Bluegears b-mobile being used with a PICkit 2 unit for Programmer-To-Go
operation. For the curious, the white button turns on a built-in LED flashlight when pressed.
FIGURE 2-2: B-MOBILE POWERING PICKIT 2 UNIT FOR PROGRAMMER-TO-GO OPERATION
© 2008 Microchip Technology Inc. Page 3 of 15
PICkit™ 2 Programmer-To-Go Users Guide
2.2.2 Swiss Gear Portable USB iPod Battery Charger
This device runs off of 2 standard AA batteries. It has a USB ‘A’ connector that any USB cable can be
plugged into to provide power to a USB device. Simply plug in the included PICkit 2 USB cable
between this device and the PICkit 2 for portable power.
FIGURE 2-3: SWISS GEAR PORTABLE USB BATTERY CHARGER
Informational Points:
Uses field-replaceable AA batteries.
Connects to PICkit 2 unit using PICkit 2 USB cable.
Approximate retail cost: $10 (US)
Does not suffer from the limitations of the Energi To Go
Manufacturer model number is GA-6227-15F00
Potential Limitations:
Do not confuse with a similar Swiss Gear product which plugs into an AC outlet to provide USB
power, and does not use batteries.
© 2008 Microchip Technology Inc. Page 4 of 15
PICkit™ 2 Programmer-To-Go Users Guide
2.2.3 Energizer Energi To Go Mini USB Cell Phone Charger
This portable cell charger device runs off two standard AA batteries, and connects via a short cable to
the PICkit 2 unit. Several versions of this product are available. The one that may be used with PICkit
2 is part number CEL2MUSB for “mini USB” cell phones. Please note: 2 versions of the CEL2MUSB
product are available. These look for current draw from the connected USB device before turning
“on”, and one version has a high detection threshold that is not turned on by the small current draw of
PICkit 2. The version that works with PICkit 2 has textured lines on the battery cover button. The
version that does not work has a smooth button. See Figure 2-5 for reference.
FIGURE 2-4: ENERGIZER ENERGI TO GO
Informational Points:
Uses field-replaceable AA batteries.
Provides between 5.0 and 5.5 Volt output;
suitable for powering a target from PICkit 2.
Approximate retail cost: $20 (US)
Manufacturer website: www.energitogo.com
Potential Limitations:
Looks for a battery by pulsing USB voltage
output, which may cause PICkit 2 reset
problems. See NOTE following.
Separate cable may be lost.
Only some units will work with PICkit 2. See
Figure 2-5.
FIGURE 2-5: HOW TO TELL COMPATIBLE UNITS
© 2008 Microchip Technology Inc. Page 5 of 15
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