

However, program execution now takes place in the chip itself. The same module can then be selected from the debugger menu and the program run and debugged using the same tools as used in software simulation (single step, breakpoints, etc.).

With the connection confirmed, the program can be downloaded. PICkit2/3 is the low-cost option, which nevertheless offers some very useful features. When the hardware has been connected, the appropriate programmer/debugger is selected from the programmer menu.

This system has already been illustrated in Chapter 1 (Figure 1.11), and will explained in more detail in Chapter 7 by examining some Microchip demonstration systems.
#Serial Flash Memory Programmer Schematic serial
To facilitate in-circuit programming and debugging (ICD), the board is designed with a six-pin connector, which connects the programming pins on the chip to a programmer/debugger module that is in turn connected to the universal serial bus (USB) output on the host PC. This is also very useful at the prototyping stage, as program modifications can be more rapidly and safely implemented and tested. When a board is produced in volume, the programming can be done as the final stage when the hardware is complete. In- circuit programming is now usually the preferred downloading method, where the chip is left in-circuit after assembly of the printed circuit board (PCB), allowing programming and final debugging in the final hardware. Martin Bates, in PIC Microcontrollers (Third Edition), 2011 4.8.2 In-Circuit Programming and Debugging
