page_title: PIC microcontrollers
section_title: Device programmers
hierarchical_section_title: PIC microcontrollers / Device programmers
caption_attribution_description: English: This is a programmer for the Microchip "PIC" family of microcontrollers, as sold in 2003. In use the RS 232 serial cable would connect the programmer to an IBM PC compatible computer running development software. The PIC device to be programmed would be inserted in the zero-insertion-force socket on the programmer. This programmer was intended for education, experimental or low-cost prototype development. High volume programmers had more programming sockets, tighter control of programming parameters, and would be of sturdier construction. In 2003 this unit sold for $300 Canadian (about $200 US at the time).
context_page_description: PIC is a family of microcontrollers made by Microchip Technology, derived from the PIC1650 originally developed by General Instrument's Microelectronics Division. The name PIC initially referred to Peripheral Interface Controller,
  and is currently expanded as Programmable Intelligent Computer.
  The first parts of the family were available in 1976; by 2013 the company had shipped more than twelve billion individual parts, used in a wide variety of embedded systems.
  Early models of PIC had read-only memory or field-programmable EPROM for program storage, some with provision for erasing memory. All current models use flash memory for program storage, and newer models allow the PIC to reprogram itself. Program memory and data memory are separated. Data memory is 8-bit, 16-bit, and, in latest models, 32-bit wide. Program instructions vary in bit-count by family of PIC, and may be 12, 14, 16, or 24 bits long. The instruction set also varies by model, with more powerful chips adding instructions for digital signal processing functions.
context_section_description: Devices called "programmers" are traditionally used to get program code into the target PIC. Most PICs that Microchip currently sells feature ICSP (In Circuit Serial Programming) and/or LVP (Low Voltage Programming) capabilities, allowing the PIC to be programmed while it is sitting in the target circuit.
  Microchip offers programmers/debuggers under the MPLAB and PICKit series. MPLAB ICD4 and MPLAB REAL ICE are the current programmers and debuggers for professional engineering, while PICKit 3 is a low-cost programmer / debugger line for hobbyists and students.
caption: This is a 2003 era programmer for the Microchip "PIC" family of microcontrollers. It connects by RS 232 cable to a PC compatible running development software. In 2003 this unit cost $300 Canadian (about $200 US at the time).
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