PicKit2 is a programming tool created by Microchip specifically for its PIC microcontrollers. It provides support for a wide range of 8-bit PIC microcontroller series, including Pic-10/12/16/18/24 and dsPIC-30/33 flash series microcontrollers. One of its key features is the ability to program microcontrollers in-circuit, thanks to its In-Circuit Serial Programmer (ICSP) functionality.

Features:

• Supports a wide range of PIC microcontroller series: Pic-10/12/16/18/24 and dsPIC-30/33 flash series.
• In-circuit serial Programmer (ICSP) functionality allows programming microcontrollers while they are in the circuit.
• Utilizes a 5-pin connection for programming the target microcontroller.
• Equipped with an onboard PIC18F2550 microcontroller responsible for programming the target microcontroller.
• Communication with computer software is achieved via its USB interface, while it communicates with the target microcontroller through its ICSP interface.
• The software for the PIC18F2550 is available, allowing users to potentially create their own PicKit2 programmer as a DIY project.

Pinout:

To program a PIC microcontroller with PicKit2, the following pins need to be connected:

• PGC (Clock input to the microcontroller)
• PGD (Data Input to the microcontroller)
• Vpp (Programming Mode voltage)
• Vdd (Power Pin, apply 5V)
• Gnd (Ground)

Programming Process: To program a PIC microcontroller with PicKit2, users need to identify the correct pins on their microcontroller. Consult the datasheet for your specific microcontroller to locate these pins, then make the necessary connections between PicKit2 and the microcontroller's ICSP header.

Operating System Support:

PicKit2 is compatible with the following operating systems:

• Windows XP SP2
• Windows Vista (32-Bit)
• Windows 7 (64-bit)

PicKit2 Application Programmer: This utility allows for PIC programming without requiring the installation of MPLAB. Users can simply obtain the HEX file and the PicKit2 programmer. The version mentioned here is based on Microchip's version 2.61, which has received updates over the years. It is worth noting that despite the version numbering, the executable file is always named PicKit2V2. Users can access the application and its sources from the following links:

• PicKit2_Programmer_V3.0.zip
• Pickit2_Programmer_V3.0_WithSources.zip

Supported Devices: PicKit2 supports a wide range of PIC devices across different families, including Baseline, Midrange/Standard, Midrange/1.8V Min, PIC18F, PIC18F_J, PIC24, dSPIC33, dSPIC30, MPS, KEELOQ HCS, MCP250xx CAN, and Serial EEPROM devices.