In-circuit 16F84 Programmers
Here are some simple ways of programming a 16F84 (or 16C84) in-circuit.
I was going to publish this stuff in Everyday Practical Electronics
as the hardware described here can be used to upgrade their simple programmer.
Unfortunately, because they will be describing their own enhanced PIC programmer
suite called the PIC
Toolkit (to appear in the July 1998 issue) EPE weren't very interested.
Therefore, I've stopped working on the article but here's what I'd put
together before I packed up.
Programming "in-circuit" means the PIC is programmed while installed
in the project board (or "target board" ) under development. The target
board supplies the PIC with power and has a connector that allows the programmer
access to RB6, RB7, /MCLR and +5V/VDD as shown below.
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The 1k resistor and diode ensure the PIC runs normally when the programmer
is not attached; they also enable /MCLR to be controlled by the programmer
- either grounded or pulled up to around +12V to enter programming mode.
If you simply want to program a 16F84 you don't even need these components
and all the target board must do in this case is supply the PIC with +5V.
Otherwise, apart from RB6 and RB7, all other PIC pins should be connected
as required by the project. The pins RB6 and RB7 are reserved for use by
the programmer hardware but could be used by the target too under some
circumstances. |
The programming hardware is based on the quick-and-dirty approach but the
serial port versions are more conservative than most in that they don't
try to obtain the programming voltage (VPP) from the serial port itself.
The PIC can be connected directly to the PC parallel or serial ports (via
a couple of resistors) or via simple interfaces for the parallel and serial
port I've called PARPIC and SERPIC respectively.
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The PC is connected to the programmer via four logical signals called
CLK, OUT, RESET and IN. Only the CLK, OUT and GND connections are required
but the software will always control RESET and IN as well. The hardware
defines exactly which PC pins are used in the programming process. VPP
is applied by closing the switch shown above however if a suitable voltage
is available on the target board the switch may be installed there instead
(see target schematic). |
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A direct connection from the serial or parallel port needs virtually
no hardware. All you need to do is run the software and close/open the
reset switch shown and connect/disconnect VPP when asked. If a VPP supply
is not available on the target board an external source can be connected
to the programmer (perhaps a couple of 9V batteries in series if the zener
diode shown is fitted). This scheme works pretty well but the only way
to verify the program has been downloaded correctly is to run it. |
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Adding a couple of transistors allows the PC to take control of /MCLR
and read the PIC contents via the parallel port. This makes things a little
more convenient and enables the PIC contents to be verified. |
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A slightly different configuration makes it possible to take control
of /MCLR and read the PIC contents using the serial port. This version
also introduces inverting buffers and steals VDD/+5V from the target so
that the signals on RB6/RB7 are guaranteed to be between 0 and VDD. (A
direct connection to the serial port relies on the PIC protection diodes
to keep RB6/RB7 within the limits -0.6V and VDD+0.6V.) |
The software to go with the programmers is based
on PP V-0.5. So far there is only very
brief documentation but there isn't much to say in any case.
Back to the PIC links page
Copyright © David Tait 1998.
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