Programming HID Bootloader on PIC32

This guide outlines the process of loading a file, specifically a bootloader, onto the PIC using the ICD2 (In Circuit-Debugger).

For these directions to be applicable, the following conditions are presumed:

– A functional circuit for programming the PIC is already in place (as elaborated below).
– Availability of an ICD2 device.
– Possession of a hex file ready for loading (generated using the preceding instructions for creating the bootloader hex file).

Hardware Setup

The ICD2 is equipped with a 6-pin modular cable, though only 5 of these pins are necessary.

For ME 333, this cable has been previously altered.

In essence, this cable resembles a telephone wire but includes 2 additional wires. This guide assumes that your board comprises only 5 pins and lacks the socket compatible with this cable. The pin arrangement on the cable corresponds to the illustration provided.

Please observe the designated colors assigned to each pin (e.g., pin 1 is denoted by blue, pin 2 by yellow, etc.). Remove one end of the jack to release the wires. Proceed to solder these wires into a 5-pin header, ensuring they are arranged in the correct sequence. Avoid soldering the 6th pin. This process will facilitate a simpler connection between the board’s pins and the cable.

The NU32 has the pins necessary for programming with ICD next to each other. Connect the pins to the correct pin of the header as detailed below

• MCLR – Pin 1
• 3.3V – Pin 2
• GND – Pin 3
• PGD – Pin 4
• PGC – Pin 5

PC Setting Up ICD2

This instructions assume you have already installed MPLAB, but have not installed the ICD2 on your computer yet.

• Connect the ICD2 to your PC with the USB cable.

• Do not allow Windows to pick a USB driver. When the found new hardware wizard pops up, select “Install from a List or Specific Location (Advanced)”. Make sure the “Search for Best Driver” is Selected and unselect “Search Removable Media”. Also select “Include this location in the search”. Browse to the following directory “C:\Program Files\Microchip\MPLAB IDE\ICD2\Drivers” and click Next.

Complete the “Found New Hardware Wizard” by clicking on the “Finish” button.

Retrieve the ICD2 and cable from the TA.

Connect the ICD2, utilizing the modified jack, to your board following the pin configuration reiterated below:
– MCLR: Pin 1
– 3.3V: Pin 2
– GND: Pin 3
– PGD: Pin 4
– PGC: Pin 5

If there is a program actively running on the PIC, connecting the ICD2 to the board will interrupt its operation.

To program using the ICD2 in MPLAB, ensure MPLAB is open. Configure MPLAB to utilize the ICD2 programmer:

1. Go to Programmer -> Select Programmer -> MPLAB ICD 2.
2. If a window does not appear, click on Programmer -> MPLAB ICD2 Setup Wizard. Utilize the following setup specifications:
– USB COM port
– Disable automatic ICD2 connection
– Enable automatic OS download for the ICD2

You are now prepared to commence programming.

Programming with ICD2

These instructions presume that the ICD2 is already installed, connected to the board, and a hex file has been generated.

1. Link your NU32 board to your computer using the USB cable and power ON the board (the red LED should illuminate). Note: The USB cable functions solely to provide 5V power to your NU32 board; it doesn’t engage in any data transmission. Consequently, the NU32 board should be directly linked to one USB port on your PC (for power), while also being connected to the ICD2 programmer, which in turn is connected to a second USB port on your PC.

2. Once the board is connected to the ICD2, navigate to Programmer -> Connect.

3. The output window should display a message resembling something along these lines:

Connecting to MPLAB ICD 2
  ...Connected
  Setting Vdd source to target
  Target Device PIC32MX460F512L found, revision = Rev 0x50900053
  ...Reading ICD Product ID
  Running ICD Self Test
  ...Passed

If it says:

  Connecting to MPLAB ICD 2
  ...Connected
  Setting Vdd source to target
  ICD0042: API:  Error response (Device not ready (0x12))
  ICD0042: API:  Error response (Device not ready (0x12))
  MPLAB ICD 2 ready for next operation

try turning the board off and then back on, and while holding the cable tight to the board, click Programmer->Connect. The connection may be loose.

• Click File ->Import and find the hex file you created above.

This imports the hex file that you want to load on to the PIC.

• Click Programmer -> Program

The output window will say something similar to this:

  Programming Target...
  ...Validating configuration fields
  ...Erasing Part
  ...Loading Program Executive
  ...Programming Boot Config (0x1FC00000 - 0x1FC003FC)
  ...Verifying Boot Config memory (0x1FC00000 - 0x1FC003FC)
  ...Programming Program Memory (0x1D000000 - 0x1D0001FC)
  ...Verifying Program memory (0x1D000000 - 0x1D0001FC)
  ...Programming Program Memory (0x1D001400 - 0x1D0017FC)
  ...Verifying Program memory (0x1D001400 - 0x1D0017FC)
  ...Programming Program Memory (0x1D002000 - 0x1D005FFC)
  ...Verifying Program memory (0x1D002000 - 0x1D005FFC)
  ...Programming Configuration Bits
  ...Verifying Config memory
  ...Programming succeeded

The PIC still retains its connection with the programmer, thus the recently loaded program isn’t actively running on the PIC.

Proceed by selecting Programmer -> Release from Reset.

Regrettably, there have been instances of MPLAB crashing with PIC32 when using ICD2. If an ICD3 were available in our lab, I would opt for that one instead.

The installation of the bootloader on the PIC has been successfully completed.

To verify the proper installation of the bootloader:

1. Press and hold down the RESET and PROGRAM buttons simultaneously.
2. Release the RESET button.
3. Subsequently, release the PROGRAM button.

Upon successful installation, the LEDs should display an alternating pattern. At this point, you can disconnect the ICD2 from both the PC and the NU32 board. The ICD2 shouldn’t be necessary unless there’s an accidental overwrite of the bootloader.