Summary of usbpicprog a free and open source usb pic programmer
usbpicprog is an open-source USB in-circuit programmer for Microchip PIC processors. It features simple hardware design, free firmware with a bootloader and programming algorithms, and cross-platform PC software. The project supports Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Parts used in the usbpicprog:
- PIC18F2550 microcontroller
- 4 MOSFETs
- PCB design
- Microchip ICSP header connectors
- Passive components
- Bootloader firmware (Microchip Picdem)
- Programming algorithms firmware
- wxWidgets based PC application
Welcome to usbpicprog, an open source Microchip PIC programmer for the USB port. As the therm “open source” implies, the hardware design, the software and the firmware are all available for download free of charge.
Usbpicprog is an USB in circuit programmer for Microchip PIC processors. The hardware is as simple as possible, the current version only contains one PIC18F2550, 4 mosfets, and besides the connectors a hand full of passive components.
Components
Usbpicprog consists of three main components which can be found on the download page:
- Hardware – A PCB design which contains the necessary components to interface from the USB port to a Microchip ICSP (in circuit serial programming) header.
- Firmware– The software that runs on the processor on the PCB. It contains the USB framework, and high and low level functions for PIC in circuit programming.The firmware can also be divided into two parts:
- The bootloader (Microchip Picdem bootloader) has to be loaded only once, after that this part of the firmware can be upgraded through the usbpicprog interface.
- The usbpicprog part of the firmware contains the actual programming algorithms for all the implemented PIC devices.
- PC software – A wxWidgets based (cross platform) application to communicate with the usbpicprog hardware / firmware. This application is known to function well on Linux, Windows (XP or later) and Macosx.
The design of the hardware is open and free of charge for the people who have their own PCB production facilities, for those who are not able to build their own usbpicprog, usbpicprog can be ordered in the webshop
For more detail: usbpicproga free and open source usb pic programmer
- What is usbpicprog?
It is an open source Microchip PIC programmer for the USB port. - Can I download the hardware design and software?
Yes, the hardware design, software, and firmware are all available for download free of charge. - How many MOSFETs does the current version contain?
The current version contains 4 MOSFETs. - Does the firmware require a separate bootloader installation?
Yes, the bootloader must be loaded only once before upgrading through the interface. - Which operating systems support the PC software?
The application functions well on Linux, Windows XP or later, and MacOSX. - What framework is the PC software based on?
The PC software is based on wxWidgets. - Can I order the hardware if I cannot build my own PCB?
Yes, usbpicprog can be ordered in the webshop for those unable to build their own. - What is the main function of the hardware component?
The hardware interfaces from the USB port to a Microchip ICSP header.
