PICkit 3 Programmer / Debugger — reliable, PC-controlled in-circuit programmer and debugger for Microchip PIC devices Key benefits Simple, low-cost solution for programming and debugging PIC microcontrollers from a Windows PC. Fast, reliable ICSP programming over USB (Full Speed 12 Mbits/s) for quick firmware updates and production use. Integrated debugging and simulation support (single-step, breakpoints) to speed development and problem resolution. Upgradeable firmware: Microchip provides upgrade software so the device can support new device models as they become available. What it does Programming: Connects to your Windows PC running MPLAB IDE (v8.20 or higher) to program devices via ICSP. Supports writing FLASH ROM, EEPROM, and related memory types. Debugging / simulation: Uses the USB interface to provide online simulation debugging from the IDE, including single-step execution and breakpoint debugging at full-speed operation. Firmware upgrades: Compatible with Microchip’s Upgrade Kit 3 procedure; run the provided upgrade utility to add support for new models. Compatibility and requirements Requires a Windows PC with MPLAB IDE version 8.20 or later. USB Full Speed (12 Mbits/s) connection to host PC. Works with Microchip PIC devices supported by the PICkit 3 and MPLAB IDE. Performance and operation USB Full Speed interface provides fast download and programming over ICSP. Online debugger behavior is controlled directly from the IDE for responsive single-step and breakpoint debugging. Designed for practical, day-to-day development and programming tasks without requiring complex setup. Typical applications / use scenarios Development: Load and debug firmware during prototype development using single-step and breakpoint features to trace and fix code. Production programming: Quickly burn FLASH and EEPROM over ICSP for small to medium production runs or batch programming. Field updates and maintenance: Connect to a PC to apply firmware updates or diagnose issues through the debugger in the field. What’s included / supported items (as specified) PICkit 3 programmer/debugger hardware that connects to a Windows host via USB. Supports MPLAB IDE (v8.20 or higher) control on Windows. Firmware upgradeability through Microchip-supplied upgrade utilities (Upgrade Kit 3). Notes Use the Microchip upgrade program to ensure continued support for new PIC models. Works as an online debugger when connected to the MPLAB IDE on a Windows platform.