PICKIT3.5 PROGRAMMER/DOWNLOADER

The PICkit 3.5 is a popular, enhanced clone of the original Microchip PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer. These clones typically offer hardware improvements over the original unit, primarily focused on power stability and firmware recovery

Feature

• In-Circuit Debugging (ICD) and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP).
• Fully compatible with Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB IPE (Integrated Programming Environment).
• Yes, allows code execution in real-time until a hardware breakpoint is encountered.
• Breakpoints, Single-stepping, Watch windows, File Register viewing, Freeze-peripherals at breakpoint.
• Supports standalone programming of a target device without a connected PC (up to 512 KB of Flash memory).
• Firmware is upgradeable via the MPLAB software

Supported microcontrollers

The PICkit 3.5 supports the same broad range of Flash-based Microchip families as the original PICkit 3.

Architecture Family

• PIC10F, PIC12F, PIC16F, PIC18F
• PIC24F/H/E, dsPIC30F, dsPIC33F/C
• PIC32MX, PIC32MZ, PIC32MM

Hardware and interface specifications

• Full-Speed USB (12 Mbits/s)
• 6-pin In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) connector (0.100" spacing).
• Standard Mini-USB cable (Type-A to Mini-B) to host PC.
• Power (Green), Busy (Blue/Active), Error (Red/Status)
• Internal 16-bit PIC24F microcontroller (used for tool firmware).
• Typically, a translucent plastic case.

Electrical and output specifications

• USB-Powered (No external power supply required).
• Supports low voltage from 2.0V to 6.0V.
• Limited by USB (max ≈ 100 mA).
• Built-in over-voltage / short-circuit monitor.

PICkit 3.5 Specific Enhancements (Clone Features)

The "3.5" designation typically refers to these hardware or firmware reliability improvements:

• Firmware Self-Healing: The primary claim of the 3.5 version is that its internal firmware can recover automatically if corrupted, avoiding the "bricking" issue common in early PICkit 3 models.
• Multi-Unit Operation: Many 3.5 clones feature a unique serial ID, allowing multiple 3.5 units to be connected and used simultaneously with the same instance of MPLAB X IDE.
• Enhanced Stability: Improved power regulation circuitry often leads to more reliable operation when providing power to the target circuit, especially at lower voltages.

PICkit 3.5 ICSP Pinout Diagram

The standard 6-pin connector pinout for In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) remains the same as the PICkit 3.

1. Programming Voltage / Master Clear (Reset Line)
2. Target Supply Voltage (from or to the programmer)
3. Ground Reference
4. In-Circuit Serial Programming Data
5. In-Circuit Serial Programming Clock
6. Low Voltage Programming (LVP) or Auxiliary function