USBProg PIC Programmer

The USBProg2 is a in-circuit PIC programmer that delivers just works operation and simplicity of use.  The only connections are to a host computer via USB and to the target PIC.  No external power is required, but the USBProg2 can still deliver 100mA Vdd current to the target. 

The USBProg2 is the same PIC programmer as the USBProg except in a rugged case.  The USBProg2 is intended for field or production use where physical ruggedness is required. 

 

Purchase

The price per unit is $140 plus shipping. 

For shipping to the United States.  A flat fee of $8.00 will be charged for shipping and handling the first unit, and $3.00 for each additional unit per order. 

For shipping to all other addresses.  A flat fee of $25.00 will be charged for shipping and handling the first unit, and $5.00 for each additional unit per order. 

Features

• Variable Vdd supply.  The USBProg can provide Vdd power from 0 to 6 volts to accomodate PICs with different requirements and to verify the programmed data at the Vdd limits for the particular target chip. 

• 100mA Vdd drive capability to power some target circuitry along with the target chip. 

• Tolerant of over 1000µF capacitance on the target Vdd line. 

• Variable Vpp supply from 0 to 14V to accomodate many of the newer PICs that can not use the traditional 13V. 

• Vdd and Vpp readback for closed loop control and failure detection. 

• Low impedence PGC and PGD outputs.  150 ohm output drivers guarantee sharp edges, high speed operation, and can tolerate up to 200pF load at the target chip. 

• PGC and PGD lines are short circuit protected.  These lines can be tied to 0-6 volts indefinitely without damage to the programmer. 

• The target chip programming lines are available two ways:

  • RJ-12 jack with the same pinout as the Microchip ICD2. 

  • 6 pin locking header.  Two ground lines separate the PGD and PGC signals from the remaining signals for ease of making cables that prevent crosstalk. 

• The target system can be run and halted from the host computer while connected to the programmer. 

• Scriptable run time software, available via free download. 

• Host library is available for free download.  You can create your own software to read, write, and verify the non-volatile memory of PICs using the supplied API. 

• Open source. 

• Open specification.  You can create your own software for any system that has a standard USB or serial port. 

Product Package

The USBProg product includes the following items:

• One USBProg2 unit, as shown in the pictures above. 

• One 10 foot (3 meter) standard USB cable for connecting the USBProg to a host computer. 

Supported PICs

The USBProg2 uses the same firmware and supports the same PICs as the USBProg.  See the USBProg product description for the list of supported PICs. 

Documentation

• User's Guide.
• PIC_PROG program. 
• PIC_READ program. 
• PIC_CTRL program. 
• Protocol specification. 
• Schematic. 
• Board drawing with dimensions. 
• Parts locator index. 
• Discussion of In-circuit programming and how to prepare a target circuit for use with the USBProg2. 

Software

The official software is available for free download.  Click on the heading above for details. 

Firmware updates

The USBProg2 runs the same firmware as the USBProg.  The firmware will be in file names EUSBxx.HEX in the SRC > PICPRG directory within the software installation directory.  The latest version is indicated on the software page. 

To update the firware in a USBProg2, follow these steps:

1. Connect the USBProg2 to update to the computer, and disconnect all other PIC programmers. 

2. From a command shell, run:

   pic_prog

   This will, among other things, display the name of the programmer and its current firmware version.  Record the name for use in a later step. 

3. Remove the four screws on the bottom of the unit and remove the bottom cover. 

4. The programming lines are available from the row of five pads in the far left corner of the board when holding the unit upside down with the USB connector on the left side: 
   

   Pin 1 is on the right end and marked by the square pad.  The pins are:

   1: Vpp
   2: Vdd
   3: Ground
   4: PGD
   5: PGC

5. Get or make a programming cable with pins in the order listed above at .1 inch spacing.  One way to achieve this is to use a normal programming cable that is intended to plug onto a standard 5-pin .1 inch header.  Slip the header that would normally be soldered to the PC board onto the end of the cable.  This provides five protruding pins that fit into the five programming pads of the USBProg2. 

6. Hold the pins into the pads and push the connector sideways a bit to ensure each pin is making solid contact with its pad: 
   

7. From a command shell, run the command:

   pic_prog (cog)src/picprg/eusbXX

   Where XX is replaced by the two digit version number of the firmware you want to update the USBProg2 to. 

8. Remove the programming cable. 

9. Plug the updated USBProg2 into the USB.  The LED should light dimly. 

10. Disconnect all other PIC programmers from the computer. 

11. From a command shell, run:

    pic_ctrl -setname name

    with name replaced by the name the unit originally had as saved from step 2, above.  If the name has spaces in it, then it must be enclosed in quotes. 

12. From a command shell, run:

    pic_prog

    This should verify that the new firmware version is running and that the original name has been restored. 

13. Close the unit by mounting the bottom cover with the four screws removed in step 3. 

• To products main page
• USBProg open circuit board PIC programmer.
• ProProg industrial PIC programmer.
• To Microchip web site