Microchip do not recommend any particular circuit for ICSP programming. There are diagrams for different tools, such as Pro Mate and PICKit2 with similar circuitry but slight variations.

Kanda have produced a recommended circuit that will work effectively with our PIC programmer range. This circuit is shown in the diagram below. Please read the notes that explain the circuit and expand on the effect of extra components such as capacitors.




Notes on PIC ICSP Circuit

1. Most programmers are designed to provide 3.3V or 5V to the target circuit, but some always supply 5V. If your circuit operates at a lower voltage then the diode shown on VDD should be fitted to protect the rest of the circuit. A series resistor may be acceptable instead of the diode in some cases.
   The maximum current that the programmer can supply is often limited, so you should fit the diode on VDD if the programmer over-current circuit trips.
2. MCLR/VPP pin needs the resistor to VDD. A minimum of 1K should work but 10K is the optimum. Supervisory circuits or push buttons on MCLR should be isolated from the VPP voltage, by placing them on the VDD side of the resistor or by fitting a Schottky diode on this line as per note 1.
3. The 100nF capacitor shown on this pin is optional for HVP but we do recommend that a capacitor is fitted if possible to avoid glitches on MCLR. This is the maximum value, and we recommend something smaller. Larger capacitors may prevent the PIC from entering HVP mode. Do not fit for LVP mode.
4. If possible, the Clock and Data lines should be dedicated to ICSP but where this is undesirable, the application circuit should be isolated from the data and clock lines with series resistors, above 10K. This is especially important if either of these lines forces the pin as an input or output. In exceptional cases, series resistors may not be sufficient and a 4053 multiplexer or similar circuit should be used.
   Capacitors on these lines should be avoided if at all possible. If they are needed, for noise immunity for example, then the maximum capacitance that all programmers can handle is 1nF, although some are better.
5. If LVP mode is used, this resistor must be fitted.
6. This line is only needed for Low Voltage Programming - LVP mode.
7. PIC18F J parts need a decoupling capacitor between VccCore pin and Ground, typically 100nF.

Kanda Handheld PIC Programmers can provide 3.3V or 5V VDD to target PIC microcontroller circuits. This can be user selected for LF devices but it is fixed to 3.3V for J type PIC microcontrollers. The high Voltage programming voltage (VPP) is set to 12V for most PIC devices but is automatically set to 9V for K type PIC microcontrollers.       

See PIC Programmer Guide for our full PIC Programmer range.