Understanding how the MPLAB Snap works

People come to Kanda for their programming products because they know our merchandise is always the highest quality. This is definitely the case for the Microchip Snap items we supply. They enable easy and quick programming and debugging for the majority of SAM, Flash, AVR, and PIC microcontrollers.

The MPLAB In-Circuit Debugger we supply is an incredibly cost effective device. It is great for projects that don’t need complex debug features or high-voltage programming. As a result, it can support several newer Microchip microcontroller models. It is not the same for certain legacy products however. Sadly, it may struggle to work with some of them. It is not the best for production programming either.

Debugging work

When it comes to the actual debugging, there are two steps to note when you use the Snap for your work. The initial step needs you to program an application into your target device. Normally, this happens with the Snap itself.

As for the second step, it employs the interior in-circuit debug hardware of the target Flash contraption. This is done so it can test and run the application program. The two steps have direct links to the MPLAB X IDE operations.

You won’t need a clock for programming on your target device. However, you will need to supply power. While you are programming, your debugger shall place programming levels on Vpp/MCLR, send serial data via PGD, and send clock pulses on PGC. It then verifies that the programming of the part is correct. For this to happen, it sends clocks to PGC. From there, data gets read back from PGD. What this sequence does is confirm that the device and debugger are properly communicating.

Does everything work correctly?

In order to debug with the Snap, there are numerous parts that need to be properly working. For one thing, you have to link the debugger to a computer using a USB cable so it can receive power. Additionally, it needs to be properly communicating with the MPLAB X IDE software through the Micro-B USB cable. What’s more, you have to connect the debugger to the PGD, PGC, and Vpp pins belonging to the target device. Use the modular interface cable for this.

You can find high quality Microchip Snap products on our site

At Kanda, we provide the MPLAB microchip snap programmer for a very reasonable price. You are free to use it as both a debugger and a programmer. In addition, it features standalone IPE programming software. Plus, it is also compatible for target systems, headers, and demo boards utilising 2-wire ICSP and JTAG.

So, if you have an interest in this product and want to know more, you can speak to our team. We can give you more info and help you to place an order. Or, if you are ready to buy you can do so via our website.

Leave a Reply