- \n
- Users<\/strong>: Are the users experienced or do they need the simplest solution possible? <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Compatibility:<\/strong> Make sure the programmer is compatible with the PIC microcontrollers you plan to use. Check the supported PIC families and specific model numbers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Interface:<\/strong> Choose a programmer with an interface that suits your workspace and workflow. USB is the most common option nowadays, but there are also RS-232, parallel, and Ethernet-based programmers available or choose a standalone programmer for use without PC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Programming speed:<\/strong> Programming speed can be important for production or projects that require frequent updates or large code segments. Faster programmers can save you time and improve efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Features:<\/strong> Some programmers offer additional features like debugging capabilities, in-circuit programming (ICP), or serial numbers. Consider these features if they are important for your application.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Price:<\/strong> PIC programmers range in price from affordable entry-level models to more expensive professional tools. Set a budget and choose a programmer that meets your needs without exceeding your financial limits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Robustness:<\/strong> Can the programmer cope with faulty boards in production, being dropped or otherwise manhandled?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reliability<\/strong>: Are you just programming the odd circuit or is it a disaster if your line stops because programmer has broken or you have just travelled 200 miles and the programmer fails?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Different PIC Programmer Types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For simplicity, PIC programmers can be divided in three types<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Microchip Programmers and Debuggers.<\/strong> Examples include PICKit 4 and PIC SNAP<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Professional ICSP Programmers<\/strong>, such as Asix FORTE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Standalone Field and Production Programmers<\/strong>. Kanda standalone programmers include keyfobs, single units and 8 and 32-way versions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Microchip Programmers and Debuggers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
These are widely available and function as both programmers and debuggers and are mostly used for development rather than production programming. If you just need to program a few PIC microcontrollers they are prefect but need to run from MPLAB X IPE, which is not the best production software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microchip started with PICKit and have now reached PICKit 5, with each version being more expensive. PIC Kit 4 is a good compomise and is still available..<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Microchip](\"https:\/\/www.kanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Pickit-4.jpg\")
<\/a>Microchip PICKit 4 programmer\/Debugger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n PICKit 4 Programmer and Debugger<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
PIC SNAP <\/strong>is an unboxed version of PICKit. It is less robust but a lot cheaper. It has same functionality as a PICKit 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"PIC](\"https:\/\/www.kanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/mplab-snap.jpg\")
<\/a>PIC SNAP Programmer and Debugger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n PIC SNAP Programmer and Debugger<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional ICSP Programmers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you need more reliability, a more robust product and features like serial numbering, buffer and configuration editing, then production programmers are the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are tougher, more reliable and allow multiple programmers from 1 PC, production modes and DLL to write your own interface. One of the best is Asix Forte programmer. This is very fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Forte](\"https:\/\/www.kanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/forte-icsp-programmer3-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Forte PIC Programmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Forte PIC Production Programmer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standalone Field and Production Programmers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Kanda produce a range of standalone PIC Programmers to suit every budget. They are tough, robust and reliable. Above all they are really easy to use, with just a single button press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to simplify your production or field updates or send programmers to distributors or third party manufacturers, then standalone programmers are the best solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kanda Standalone PIC Programmer<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
The Kanda Standalone PIC programmer is the most popular. It is battery powered, can power target while being simple to use. Load it from the PC then it is ready to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Kanda](\"https:\/\/www.kanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pic-hh0120-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Kanda Standalone PIC Programmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Kanda Standalone PIC Programmer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kanda Keyfob PIC Programmer<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Also loaded from PC and completely portable with 1 button press. Keyfob is powered from target and has less protection from faulty targets but is low cost and is available in bulk packs for real savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"pic-keyfob-programmer\"](\"https:\/\/www.kanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PIC-KF0020V3-1.jpg\")
<\/a>PIC Standalone Keyfob Programmers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n PIC Standalone Keyfob Programmers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standalone 8-way Programmer<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
This version can store up to 8 different images, with different PIC microcontroller<\/a> targets and files. The slot is selected with a rotary switch then a single button press programs target. Ideal for field updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"PIC](\"https:\/\/www.kanda.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pic-hh0820-2.jpg\")
<\/a>PIC 8-way standalone programmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n - Professional ICSP Programmers<\/strong>, such as Asix FORTE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Compatibility:<\/strong> Make sure the programmer is compatible with the PIC microcontrollers you plan to use. Check the supported PIC families and specific model numbers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n