Download the code to smd Microchip PICs

Hi,

Up to now, I use the EpicWin to download the hex file to Microcontroller pic that has a dip package. Now, I want to download the code to smd microcontroller of microchip .Espacially, 18f4550. What' s you succestion.

Hi sraiderk,

You could do what most manufacturer's do and put ICSP pads on the board and make a plug that fits into the holes and then program the board that way. Most programmers today have ICSP capability. I believe it is used to prevent the Chinese board manufacturers from copying your product.

BobK

In case of ICSP utilization, dont forgive the following:

1)_ If Your uC is supplyed from different voltage, insert one low voltage rectifier diode for isolate the power supply from ICSP and uC board!

2)_ If You use MCLR (external reset), check the conexion before, like described earlier, insert one low voltage rectifier diode between MCLR circuit and MCLR pin, take care in choise correct value for decouple capacitor and pulldown resistor at MCLR pin.

3)_ The RB6 and RB7 pins should be conected at other circuits with carefull through series resistors, the pcb tracks must not be much bigger...

For more information, see the datasheet...

gorkin

Microchip provides on their website a manual on ICSP programming that shows the interface necessary to acheive this method of programming. The pins that provide clock and data to the chip should be isolated in one of 2 ways.

The first method is using a DPDT toggle switch to switch these two lines between the programmer and the board circuitry.

The other method is to use the data and clock programming pins as inputs for your project with isolation resistors between your circuitry and the ICSP programming pins. I believe the manual shows this method.

Also you need to look at the LVP pin which is usually RB3. This is the low voltage programming pin. Unless you are using this method of programming, this pin needs to be grounded during the programming process.

Another thing to remember....The project needs to be powered separately from the programmer. You will need to isolate the project power supply from the programmer. Again it should be in the ICSP manual.

BobK