PICkit 3 USB In-Circuit Debugger Programmer for PIC & dsPIC Microcontrollers

PICkit 3 USB Programmer & Debugger for PIC® and dsPIC® Microcontrollers

Develop, debug, and program PIC® and dsPIC® Flash microcontrollers with ease using the PICkit 3 USB In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer. Designed for engineers, students, hobbyists, and embedded developers, the PICkit 3 offers a reliable and affordable solution for in-circuit debugging and In-Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP).

The PICkit 3 connects to your computer via a full-speed USB interface and communicates with the target board using the standard 6-pin ICSP programming connector. It is fully compatible with MPLAB X IDE, allowing seamless programming, debugging, breakpoint management, memory verification, and real-time execution of supported Microchip PIC and dsPIC microcontrollers.

Unlike traditional programmers that require expensive adapters or sockets, the PICkit 3 uses the debugging logic built directly into the supported Flash microcontrollers. This minimises development costs while providing powerful debugging capabilities such as breakpoints, memory inspection, peripheral freeze, and real-time program execution.

This version also features Programmer-To-Go (PTG) capability, enabling supported PIC microcontrollers to be programmed without remaining connected to a computer (device support depends on Microchip firmware).

The programmer includes three diagnostic LEDs indicating Power, Active, and Status, making it easy to monitor programming progress. Built-in protection against over-voltage and short circuits helps safeguard both the programmer and target hardware during development.

For customer convenience, this version also includes a clear pinout diagram showing the ICSP connector orientation:

• Pin 1 – MCLR/VPP

• Pin 2 – Target VDD

• Pin 3 – Ground (VSS)

• Pin 4 – PGD (Data)

• Pin 5 – PGC (Clock)

• Pin 6 – No Connection

Note: PICkit 3 is intended for development, debugging, testing, and educational purposes. It is not designed for production programming.

Key Features

• Genuine PICkit 3 compatible USB debugger/programmer

• Supports PIC® and dsPIC® Flash microcontrollers

• Compatible with MPLAB X IDE

• In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP™)

• In-Circuit Debugging (ICD)

• Full-speed USB 2.0 interface

• Stable USB communication

• Programmer-To-Go (PTG) support (supported devices only)

• No expensive programming sockets required

• Real-time debugging support

• Hardware breakpoint support

• Peripheral Freeze during debugging

• Read/Write program memory

• Read/Write EEPROM memory

• Configuration memory programming

• Device verification after programming

• Program Flash memory up to 512 KB

• Built-in over-voltage protection

• Built-in short-circuit protection

• Power, Active & Status indicator LEDs

• Compact and portable design

• 6-Pin ICSP programming cable included

• USB cable included

• Easy plug-and-play installation

• Suitable for education, research and product development

Technical Specifications

Pin Configuration

Applications

• PIC microcontroller programming

• dsPIC programming

• Embedded systems development

• Electronics prototyping

• Robotics projects

• Industrial controller development

• Educational laboratories

• Engineering colleges

• DIY electronics

• Automation systems

• Firmware development

• Product testing

• Microcontroller debugging

• Research & development

• Embedded learning projects

Precautions

• Intended for development and debugging only; not suitable for production programming.

• Ensure correct ICSP pin orientation before connecting to the target board.

• Verify target voltage is within the supported 1.8V–5V range.

• Disconnect power before changing programming connections.

• Avoid reverse or incorrect wiring to prevent damage.

• Use only supported PIC and dsPIC Flash microcontrollers.

• Install the latest MPLAB X IDE and compatible PICkit 3 firmware for best performance.

• Some small-package devices require dedicated debugging header boards during debugging.