More than 500 PIC microcontrollers are supported!  Support for future devices can be added via FLASH firmware updates. The U2 is powered by the USB port.  No additional external power adapter is needed!

The programmer is recognized by Windows as a HID (Human Interface Device), rather than a virtual serial port. This improves the speed and reliability of the system. The programmer board can be used for In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) or a ZIF adapter can be used. This arrangement allows you to program almost any ICSP-capable PIC in almost any package. For example, program your MCU in circuit using a development board. No MCU switching between programmer and development board is required. The new design is small and compact. A dual colour LED indicates programmer status. The connection to the computer is via a standard USB cable (Type-A to Type-B).

Features

•     Low cost programmer for most PIC microcontrollers
•     Dual-color indicator shows ready/busy states
•     In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) connector for interface to project board
•     Full featured software included with support for all ICSP-capable PICMicro MCUs
•     Compatible with Microchip HEX format files

Supported Devices

For an up to date list of supported devices, please see here.

In-Circuit Serial Programming

The U2 Programmer is capable of programming PIC MCUs in-circuit.  This allows you to solder the chip to your board before you program it, making both development and production more convenient.  To use this feature, your target board must have some means of connecting to the 10-pin header on the programmer.  The required connections are detailed in the microEngineering Labs support section.

Software

The programmer includes software for Windows.  This software allows you to control the programmer and set the configuration bits on the PIC.  The software may be run as a standalone application or launched from most program editor/IDE packages like MicroCode Studio.

The melabs programmer software is compatible with the standard Microchip HEX format files.  Any assembler or compiler for PICmicros can be used to create the program, including MPASM, "C", or PICBASIC PRO™. The same software that controls the U2 Programmer can be used with all models of our programmers, including EPIC parallel port programmers and melabs Serial Programmer.  The software can even control multiple programmers on one computer.

The software allows you to set configuration bits on the PIC with an easy-to-use list of options.  Each configuration option is selectable in a drop-down list.  Configuration data may be read from a hex file or from a PIC. The consolidated view-memory window lets you view each section of memory in the PIC with a click.

A formidable list of options allow you to customize the way you interact with the software.  You control what areas of the device are erased, programmed, and verified.  Save mouse clicks with options like "Disable completion messages" and "Erase before programming". The programmer's firmware can be upgraded electronically with the click of the mouse.  You don't have to worry about whether your hardware is compatible when purchasing a software upgrade.  Any required firmware changes will be included in the purchased upgrade.

See Also

• ZIF Adapter
• USB Cable