Description:

The PICkit3 is a low-cost in-circuit debugger/programmer developed by Microchip for PIC and dsPIC microcontrollers. It is used for development purposes and is not recommended for new designs.

Some of the key features of the PICkit3 include:

USB (full speed 12 Mbits/s) interface to connect to a host PC
Compatibility with MPLAB IDE
Over-voltage/short circuit monitor
Firmware upgradeable from PC/web download
Diagnostic LEDs (power, busy, error)
Supports read/write program and data memory of the microcontroller
ICSP cable included
Compatible with a wide range of 8-bit and 16-bit PIC microcontrollers, as well as 32-bit PIC32MX devices.

The software is easy to use, simply connect the PICkit3 to the ICSP connector and start the application. Select the device family and device from the dropdown menu, import the hex file, and use the write button to burn the code to the microcontroller. The LED lights on the PICkit3 indicate the status of the debugger.

Pinout of the PICkit3 includes 6 pins: VPP/MCLR, VDD, VSS, ICSPDAT/PGD, ICSPCLK/PGC, and LVP. It is important to pay attention to the left and right direction of the connection when connecting to the target board to avoid burning the PICkit3 downloader.