To debug or program a target device, you must connect the debugger/programmer to the target using a communication interface supported by the device. See your device datasheet and hardware tool documentation for details.
MPLAB® Development Ecosystem Hardware Tools - PIC® MCUs
All MPLAB Development Ecosystem hardware tools use in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for communication with a PIC MCU target. This is also called standard communication. For an example, see Emulator Standard Communication.
The current tools are:
- MPLAB ICD 4
- MPLAB PICkit™ 4 In-Circuit Debugger
- MPLAB REAL ICE™ In-Circuit Emulator
- MPLAB ICD 3
- PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger
- MPLAB PM3 Programmer
- MPLAB Starter Kits
Other communication options are available depending on the device, tool, and available accessories. For example:
- High-Speed/LVDS Communication - MPLAB REAL ICE Performance Pak (AC244002)
- JTAG - MPLAB REAL IDE JTAG Adapter Board (AC244007) - select as 'Supported Plugin Board' in MPLAB X IDE Project Properties.
Hardware Tools - AVR®, SAM, CEC MCUs
There are many different target communication choices depending on the target device. Below is a list of hardware tools that support some of these connections:
- MPLAB ICD 4 In-Circuit Debugger with the Debugger Adapter Board (AC102015) - JTAG, SWD
- MPLAB PICkit 4 In-Circuit Debugger with the Debugger Adapter Board (AC102015) - JTAG, SWD
- Atmel-ICE - JTAG, PDI, ISP/debugWire, SPI, UPDI, SWD
- Xplained boards - dependent on on-board device communication features
Select the interface in MPLAB X IDE through Project Properties > Debug Tool > Communication > Interface.
As more device support is added in MPLAB X IDE, more interface options may also be supported.