MPLAB PICkit 4 Help

Requirements for Debugging

To debug (set breakpoints, see registers, etc.) with the MPLAB PICkit 4 In-Circuit Debugger system, there are critical elements that must be working correctly:

•	The debugger must be connected to a computer. It must be powered by the computer via the USB cable and it must be communicating with the MPLAB X IDE software via the Micro-B USB cable. See “Debug Tutorial” for details.

•	The debugger must be connected as shown in Figure: Proper connections for programming to the Vpp, PGC and PGD pins of the target device with the modular interface cable (or equivalent).

•	The target device must have power and a functional, running oscillator. If the target device does not run, for any reason, the MPLAB PICkit 4 In-Circuit Debugger cannot debug.

•	The target device must have its configuration words programmed correctly. These are set using the MPLAB X IDE.

-	The oscillator Configuration bits should correspond to RC, XT, etc., depending upon the target design.

-	For some devices, the Watchdog Timer is enabled by default and needs to be disabled.

-	The target device must not have code protection enabled.

-	The target device must not have table read protection enabled.

-	For some devices with more than one PGC/PGD pair, the correct pair needs to be selected in the device’s configuration word settings. This only refers to debugging, since programming will work through any PGC/PGD pair.

When the conditions listed above are met, you may proceed to the following:

•	Sequence of Operations Leading to Debugging

•	Debugging Details

Microchip Support Help Updated: 2019-09-24 09:36:22Z Help Page: 16