Understanding the Settings Menu Commands
The Settings menu on the IPE Menu bar (see
Table: Settings Menu Commands) contains commands available for production personnel. Many of these commands are made available through the Advanced Mode, Production Mode dialog.
Menu commands are shown as active (black) or unavailable (grayed out).
Active commands with a check mark indicate that the production personnel can control these settings.
Active commands without a check mark indicate that only authorized personnel can access them.
Unavailable commands with or without a check mark indicate that production personnel cannot control these settings.
Table: Settings Menu Commands
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This command opens the Advanced Mode login dialog. Once the login is validated, additional settings can be set by authorized personnel. |
Verify Device ID Before Program |
This command is only appropriate when using devices that have device IDs. |
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This command is used to control whether or not the contents of the device will be erased before it is programmed. It is not applicable to One-Time-Programmable (OTP). When the “Erase All Before Program” command is enabled (check box is checked), the device will be erased before it is programmed. If it is disabled (unchecked), the device will not be erased before it is programmed |
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If this command is selected, the application verifies that the firmware is the latest available; and, if needed, downloads the newer firmware automatically. |
Manual Download Firmware * |
This command enables manual download of firmware. The Firmware Browser dialog opens and locates directory containing the latest PM3.jar firmware file. click on the Firmware File, then click OK to download the firmware. |
Save Firmware into SD Card |
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This command prevents the code from running after programming. |
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This command removes the Reset and allows the code to run. |
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This command is only used with the MPLAB PM3 programmer. This command opens the PM3 Communication Setting dialog. Use this dialog to set communications for COM or USB ports. See “PM3 Communication Setting Dialog” for more information. |
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The download of firmware will not occur until the connect/disconnect button is clicked or a programming operation is performed. |
Save Firmware into PM3 SD Card
In production houses, there may be a need to program several different device family architectures without having access to a computer.
Between MPLAB IPE v3.25 and v3.40, the PM3 operating system was split into two parts based on the device architecture (32-bit vs all other devices). In MPLAB IPE v3.40, the PM3 operating system and database are split into three parts based on the architectures for 8-, 16- and 32-bit devices.
MPLAB IPE v3.40 or greater enables you to save the three PM3 operating system firmwares supporting each of the device family architectures into a PM3 SD card.
Once all the PM3 operating system firmwares are downloaded, when a PM3 environment is selected in Stand-Alone mode, the MPLAB PM3 programmer will load the correct operating system and database for the device from the PM3 SD card.
This feature is available only in the MPLAB IPE v3.40 or greater, not in the MPLAB X IDE.
To save all three operating systems into the PM3 SD card:
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Insert any supported SD card into PM3 SD card slot. |
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Open MPLAB IPE v3.40 or greater and connect the MPLAB PM3 programmer to the computer. |
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Select Settings>Save firmware into SD Card. The output window in the MPLAB IPE displays messages when the operating systems and databases for the 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs are successfully saved onto the SD card. |
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Please ensure the PM3 operating system firmware version stored on the SD card matches the operating system firmware version on the MPLAB PM3 programmer. A mismatch may occur if an upgrade of the PM3 operating system was performed but the SD card firmware was not updated. Use the MPLAB IPE v3.40 or greater to select the Settings>Save firmware into SD Card option to load the PM3 SD card with the desired PM3 operating system firmware version. |
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Any firmware versions of v3.40 or greater are not compatible with earlier versions of MPLAB IPE. It is highly recommended that the MPLAB PM3 use the firmware packaged within the same MPLAB IPE version |
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One operating system supported
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Two operating systems supported (32-bit and all other devices)
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MPLAB IPE v3.40 or greater
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Three operating systems supported (8-, 16-, 32-bit devices)
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PM3 Communication Setting Dialog
The PM3 Communication Setting dialog is available under the IPE Menu bar, Settings menu only when the associated check box for
Allow “Communication” under Settings menu is selected in the Advanced Mode, Production Mode dialog.
The MPLAB PM3 must be connected to the PC, using the appropriate cable, prior to using the PM3 Communication Setting dialog.
This dialog enables selecting the communication port for the MPLAB PM3 programmer through the IPE.
To use the RS-232 port on the MPLAB PM3, select the
COM Port option and use the drop list to select the available port. Click the refresh button if necessary to view available ports. Click the
Test button to check communication between the IPE and the MPLAB PM3.
To use USB for the communication port, select the
USB Port option.
Setting up the COM Port Manually
On some systems, you may need to set up the communications port manually.
On Windows, from the
Start menu, select
Control Panel, then
System and Security. Under the
System settings, click
Device Manager. Expand the Ports drop-down list and double-click on the port you are trying to use. Click the
Port Settings tab, and select the following:
Bits per second:
57600 (baud rate)
Data bits:
8
Parity:
None
Stop bits:
1
Flow control:
HardwareClick
Advanced. Uncheck the Use FIFO buffers check box.
Reboot the PC to implement the change.
