PIC16F870/871
11.17 In-Circuit Serial Programming
11.18 Low Voltage ICSP Programming
PIC16F870/871 microcontrollers can be serially pro-
grammed while in the end application circuit. This is
simply done with two lines for clock and data and three
other lines for power, ground, and the programming
voltage. This allows customers to manufacture boards
with unprogrammed devices, and then program the
microcontroller just before shipping the product. This
also allows the most recent firmware or a custom firm-
ware to be programmed.
The LVP bit of the configuration word enables low volt-
age ICSP programming. This mode allows the micro-
controller to be programmed via ICSP using a VDD
source in the operating voltage range. This only means
that VPP does not have to be brought to VIHH, but can
instead be left at the normal operating voltage. In this
mode, the RB3/PGM pin is dedicated to the program-
ming function and ceases to be a general purpose I/O
pin. During programming, VDD is applied to the MCLR
pin. To enter programming mode, VDD must be applied
to the RB3/PGM provided the LVP bit is set. The LVP
bit defaults to on (‘1’) from the factory.
When using ICSP, the part must be supplied 4.5V to
5.5V if a bulk erase will be executed. This includes
reprogramming of the code protect both from an on-
state to off-state. For all other cases of ICSP, the part
may be programmed at the normal operating voltages.
This means calibration values, unique user IDs or user
code can be reprogrammed or added.
Note 1: The high voltage programming mode is
always available, regardless of the state of
the LVP bit, by applying VIHH to the MCLR
pin.
For complete details of serial programming, please
refer to the In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP™)
Guide, (DS30277B).
2: While in low voltage ICSP mode, the RB3
pin can no longer be used as a general
purpose I/O pin.
If low-voltage programming mode is not used, the LVP
bit can be programmed to a '0' and RB3/PGM becomes
a digital I/O pin. However, the LVP bit may only be pro-
grammed when programming is entered with VIHH on
MCLR. The LVP bit can only be charged when using
high voltage on MCLR.
It should be noted, that once the LVP bit is programmed
to 0, only the high voltage programming mode is avail-
able and only high voltage programming mode can be
used to program the device.
When using low voltage ICSP, the part must be sup-
plied 4.5V to 5.5V if a bulk erase will be executed. This
includes reprogramming of the code protect bits from
an on-state to off-state. For all other cases of low volt-
age ICSP, the part may be programmed at the normal
operating voltage. This means calibration values,
unique user IDs or user code can be reprogrammed or
added.
DS30569A-page 104
Preliminary
1999 Microchip Technology Inc.
MICROCHIP [ MICROCHIP ]
