Bus Pirate PIC programmer update

December 10, 2009 in Bus Pirate, programmers by Ian | 3 comments

PIC 12/16/18/ds30 programming support for the Bus Pirate is progressing. Sean Nelson, a regular contributor to the Bus Pirate project, submitted a patch that adds serial port support to usbpicprog. The Linux patch compiles, but the Windows port still has some bugs.

The picture shows our prototype 13volt power supply for the PIC programmer. It’s a simple SMPS that can boost the input voltage to anything below 13volts. Our tests showed an unregulated output of over 120volts, but the final supply includes a feedback loop to set the output voltage level and a 13volt zener clamp to protect the PIC from damage.

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  1. James on December 10, 2009 at 4:37 pm

    The diagram for this circuit available anywhere?

    Reply

  2. Michal on December 10, 2009 at 10:46 pm

    Do PICs really need 13V or can I get away with my 12V / 5V / 3.3V supply converted from PC PSU?

    Reply

  3. Ian on December 11, 2009 at 8:17 am

    @Michal – I believe 12V will work, but the actual min and max voltage depends on the specific chip. With a little switcher, the Bus Pirate can dial in any voltage from the supply to the zener clamp limit (13.25volts).

    @James – I’ll post the draft schematic and PCB in the forum and send you the link.

    Reply