Electronics Of fancy PICs and programmers for them

So I'm looking to use a PIC for three channel PWM lighting control on a project. The PIC16F685, 690 would seem to fit the bill. 4 PWM channels should make things easy. The PIC16F737, 747, 767 and 777 would all work, too, but are more expensive.

I can't seem to find much on a compatible programmer for any of these. I can find ones that say they're compatible with other 16F6xx chips, like the El Cheapo. Is it safe to assume the reason such PICs are not listed is because it is a list of tested and confirmed PICs, and one of these might work just fine?

 

Hi Emon, the 16F685 and 690 will not do for your application - there are only two discrete PWM channels - the 4 channels are for full bridge PWM motor control and therefore cannot be used individually.

The 16F7X7 range will work though.

If you're looking for a low cost programmer then I'd recommend using the PicKit2 - it's dead cheap and supports most PICs. It's due to be integrated into MPLAB soon too.

 

Thanks for reading, because apparently, I can't.

Thanks for the recommendation, I'm considering it. On the cheaper, though, the El Cheapo touts PIC16F7x (x=2/3/4/6/7), any chance that would work with the 7x7? I might try it anyway, all I need is a 74LS05 to build an El Cheapo, the rest I have lying around.

Edit: Meh, the PicKit2 looks like it would be a good investment anyway. Hmm...

 

The problem doesn't usually lie with the programmer itself, it's the program you're using with the programmer that must have the correct programming algorithm for each individual PIC - so I'd check for support there. Are you using ICProg for that?

 

That makes a whole lot more sense. I was trying to figure out how such a simple circuit would matter.

No, the only PIC work I've done before was with a very expensive standalone controller provided by FIRST back in high school. I don't remember the specs, but they were seriously awesome. And seriously expensive. I think around $500?

In any case, I think I'll just get the PicKit2. Not much to pay for the hassle it will probably save.

 

I have a PICKit2... I've got to say, for $30, its a spectacular deal.

Just be sure you update the software. The firmware on my pickit was more recent than the software on the CD that came with it.

Just download the latest software and firmware from microchip, and skip the CD it comes with altogether.



The only other issues i've had have come of having lots of stuff connected on the MCLR and PGC/PGD I/O lines. Too much capacitance.

 

Well, he could always use software PWM. We did this on a project and it worked fine.

Stu

 

Of course, but you cannot obtain a PWM frequency as fast as the PWM modules with the same resolution - plus it seemed from his post that he wanted to use the PWM modules...

 

Yep. I'm looking to save some hassle.

Thanks for the recommendation, guys, I think I'll get a PicKit2.