Do all Explorer 16 PIMs share a common pinout?
In the MPLAB® Harmony example for "ADC reading of Explorer 16 potentiometer", why is ADC_INPUTPOSITIVE_A selected as the input? Is it not the same as other plug-in modules (PIMs)?
PIM pinouts are not the same.
AN2 (ADC_INPUTPOSITIVE_AN2) is selected for ADC readings on the Explorer 16 board because there is a hardware translation between the Explorer 16 Plug-In Module for the PIC32 and the Explorer 16 layout. On the Explorer 16 schematic, the node labeled 'AN5' connects to pin 20 on the PIM, actually connects to AN2 on the PIC32MX795F512L.
The Explorer 16 board was originally designed for the PIC24FJ128GA010. This board supports PIMs, each with their own schematic. The pinouts of the PIMs are not identical.
For more information please read the PIC32MX795F512L product page.
Other PIMs have dedicated pages available from the 'Related Tools' tab of the Explorer 16 page.