PICkit™ 3 - Connection Failure Error

When using a PICkit™ 3 in-circuit debugger for programming or debugging, the device being programmed needs to be powered. This can be done through the PICkit 3 in-circuit debugger or through the circuitry containing the device to be programmed. Typically, without power, an error will appear: target device not found. This can be caused by:

  1. A bad connection between the PICkit 3 in-circuit debugger.
  2. Incorrect orientation of the programming connector.
  3. The PICkit 3 in-circuit debugger has the wrong operating system installed.

All of these can be reported as a Connection Failure Error. It's best to double-check all connections per the directions shown here.

icsp.jpg

PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger Operating System Error

When using PICkit 3 in-circuit debugger with MPLAB® X IDE, the IDE will automatically install the proper device driver when first connecting to the target device. If the IDE cannot detect the device and the connections are verified to be correct, then the PICkit 3 Ii-circuit debugger may have incompatible operating system firmware already loaded in by the PICkit 3 Programmer. This software tool has been replaced by the MPLAB Integrated Production Environment (IPE) application which is included with the MPLAB X IDE installation package. The PICkit 3 Programmer is shown here:

pk3gui2.png

The PICkit 3 Programmer l requires a unique operating system that is not compatible with MPLAB IDE. If the PICkit 3 Programmer was used to control the PICkit 3 previously, then the tool may have been left in this state. Therefore, in order for MPLAB IDE to communicate again with the PICkit 3 in-circuit debugger, you must select "Revert to MPLAB mode" within the PICkit 3 Programmer to reset it back to the MPLAB IDE compatible firmware. This can be found under the Tools > Revert to MPLAB mode within the PICkit 3 Programmer.

mplabrevert.png

Downloads

PICkit 3 Programmer
MPLAB IDE and IPE

© 2024 Microchip Technology, Inc.
Notice: ARM and Cortex are the registered trademarks of ARM Limited in the EU and other countries.
Information contained on this site regarding device applications and the like is provided only for your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual property rights.