PICkit™ 4 Setup Instructions

The MPLAB® PICkit™ 4 In-Circuit Debugger allows fast and easy debugging and programming of dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), PIC®, SAM , and AVR® flash microcontrollers at an affordable price point, using the powerful graphical user interface of MPLAB® X Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

 
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Package Contents

  • MPLAB PICkit 4 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer
  • USB cable with Type A and micro-B connectors
  • Warranty card
  • Two MPLAB PICkit 4 stickers

System Requirements

  • MPLAB X IDE version 4.15 or later
  • PC-compatible system with an Intel® Pentium® class or higher processor, or equivalent
  • Available USB port
  • Microsoft Windows® 7 or later, macOS® and Linux® operating systems
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The PICkit 4 is compatible with MPLAB X IDE version 4.15 and higher. However, you will need version 4.20 for selected SAM E70 device support and version 5.00 for other SAM and AVR device support.

The MPLAB PICkit 4 In-Circuit Debugger/Programmer supports many, but not all, devices at the time of this writing. The firmware is continually being upgraded to add support for new devices. To request priority device support or to report issues, send an email to: moc.pihcorcim|etadpU_4tikCIP#moc.pihcorcim|etadpU_4tikCIP

Getting Started

Step by Step

1

Download the MPLAB X IDE software and install onto your computer. The installer automatically loads the USB drivers. Launch MPLAB X IDE.

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2

Connect the USB Type A connector to a USB port on your computer. Connect the USB Type micro-B connector into the PICkit 4 unit.

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3

Install the microcontroller in your development board.

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4

For dsPIC or PIC devices, connect the PICkit 4 to the Programming Port on your development board.
For SAM or AVR devices, you will need the AC102015 Debugger Adapter Board for demo board connectivity.

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5

Connect power to your development board.

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The PICkit 4 can power a development board with limited current so it is recommend to power the board separately until you are familiar with the tool and the limitations of providing power through the PICkit 4.

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Documentation

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To check supported devices: Browse to the docs folder under your MPLAB X IDE installation directory and open the file Device Support.htm. The PK4D column shows PICkit 4 debug support and PK4P shows PICkit 4 programmer support.

For release information on the PICkit 4: In the docs folder find the Readme for PICkit 4.htm.

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