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).

 
Microchip Direct
Buy here >

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
pickit4.png
Click image to enlarge.
​

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.

mplblgo.png
Click image to enlarge.

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.

usb.jpg
Click image to enlarge.

3

Install the microcontroller in your development board.

pic16f1937.jpg
Click image to enlarge.

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.

connectpk4.jpg
Click image to enlarge.

5

Connect power to your development board.

​

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.

power.jpg
Click image to enlarge.

Documentation

​

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.

  Return to Top

© 2020 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.