1 Programming Overview

The following are the two methods of programming that are discussed in this programming specification:

In-Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP™)
Enhanced In-Circuit Serial Programming™

The ICSP programming method is the most direct method to program the device; however, it is also the slower of the two methods. It provides native, low-level programming capability to erase, program and verify the device.

The Enhanced ICSP protocol uses a faster method that takes advantage of the Programming Executive (PE), as illustrated in Figure 1-1. The PE provides all the necessary functionality to erase, program and verify the chip through a small command set. The command set allows the programmer to program a dsPIC33CK256MC006 device without dealing with the low-level -programming protocols.

Figure 1-1. Programming System Overview for Enhanced ICSP™

This programming specification is divided into two major sections that describe the programming methods independently. Device Programming – ICSP describes the ICSP method. Device Programming – Enhanced ICSP describes the Enhanced ICSP method.