3.1 Basic Connection Requirements

Getting started with the PIC18(L)F26/45/46K40 family of 8-bit microcontrollers requires attention to a minimal set of device pin connections before proceeding with development.

The following pins must always be connected:

• All V_DD and V_SS pins (see Power Supply Pins)
• MCLR pin (see Master Clear (MCLR) Pin)

These pins must also be connected if they are being used in the end application:

• ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT pins used for In-Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP™) and debugging purposes (see In-Circuit Serial Programming™ (ICSP™) Pins)
• OSCI and OSCO pins when an external oscillator source is used (see External Oscillator Pins)

Additionally, the following pins may be required:

• V_REF+/V_REF- pins are used when external voltage reference for analog modules is implemented

The minimum mandatory connections are shown in the figure below.