3.5.4 Connecting to External Microcontrollers

The figure and table below show where the programming and debugging signals must be connected to program and debug external microcontrollers. The on-board debugger can supply power to the external hardware, or use an external voltage as a reference for its level shifters. Read more about the power supply in Power Supply.

The on-board debugger and level shifters actively drive data and clock signals (DBG0, DBG1, and DBG2) used for programming and debugging, and in most cases, the external resistor on these signals can be ignored. Pull-down resistors are required on the ICSP™ data and clock signals to debug PIC® microcontrollers.

DBG3 is an open-drain connection and requires a pull-up resistor to function.

PIC16F18446 Curiosity Nano has pull-down resistors R204 and R205 connected to the ICSP data and clock signal (DBG0 and DBG1). There is also a pull-up resistor R200 connected to the #MCLR signal (DBG3). The location of pull resistors is shown in the Assembly Drawing in the appendix.

Remember:
  • Connect GND and VTG to the external microcontroller
  • Tie the VOFF pin to GND if the external hardware has its own power supply
  • Make sure there are pull-down resistors on the ICSP data and clock signals (DBG0 and DBG1) to support the debugging of PIC microcontrollers
Figure 3-10. Curiosity Nano Standard Pinout
Table 3-4. Programming and Debugging Interfaces
Curiosity Nano PinUPDIICSP™SWD
DBG0UPDIDATASWDIO
DBG1-CLKSWCLK
DBG2---
DBG3-#MCLR#RESET