Can't program PIC24FV32KA301

starfire151 · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 209

I'm using PIC PCD V5.071
Windows 11 Pro

I have a simple circuit with only a PIC24FV32KA301 chip on a breadboard. I'm trying to program it. My simple code includes the line

#include <24FV32KA301.h>

I get the error message when trying to download the code into the chip:

--- All files up to date.
CCSLOAD: Connecting
CCSLOAD: Programming
CCSLOAD: Error: No chip specified
CCSLOAD: Error: No Chip Specified

This arrangement has worked in the past. I have verified it is a PIC24FV32KA301 chip. I have tried multiple chips. The programmer ICD-U64 module works to program PIC16LF1825 chips, PIC18F26J11 chips, etc.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks.

jeremiah · Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 1415

In the past I ran into this problem with the F version of that chip (rather than the FV) and I ended up having to change my programmer firmware. However, this was over a decade ago.

So first things:
1. Are you using the 47k pullup on MCLR as CCS requires or are you using the 10k that microchip puts in a lot of the data sheets? I would make sure to use the value compatible with the CCS programmer as the datasheet value targets the microchip programmer

2. Is your programmer firmware up to date?

3. Double check all the soldering joints on the programmer interface, VCC, GND, and capacitor pins.

4. If you are not already, try to power the chip externally and not through the programmer.

If all else fails, definitely give CCS customer support a call. They are usually pretty good at helping things like this out. If it ends up being a programmer firmware issue, they can sometimes give a fixed version to you quickly.

starfire151 · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 209

I was actually using a 4.7K pullup on MCLR to solve a previous problem I had in getting the chip to program. I tried the 47K. Still didn't detect the chip.

I went out to the CCSInfo website and downloaded the latest version of the ccsload program and installed it. It found the chip successfully and was able to program it.

Thanks very much for your help!

Ttelmah · Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 20084

The resistor one depends on the programmer you have. A lot of the newer
programmers can't supply the current to program correctly if the resistor
is low. The recommended value from MicroChip was raised to 22K min a
while ago.

starfire151 · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 209

Thanks for that info. I'll try the pullup at 22K.

jeremiah · Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 1415

newguy · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 1937

Just to muddy the waters a tad....

Cannot comment on the ICD-U80 because I haven't had access to one in many years (and when I did, I found those early versions to be very unreliable), but the ICD-U64s I have and the Load-n-Gos I have used in the past have had no issues whatsoever programming targets that had a 4.7k pullup on the /MCLR line. Extreme electrical noise required a 4.7k pullup otherwise the target would suffer spontaneous resets in situ. Resets happened with 10k and larger pullups but never happened with 4.7k.

Ttelmah · Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 20084

It depends on what chip you are using.
Three families:

Early PIC's with direct Vpp drive - You will find your U64 will not program
these with a low pull-up.
Later PIC's still using high voltage programming and slave Vpp drive. Slightly
less problems, but 4K7could still be a problem. You'll actually be above the
specified drive of the U64, but most will work. Depends on the actually
programming voltage needed.
Then PIC's with 5v programming. No problems.