When Programming a Device Using PTG
When the MPLAB PICkit 4 is connected to the remote target board for programming a device using Programmer-To-
Go, the minimum power required from the target board to the MPLAB PICkit 4 is 350 mA.
If sufficient power cannot be supplied from the target board, then MPLAB PICkit 4 must be powered by a 5V power
supply through the Micro-B USB connector on the top of the MPLAB PICkit 4 tool. There are several options for
providing power, such as, using:
• Any available PC USB port or USB hub port. (No USB communication is necessary; it is only used to provide
power.)
• A USB host port on a portable device.
• A USB power adapter or charger with a USB Micro-B connector, either from an automotive power jack or an AC
wall plug.
• A portable battery charge or power source for cell phones or other portable devices with USB Micro-B
connector.
• A custom battery pack that supplies regulated 5V into the MPLAB PICkit 4 USB Micro-B connector.
The USB power source used should meet the following minimum criteria:
• Is able to supply at least 350 mA of current to the MPLAB PICkit 4 tool.
• Provides a steady, regulated 4.5V to 5.5V output.
Note:
1.
Most portable chargers/power devices with their own batteries will not give an indication when their internal
battery voltage gets low and the output drops below 4.5V. Therefore, you must be sure the device’s battery
has sufficient remaining capacity to power the MPLAB PICkit 4 above 4.5V.
2.
Any battery-based power sources should be disconnected from the MPLAB PICkit 4 unit when it is not in use.
Otherwise, the MPLAB PICkit 4 unit will drain the power source battery.
5.2
Limitations for Programmer-To-Go
1.
You must have a formatted FAT32-compatible microSDHC card
inserted
correctly into theMPLAB PICkit 4 in
order to use the Programmer-To-Go feature.
Figure 5-2. Inserting the MicroSDHC Card Correctly
MPLAB PICkit 4 Programmer-To-Go
©
2020 Microchip Technology Inc.
User Guide
DS50002751D-page 25
