PicProm (formerly PIC-16Fxxx-Programmer)

PicProm is a lightweight software application whose purpose is to help developers program mid-range Flash ROM Controller PIC 12Fxxx 16Fxxx from Microchip using the serial port of PC. It integrates a simple debugger and provides the option to tune the oscillator.

The program is able to work with a wide range of devices, such as 8-pin (e.g. 12F609, 12HV609, 12F615, 12HV615), 14-pin (16F610, 16HV610, 16F616, 16HV616, 16F630), 18-pin (e.g. 16F627, 16F628, 16F627A, 16F628A, 16F648A), 20-pin (e.g. 16F631, 16F639, 16F677, 16F685), 28-pin (e.g. 16F72, 16F73, 16F76), and 40-pin (e.g. 16F74, 16F77, 16F747, 16F777)

The tool does not excel in the visual department as it reveals a plain layout from where you get quick access to all features.

You are allowed to choose the controller type and serial port, as well as memory area that is programmed, verified or read.

Several options can be configured in detail when connected to the special programmer module. You may alter the voltage level at which each operation runs, so as to program or read the PIC directly from the application circuit.

What’s more, you can check if the PIC is correctly inserted into the socket, check device ID before transferring data, boost priority during transfer, erase PIC before programming, get user ID from HEX file, save settings automatically, delete error messages when closing the window, and reload HEX file automatically if it changes.

In order to use the debugger, the executive file needs to be placed in the PIC folder. The program works with the actual oscillator of the PIC in test, and lets you set one break point, read and modify registry, and start the application execution.

The editor reveals the HEX file in assembler syntax and shows the correct register name, while the oscillator tuning helps you measure the frequency of the internal or external RC oscillator. The utility is able to identify the OSCTUNE value for a given frequency and save data to HEX file.

In conclusion, PicProm comes with a handy suite of features for programing Flash ROM Controller using the serial port of the PC but the GUI is not the ace up its sleeve, as it needs a facelift.