This is a MPLAB compatible clone of Microchip’s in circuit debugger ICD2 which allows to program and debug PIC devices in real-time. It connects to the host-PC using either the USB or the serial interface. Firmware can be updated through MPLAB.

Hardware
icd2_hw_1.5.zip contains all information needed to build an ICD2:

• Schematic
• PCB
• Component placement drawing
• BOM

icd2_gerber_1.5.zip contains the PCB Gerber files.

icd2_eagla.zip contains the Eagle files (v4.16r2).

Software
icd2_fw.zip contains all firmware components:

• Modified bootloader
• EEPROM data

Microchip MPLAB IDE should also be downloaded.

Documentation
icd2_doc.pdf is a short article describing the debugger/programmer components.

Errata

• Some errors slipped into the documentation: the devices U5 and U7 listed in the BOM do not exist on the PCB/Schematic. Just ignore them.
• The pin numbering of the ICD2 modular connector is wrong, i.e. exactly opposite to the original ICD2. If you are using a modular connector on your target board you have to use the following pin numbering on your target board:

       1. PGM
       2. PGC
       3. PGD
       4. GND
       5. VCC
       6. MCLR

Note that your target board will not be programmable using Microchip’s ICD2. Workaround: consider using a simple 6-pin header without polarization.

Or the more pragmatic solution:

Thanks to Henk de Leeuw for this hint!

Q: Can I get the schematic and PCB source files?
A: No, sorry!

Q: I cannot get the REG103UA-5 from TI as they have phased out that part not long ago and are recommending that users try the REG102 and REG104 instead. Is this device OK?
A: Yes. Use the REG104 since it is an exact equivalent. The only difference is the output current of 1A (REG104) instead of 500mA (REG103).

Q: I am wondering how firmware and/or upgrades are loaded into the ICD2 PIC from MPLAB. Do I have to connect a second programmer to the ICD2 ICSP header?
A: No. Only a BSL has to be loaded to the PIC through the ICSP header. This BSL manages the firmware updates. Basically it reads the firmware image from the serial port and writes it to the FLASH.

Q: I can not get the Cypress USB chip CY7C64613. Where can I find it?
A: The CY7C64613 is obsolete. No replacement is available. There is a compatible device CY7C64713 but it is not pin compatible and it is not known if it works with the MPLAB USB drivers.

Q: I can not locate the devices U5 and U7 in the schematic. Where are they?
A: This is actually an error in the BOM. Sorry.

Q: I only need the RS232 interface of ICD2. Are there any problems if I do not assemble the USB chip?
A: No. You just can omit the USB devices.

Feel free to send any comments to in_port [at] nebadje [dot] org