What is it?

This is an ICSP programming adapter for Microchip PIC12F629/F675/F683 SOIC8 SMD chips, allowing simple flashing of these surface-mount MCUs after they have been soldered to the PCB. It adapts between the 6-pin single-in-line pinout of most PICKIT-compatible programmers to the 8-pin SOIC-Narrow (0.150" body) chip format, without need for on-board programming headers. The adapter is just pressed over the chip, the spring-loaded pogo-pins provide reliable contacts, then hit your programming key and GO! Note: Product for sale is the adapter ONLY. User must supply the PICKIT-compatible programmer and ribbon cable.

Why did you make it?

I was tired of committing PCB real-estate to 6-pin programming headers, or struggling with clothes-pin style SMD chip-clips once my PIC chips were in place on the PCB. Not to mention eliminating complex trace routing of programming headers. If I'm using an 8-pin SMD chip, I want the PCB to be tiny, and the PCB traces as simple and compact as possible, and still be able to re-flash the chip as needed.

What makes it special?

Use Cases:
- Flashing SMD MCUs prior to population on PCB.
- Re-flashing for code updates after population during small-production runs.
- Code updates for maintenance releases after-the-sale.

Features:
- Spring-loaded Pogo-Pin contacts make the interface to the MCU super-reliable.
- Very little pressure is required.
- Uses a standard 6-PIN Single-In-Line style ICSP cable with normal PICKIT3/4 programmer pinout.
- Dozens of types of these PICKIT-compatible programmers are on the market, or DIYable using Arduino.
- Chip orientation is clearly marked on the adapter.
- Single-in-line cable orientation is market via Pin-1 arrow.
- Precise physical tolerances guarantee accurate fit to MCU pads.
- Inter-pin separators prevent accidental shorts between pins while programming.
- No need to use up precious PCB space for a 6-pin header.
- The adapter can be used to pre-program chips prior to soldering, by just pressing against a hard surface.
- Makes post-assembly software updates painless.
- Durable ABS and resin construction.
- This item is made by me in the USA.

               Note to Atmel Users!

Please see my companion product for Atmel/Microchip ATtiny85/45 MCUs.

          Coming Soon!

UPDI adapters for ATtiny102/202/212/402/412 MCUs are in the works.