Jay.slovak said:
gimmix said:
Hey
I also noticed the K128 only programs flash PICS (the one with 'F'). Is that a problem? dont most applications use Flash PICS? When ever is it advantagous to use CMOS (the ones with 'C') over the FLASH? I think i'll do another thread for that question.
C PIC's are old and not used anymore. C does not stand for "CMOS", it stands for EPROM Program memory (the one that has to be erased using UV). So don't worry about it. F "FLASH" versions are used in 99%...
It's never really been clear WHAT the C stood for - but it certainly wasn't for UV eraseble ones!.
As far as I know there have been three types of PIC's using 'C' as a designator:
1) OTP EPROM chips, these can only be blown ONCE, so are generally used for final production devices.
2) Eraseable EPROM chips, these are essentially OTP chips, but with a quartz window so you can erase the device and reuse it - these are designated by JW on the end of the device number, the JW signifies a UV eraseable device. One word of warning! - NEVER EVER set the code protection on a JW device, all relatively modern CANNOT BE ERASED once the code protection bit is set (this is a safety feature, to prevent possible reading of the code.)
3) The 16C84 - these was the first EEPROM processor, and still used the same C designation as all the other PIC's. Later on it was re-engineered and renamed the 16F84 - however, it was still EEPROM, and not an actual FLASH device.
As kinjalgp says, if you're wanting a 'proper' serial port programmer (which includes a USB/Serial adaptor on board) the 149BC would be a good bet. However, you should be aware that the 628A processor used is pretty well full - new processor updates will probably result in older devices been dropped from the supported devices - but you could always keep an older firmware chips for the odd occasions you might require an older chip.