Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect the Mach X to my PIC^® MCU hardware?

The Mach X has a RJ-12 connector with a RJ-12 cable to connect to target devices. To add a RJ-12 connection to your hardware, use the pin-out below:

• The Mach X draws its power directly from the USB port. However, the connection between pin 5 on the Mach X and pin 2 on the target device should be left intact. One reason for this is because the Mach X uses this connection to pull up voltage values. Another reason is because the Mach X is capable of supplying a variable voltage (+2.0V to +5.0V) to the target board. This can be done when using a PC by selecting the "Mach X Supplies Power" option in CCSLoad and setting the voltage level on the "Settings" tab.

Target ICD Circuit Schematic

• In order to use in-circuit programming and debugging, the I/O pins B6 and B7 are reserved on the PIC^® MCU or PIC^® DSC. If debugging is not going to be used on the target device, pins B6 and B7 can be used in the target circuit. If pins B6 and B7 are used in the target circuit, ensure the circuit has high impedance during the programming process. However, some PIC^® MCUs or PIC^® DSCs do not use pins B6 and B7 for programming and debugging. Always check the datasheet to find the proper programming and debugging pins. The table below lists some of the PIC^® MCUs that use different programming pins.

• Pin B3 is an optional pin connected to the Mach X that allows use of the monitor feature while debugging. If pin B3 is used in the target circuit or is not connected to the Mach X, the target can still be programmed and debugged, except without use of the monitor feature. When debugging, disabling the userstream feature will ignore the connection between pin 1 on the Mach X and pin 6 on the target device. Older versions of the debugger software require that if the monitor is not used, the pin connection on the ICD connector needs to be pulled high at all times. While pin B3 is recommended for the monitor feature, any pin on a PIC^® MCU or PIC^® DSC can support this feature.


• The MCLR pin is used for both programming and debugging. While programming, the MCLR pin will have +13V supplied to it, or +5.0V while programming a PIC18J^® MCU, PIC24^® MCU, or dsPIC^® DSC. The 47K resistor to +5.0V is sufficient isolation to protect the PIC^® MCU or PIC^® DSC from the +13V. However, if anything else is connected to the MCLR pin, be sure the +13V will not damage or interfere with the connected device.


• The Mach X is not capable of programming using the Low Voltage Programming mode. Programs being written to the target devices should have the NOLVP fuse set.


• If using the Mach X to debug a target device, the target device needs to have an active oscillator running. If the Mach X is only being used to program a target device, the Mach X generates a clock signal that is used to program the PIC^® MCU or PIC^® DSC without the need of a running oscillator.


• Some PIC^® MCUs are not capable of debugging with the standard version of the part. In order to debug, a specific ICD version of the chip will be needed. The table below lists some of the PIC^® MCUs that require ICD Headers.

For additional help connecting the Mach X to your hardware, contact CCS Technical Support.