USB MicroStak PC104 style Pic Micro prototyping development system.

The USB MicroStak development system is programmed and verified over a USB connection connected to a PC or laptop. This process does not require the use of a hardware programmer. Instead, the MicroStak can program itself using the included MicroCode Loader software developed by Mecanique.

MicroCode Loader accepts a standard *.hex file as generated by most PIC compilers, including MPLAB

The MicroCode Loader programming software will run on various operating systems including Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and Vista. The software is simple and intuitive to use, with drop-down menus for selecting various options, as shown in Figure 1 below.

USB MicroStak is a Pic micro controller development system consisting of a main controller board with USB to UART connectivity (USB1) and optional Flash Lab stackable prototyping boards. Installation of the included Mecanique Microcode Loader software automatically installs a virtual Com port on a pc or laptop enabling direct connection of MicroStak via a USB cable. As with the Flash Lab system, no hardware progammer is then needed as long as a pic with bootloader firmware is installed in the MicroStak board and additionally the board can take it's power from the USB bus. All necessary hardware is provided on board including a selectable 3.3V regulator which can be used to power the mainboard or proto board or both. A second USB (USB2) socket is also provided which optionally connects to the on board USB port of a suitable Pic. The virtual Com port also allows simple serial communication via the USB1 connection for control or data logging for example.

Circuits can be built up on proto boards and "stacked" onto the MicroStak mainboard, the PC104 connector picking up all connections including power, reset and enable from the mainboard. Power can be from either the USB1 or USB2 bus or from an external 5V source. Additionally the 3.3V regulator output on the MicroStak mainboard is selectable can be used to power either the mainboard, or a proto board via the stack connector or both. Proto circuits can be saved for future use, saving wiring and assembly time.

The Microcode Loader is also included in the Mecanique Swordfish Compiler which is an excellect tool that compliments the USB Microstak and Flash Lab systems.