Microchip Technology AC162048

Overview

AC162048 from Microchip Technology is an RS-232 interface and regulated DC power supply kit designed to enable serial communication and stable target board power delivery for the MPLAB ICD 2 (DV164005) in-circuit debugger/programmer. It supports 2.0–6.0 V target voltage range, includes diagnostic LEDs (Power, Busy, Error), and enables real-time debugging of PIC® and dsPIC® Flash microcontrollers via RS-232 when used with the base ICD 2 module.

For engineers reviewing the AC162048 datasheet, AC162048 pinout, AC162048 application, or AC162048 equivalent, this accessory provides essential RS-232 connectivity and regulated power sourcing for legacy host systems lacking USB, enabling full MPLAB IDE integration, firmware upgrade capability, and in-circuit memory read/write/erase with verification on supported Flash MCUs.

Technical Context

The AC162048 is a dedicated hardware accessory-not a standalone tool-that extends the DV164005 MPLAB ICD 2 module by adding RS-232 physical layer interface and isolated 5 V DC power output. It interfaces directly with the ICD 2's auxiliary connector and delivers regulated 5 V ±5% at up to 500 mA to the target board while maintaining galvanic isolation between host PC and target system.

It operates within the same environmental and electrical constraints as the MPLAB ICD 2 platform: compatible with Windows 98/NT/2000/XP, requires no additional drivers beyond standard Windows COM port support, and functions only when paired with the DV164005 or compatible ICD 2 modules (DV164006/DV164007). No firmware resides on AC162048 itself.

Key Specifications

Availability

AC162048 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded firmware development, production programming validation, and educational microcontroller labs requiring stable component supply, legacy RS-232 host compatibility, and reliable target board power delivery.

Supply support for AC162048 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and development tools for embedded control applications.

The AC162048 belongs to Microchip's MPLAB ecosystem product line, designed specifically to extend the connectivity and power capabilities of the MPLAB ICD 2 platform for robust, field-deployable in-circuit debugging in resource-constrained or legacy-host environments.

FAQ

Can the AC162048 be used without the DV164005 MPLAB ICD 2 module?

No. The AC162048 is not a standalone device-it contains no debugging logic, firmware, or programming circuitry. It functions exclusively as an RS-232 interface and power supply add-on for the DV164005 (or DV164006/DV164007) MPLAB ICD 2 module. Without the base ICD 2 unit, the AC162048 cannot communicate with or program any microcontroller.

Does the AC162048 support USB communication?

No. The AC162048 provides only RS-232 interface functionality. USB communication is handled separately by the DV164005 module's built-in USB interface. The AC162048 connects to the ICD 2 module via its auxiliary header and adds RS-232 capability-making it ideal for host systems without native USB support or requiring serial-based debugging workflows.

What target voltage levels does the AC162048 support through the MPLAB ICD 2?

The AC162048 enables the MPLAB ICD 2 to support target microcontrollers operating from 2.0 V to 6.0 V. This range covers most PIC10F, PIC12F, PIC16F, PIC18F, and dsPIC30F/33F Flash devices. Voltage selection is controlled by the ICD 2 module-not the AC162048-and is configured via MPLAB IDE before initiating debug or programming sessions.

Is the AC162048 compatible with newer MPLAB ICD 3 or ICD 4 tools?

No. The AC162048 is mechanically and electrically designed for the original MPLAB ICD 2 platform (DV164005 series). Its auxiliary connector pinout, signal mapping, and power delivery architecture are incompatible with the ICD 3 or ICD 4. Microchip discontinued RS-232 support in later generations, favoring high-speed USB 2.0 and enhanced debugging features not supported by AC162048.

Does the AC162048 include firmware upgrade capability?

No. Firmware upgrades for the MPLAB ICD 2 platform-including those enabled via RS-232-are performed through the DV164005 module itself using MPLAB IDE. The AC162048 contains no programmable logic or flash memory; it is a passive interface and power delivery accessory. All firmware resides on and is updated via the ICD 2 module.