Microchip Technology AC244053

Overview

AC244053 from Microchip Technology is a Processor Extension Pak (PEP) containing a debug header board with pre-mounted PIC16F1509-ICE device, designed for in-circuit debugging of PIC16F1503/1507 microcontrollers in 14-pin and 20-pin PDIP packages. It supports MPLAB ICD 3, PICkit 3, and MPLAB REAL ICE debug tools, operates at up to 5.5V VDD, and routes dedicated debug signals (ICDCLK, ICDDATA, MCLR/VPP, VDD, VSS) to a 6-pin modular connector.

For engineers reviewing the AC244053 datasheet, AC244053 pinout, AC244053 application, or AC244053 equivalent, this PEP enables hardware-assisted debugging without consuming target I/O pins, preserves factory oscillator calibration bits, and requires no PCB layout changes when used with compatible PIC16F15xx devices in low-pin-count designs.

Technical Context

The AC244053 implements a fixed-hardware debug interface using the PIC16F1509-ICE silicon variant, which integrates on-chip debug circuitry and dedicates pins exclusively for ICDCLK, ICDDATA, MCLR/VPP, VDD, and VSS - eliminating shared-function pin conflicts during debug sessions. It provides full support for breakpoint insertion, single-stepping, and register/memory inspection via the ICD protocol.

This PEP is electrically and mechanically optimized for PDIP socketed targets, featuring a bottom-side 14-pin or 20-pin DIP socket that mates directly with production PIC16F1503/1507 devices, while routing debug signals through a top-mounted 6-pin modular connector compatible with Microchip's standard debug tool cables.

Key Specifications

Availability

AC244053 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded development, microcontroller evaluation, and production programming validation requiring stable component supply for Microchip PIC16F15xx-based designs.

Supply support for AC244053 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, certified to ISO/TS-16949 and ISO 9001 standards.

The AC244053 belongs to Microchip's Processor Extension Pak product line, engineered specifically to enable cost-effective, pin-preserving in-circuit debugging for low-pin-count PIC microcontrollers where on-chip debug resources are unavailable or insufficient.

FAQ

What is the AC244053 used for?

The AC244053 is a Processor Extension Pak (PEP) containing a debug header board with a pre-mounted PIC16F1509-ICE device. It enables in-circuit debugging of PIC16F1503 and PIC16F1507 microcontrollers in 14-pin and 20-pin PDIP packages using Microchip's ICD protocol. The AC244053 connects between the target board and debug tools like PICkit 3 or MPLAB REAL ICE, preserving all user I/O pins on the production device during debug sessions.

Which microcontrollers does the AC244053 support?

The AC244053 supports PIC16F1503 (14-pin PDIP) and PIC16F1507 (20-pin PDIP) microcontrollers. It uses the PIC16F1509-ICE device mounted on the header to provide dedicated debug circuitry, and is explicitly listed in Microchip's DS50001292W specification as the required debug header for these devices. The AC244053 is not compatible with other PIC families or package types without verification.

Does the AC244053 require additional hardware to function?

Yes - the AC244053 requires a compatible Microchip debug tool (PICkit 3, MPLAB ICD 3, or MPLAB REAL ICE) connected via its 6-pin modular interface, and a target board with a matching 14-pin or 20-pin PDIP socket. It does not include cables or power supplies. The AC244053 must be configured in MPLAB X IDE as the selected debug header during project setup, and cannot be used for programming-only operations via the Run menu.

Can the AC244053 be used with surface-mount target devices?

No - the AC244053 features a bottom-side PDIP socket and is mechanically and electrically designed only for through-hole 14-pin and 20-pin PDIP target devices. It does not support TQFP, SOIC, or QFN packages. For surface-mount targets, Microchip recommends alternative debug solutions such as in-circuit debuggers with transition sockets or debug-enabled production devices with SWD/JTAG interfaces - the AC244053 is not adaptable to non-PDIP footprints.

Is the AC244053 still actively supported by Microchip?

Yes - the AC244053 remains a documented and supported part within Microchip's official PEP and Debug Header Specification (DS50001292W, revision W). It is listed in Chapter 2 ("Required Debug Headers") as the designated header for PIC16F1503/1507 devices, and continues to be compatible with current versions of MPLAB X IDE and Microchip's ICD-compatible debug tools. No obsolescence notice has been issued for the AC244053.