Introduction
The DEVCC is a family of embedded application development PCBs which cater to the wide variety of PIC family packages available. Since PICs are available in 8, 14, 18, 20, 28 and 40 PIN (amoung others in 64, 80 and 100 PINs) packages and owing to the
resources needed for each device in each family, a certain PCB is required. The DEVCC family therefor has a similar, standard architecture, but with differences between the various platforms. The slight differences cater to the specific
requirements of the PIN package. This article will look at the 4 different PCBs and how they fit in to the embedded software development life cycle.
First Impressions
Shown below are the three varients for DIP packages and they go by two names as either the DEVCC or BlueBerry. DEVCC is is derived from the PCB being a Development tool, and that it
is the same size as a standard credit card. It fits your pocket in two ways, in size and cost. BlueBerry simply because of the striking blue solder mask and that it's fun to create products and systems using PIC Microcontrollers.
In the table below, the individual specifications of the DEVCC variants are laid out. The BlueBerries are slso included as the products shares the same layout and features, with the exception that the
device is SMD soldered to the PCB.
| DEVCC Specifications |
DEVCC V18 |
DEVCC V20 |
DEVCC V28 |
DEVCC V40 |
| DC Jack |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| USB Powered Capable |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Bootloader Capable |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
| 3v3 | 5V0 |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Package |
18 PIN DIP |
8, 14, 20 PIN DIP |
28 PIN DIP |
44 PIN TQFP |
| LED | Reset Button |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Headers Ported |
A, B |
A, B, C |
A, B, C |
A, B, C, D, E |
| USB UART |
YES |
YES |
YES |
YES |
The above systems constitue the DEVCC range, catering to the PIC16F | PIC18F families of devices.
Learn more »
Lineart View
In the lineart view you can get a good idea of the PCB features. The PIC's pins are tracked to the same location for each variant. This means that if you were to replace the PCB for the
purpose of upgrading the project, the PCB is interchangeable with any existing wiring that you may have in place.
Skill up soon . . .
The BlueBerry (DEVCC) range of PIC development platforms offer a versatile and extensible range of options. You can switch beteen devices across families that Microchip provides with ease.
It has never been so easy to develop a system or product or just an idea you have bursting to take on a life of its own.