PICKitXtra: The multi-functional application

Overview

 

PICKitXtra is a new, ground‑up software development designed specifically for Microchip’s Gen4 programming and debugging ecosystem. It is not derived from PICkit2, PICkit3, PICkit2Plus, PICkit3Plus, or any legacy Microchip applications. PICKitXtra provides a modern, unified interface and a new protocol engine engineered to support the latest generations of Microchip microcontrollers and programming tools.

Purpose

PICKitXtra delivers a dedicated, high‑performance programming environment for Microchip Gen4 programmers and debuggers, including:

• PICkit4

• PICkit5

• PICkitBasic

• Snap

• ICD4

• ICD5

• ICE4

It also supports a range of integrated on‑board programmers, including:

• PKoB

• PKoB4

• EDBG

• MEDBG

Legacy programmers (ICD3, RealICE, PM3) are listed for reference but are not the primary target of this software.

Supported Device Families

PICKitXtra supports a wide and expanding range of modern Microchip devices, including:

• PIC10F, PIC12F, PIC16F, PIC18F

• PIC24 and dsPIC33

• PIC32

• EEPROM families including 11LCxx, 24LCxx, 25LCxx, 93LCxx, M25Px, FL127x

• Special‑function devices such as CAN I/O Expanders, KEELOQ, MCP2502X/5X, HCSxx

A full device list is provided in the ToolSupport.pdf file included with the installation, you can also see here.

Key Functionality

PICKitXtra introduces a modern feature set tailored for Gen4 programmers:

• New programming protocols for the latest Microchip microcontroller families

• Standalone operation — no internet connection required, after licensing.

• Device identification with part, revision, and family display

• Updated and curated device database for Microchip and third‑party EEPROMs

• Improved UI stability and simplified workflow

Programming Features

• Read/write program memory and data memory

• Full erase with verification

• Write/Read/Verify operations

• Power control independent of programming state

• Support for IDE workflows with hold‑on‑exit

• Multiple voltage support (within the capabilities of the connected Gen4 programmer)

Safe‑Use Enhancements

• Automatic device detection can be disabled to prevent incorrect circuit power‑up

• Recently used parts list for rapid workflow

• Windows user‑profile support for configuration storage

• Consistent device database across all PICKitXtra‑related tools

Operating System Support

PICKitXtra is designed for modern Windows platforms:

• Windows 10 (64‑bit)

• Windows 11 (64‑bit)

Earlier Windows versions are not supported.