PICKitXtra: The multi-functional application

For Microchip Gen4 programmers .

 

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  ile 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.

 

 

 

Which application supports EEPROMs?

         

Both applications support EEPROM operations.  But, we we recommend the PICKit 2Plus software with a PICKit 2 programmer as the EEPROM operations are more robust.

 

What are the networking requirements to program parts?

         

To operate the software, in terms of programming, you do not require an internet connection.   

You will require an internet connection to initially license and to get the parts database updates.

What is included in my user license?

         

Use of the software by a single name user.

One year software support/maintenance plus free updates to the parts database


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