While there are few formal academic "papers" dedicated solely to the K150 PIC programmer, several detailed technical guides and user manuals function as primary documentation for using it on Windows 10. Core Documentation and Manuals
The most authoritative "papers" available are the original technical manuals and community-driven guides: GIE PIC K150 Programmer User Manual
: This is a 10-page technical document detailing the circuit's operation, the Microbrn software interface, and the driver installation process. DIY K128/K150 Programmer Guide
: Available on Scribd, this document provides a deep dive into the firmware and software compatibility for the K150 and related DIY kits. K150 PIC Programmer Schematic and Protocol Manual
: A technical PDF that includes the hardware schematic and explains the "Protocol Number" (e.g., P016) used to match hardware with the Microbrn software. Windows 10 Driver Compatibility Issues
Research from hobbyist developers like David Pilling highlights a major technical hurdle: the K150 uses the PL2303 USB-to-Serial chip.
Driver Phasing: Modern Windows 10 versions often block the original drivers for older PL2303 chips, showing a "PL2303HXA PHASED OUT SINCE 2012" error.
The Solution: Technical walkthroughs from Phipps Electronics recommend manually installing an older version (v3.2.0.0 or earlier) of the Prolific driver to restore functionality. Software Interface: Microbrn
The K150 primarily uses a dedicated software called Microbrn.exe.
Installation: The software does not require a standard Windows installation; you simply run the executable from its folder.
Configuration: Users must manually select the K150 model under File > Programmer and identify the correct virtual COM port in Device Manager.
Key Operations: It supports reading, blank checking, programming, and verifying PIC chips. Technical Specifications Chip Support Most popular 8-pin to 40-pin DIP PIC microcontrollers. Interface High-speed USB communication via PL2303 bridge. ISP Support
Includes an ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) interface for programming chips directly on a target board. Power Stable 5V or 3.3V regulation for the target board.
K150 PIC Programmer is a budget-friendly, high-speed USB device designed to program a wide range of Microchip PIC microcontrollers . While popular for its low cost, using it on Windows 10
often requires specific driver workarounds due to compatibility issues with its internal USB-to-serial chip. Key Software: Microbrn.exe
The primary software used to interface with the K150 hardware is Microbrn.exe Phipps Electronics Functionality
: It allows users to load HEX files, set configuration bits (fuses), and perform core operations like Read, Blank Check, Program, and Verify
: The software does not typically require a standard installation; it can be run directly from its folder. Configuration Port Selection : You must manually set the COM port in the software ( File > Port ) to match the virtual COM port assigned by Windows. Programmer Type
: Users must select the correct programmer version (typically File > Programmer to ensure compatibility. Phipps Electronics The Windows 10 Driver Challenge The K150 typically uses the Prolific PL2303HX k150 pic programmer software windows 10
USB-to-Serial Bridge Controller. Modern Windows 10/11 drivers often disable this older hardware because many units contain non-original chips. www.davidpilling.com The Solution : To make the K150 work on Windows 10, you must install an older legacy driver
(often a version intended for Windows Vista or early Windows 7). Manual Override
: Even after installation, Windows may try to "update" to the non-functional driver. Users often need to use the Device Manager
to manually select the older, working driver version from the list of installed drivers. www.davidpilling.com How to Use K150 PIC Programmer
A very specific topic!
K150 PIC Programmer Software on Windows 10: A Detailed Paper
Introduction
The K150 is a popular PIC microcontroller programmer used to program and debug Microchip's PIC microcontrollers. The programmer is widely used in educational institutions, research organizations, and industries for various applications, including robotics, automation, and embedded systems. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the K150 PIC programmer software on Windows 10, covering its features, installation, configuration, and usage.
Overview of K150 PIC Programmer
The K150 PIC programmer is a low-cost, easy-to-use programmer that supports a wide range of PIC microcontrollers, including 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit devices. The programmer connects to a computer via a USB interface and uses a software application to communicate with the PIC microcontroller.
Software Features
The K150 PIC programmer software, also known as "K150 Programmer," is compatible with Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit) and provides the following features:
Installation and Configuration
To install the K150 PIC programmer software on Windows 10:
Using the K150 PIC Programmer Software
To use the K150 PIC programmer software:
Common Issues and Solutions
Some common issues that may arise while using the K150 PIC programmer software on Windows 10: While there are few formal academic "papers" dedicated
Conclusion
The K150 PIC programmer software is a user-friendly, feature-rich tool for programming and debugging PIC microcontrollers on Windows 10. This paper provided a detailed overview of the software's features, installation, configuration, and usage. By following the guidelines and troubleshooting tips presented in this paper, users can effectively utilize the K150 PIC programmer software for their PIC microcontroller-based projects.
References
Because the K150 is an older, "generic" Chinese programmer, getting it to run on modern Windows requires specific drivers and a specific version of the software. It will not work with the newest Microchip tools (like MPLAB X).
Alex inserted a PIC16F628A into the K150’s ZIF socket, pin 1 aligned top-left. Loaded blink.hex. Checked the “verify after programming” box. Pressed Write.
For one terrifying second, nothing happened. Then the progress bar moved. 5 seconds later: “Programming successful.”
Alex plugged the PIC into a breadboard with an LED and resistor. Applied 5V. The LED blinked! Windows 10 had been conquered.
Do not use the original CD. Instead, download:
To succeed on Windows 10:
Disclaimer: The K150 is a legacy hobbyist tool. For professional development, it is highly recommended to upgrade to a PicKit 3, PicKit 4, or a genuine programmer that integrates with MPLAB X.
The K150 is a popular, budget-friendly USB programmer for Microchip PIC microcontrollers, though running it on Windows 10 requires specific workarounds due to aging hardware drivers Driver Challenges & Solutions The K150 typically uses the USB-to-serial chip. www.davidpilling.com The Problem
: Newer official Prolific drivers often flag these older chips as "phased out" or "unsupported," resulting in a "Code 10" error in Device Manager. : You must manually install an older, unofficial driver (often version 3.3.2.102 or similar from circa 2008). Installation Tip : Once the old driver is installed, you may need to use Device Manager
to "Update Driver" -> "Browse my computer" -> "Let me pick," then select the older version from the list. Core Software: Microbrn The standard software used with the K150 is Microbrn.exe (sometimes found in "diypack" bundles). www.davidpilling.com Port Selection : In the software, go to File > Port
and enter the COM port number assigned to the programmer in Windows Device Manager. Programmer Selection File > Programmer and ensure is selected. Operations : The software allows you to a HEX file, existing firmware, and successful writes. Key Hardware Features davemaster/PIC-USB-Programmer-K150 - GitHub
The K150 PIC programmer is a budget-friendly USB-based tool used to read, write, and encrypt common PIC microcontrollers. While originally designed for older operating systems, it remains widely used on Windows 10 for hobbyist electronics projects. Key Software Components
To operate the K150 on Windows 10, you need two distinct software packages:
MicroPro (microbrn.exe): The primary GUI application used to load .HEX files, select the target PIC chip, and execute programming.
Prolific USB-to-Serial Driver: The underlying driver that allows Windows to communicate with the programmer’s PL2303 chip. Solving the Windows 10 Driver Conflict Device Support : Supports a wide range of
The biggest hurdle for Windows 10 users is the "PL2303HXA PHASED OUT SINCE 2012" error. Most K150 clones use older or pirated Prolific chips that modern Windows 10 drivers deliberately block. Step-by-Step Driver Fix
Uninstall New Drivers: Open Device Manager, right-click the "Prolific USB-to-Serial" entry, select Uninstall device, and check the box to Delete the driver software for this device.
Install an Older Driver: Download and install a legacy driver, specifically the P3200 Vista executable or a driver from 2010/2011.
Manual Selection: If Windows 10 automatically updates the driver again, right-click the device in Device Manager, choose "Update driver" > "Browse my computer" > "Let me pick from a list," and manually select the older version.
Registry Lock (Optional): Some users apply a registry tweak to prevent Windows from auto-updating this specific hardware ID. How to Use the MicroPro Software
Once the driver is correctly installed and a COM port is assigned, follow these steps to program your chip: How to Use K150 PIC Programmer
K150 PIC Programmer is a budget-friendly USB-based tool designed to program a wide range of Microchip PIC microcontrollers. While highly popular for its low cost, using it on Windows 10
requires specific steps to overcome legacy hardware and driver hurdles. Key Software Features The primary interface for this hardware is typically the Microbrn.exe application (also known as MicroPro). Phipps Electronics Broad Device Support
: Programs popular 8-pin to 40-pin PIC microcontrollers, specifically covering most baseline 10F, 12F, and 16F series. Essential Functions
: Supports reading from the chip, writing new hex files, verifying program integrity, and setting encryption/protection bits. ZIF Socket Support
: The software visually guides users on how to place different chip sizes into the onboard 40-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket. In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP)
: Allows programming chips without removing them from their target circuit board. Fuse Configuration
: A dedicated "Fuses" button within the interface allows manual configuration of the microcontroller's internal settings (e.g., oscillator type, watchdog timer). The Windows 10 Driver Challenge The biggest obstacle on Windows 10 is the Prolific PL2303 USB-to-Serial chip used in these programmers. www.davidpilling.com Using the K150 PIC Programmer Windows 10
There isn’t one official “K150” software—it depends on which K150 USB PIC programmer clone or version you have. Most K150 programmers are cheap PICkit 2 clones that use a custom driver.
Here are your best options for Windows 10:
Depending on what PIC you are programming, other software might work better with your K150 on Windows 10.
This is the cleanest method for Windows 10 64-bit.
setup.exe (run as Administrator).PICpgm.exe from the Start Menu.Before installing any software, you must understand that there are two major versions of the K150 hardware circulating the market.
A common misconception is that you can use Microchip’s official MPLAB X IDE with the K150. You cannot. The K150 is a clone of a PICSTART Plus-like protocol but is not recognized by MPLAB’s hardware tool interface.
