I just had exactly the same problem.  I first called RF Solutions (maker of
the ICEPIC), and they said it was almost certainly the 16C02-ME chip.  They
said they were prone to fail due to ESD, and thet they were not under
warranty.  I needed to get going so I ordered it from them at a cost of 49
pounds (about $80 US) and gave them my credit card and FEDEX number.  When
it didn't show up in a couple of days I called Microchip, and they replaced
it for free, asking only that I send back the failed part. I cancelled the
order with RF Solutions (by FAX) but the cancellation has not yet been
acknowledged, so I don't know what their posture on this will be.  MC was
great, though!

> -----Original Message-----
> From: pic microcontroller discussion list
> [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On Behalf Of Lance Allen
> Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 1999 2:18 PM
> To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: Re: Bondout Chip
>
>
> TODD wrote
>
> > Greetings all,
> >
> > Our ICEPIC II in-circuit emulator seems to have developed a new
> "feature".
> > RB5 seems to not be able to drive high or low.  If externally
> pulled high,
> > the emulator software indicates the pin is high, otherwise when
> a high is
> > written the emulator software still says the pin is low.
> Pulled high with a
> > 4.7K, it cannot pull itse;f low, either.  I suspect static
> damage to the the
> > bondout chip, PIC16C01-ME.  Does anyone have any experience in repairing
> > ICEPIC daughterboards?  The system diagnostics program tests
> all OK, so I
> > suspect it is the output driver of this chip.  Is Microchip the
> only source
> > for 16C01-ME's?
> >
>
> Our ICEPIC II has low level clock noise on some of the i/o lines,
> traced it back to a bondout chip but since we were in the process of
> ordering an MPLAB-ICE we have just left it, causes a hassle if one
> buffers the output, the effect gets amplified and starts becoming
> 'valid' digital levels.
> So we didn't fix it, just coped with it.
>
>
> _____________________________
>
> Lance Allen
> Technical Officer
> Uni of Auckland
> Psych Dept
> New Zealand
> _____________________________
>