Mike Harrison wrote:

>>> The main chips I use are PIC18LF6720, PIC18LF2520 and PIC18LF1320. I do
>>> not have a programmer suitable for programming any of these SMD IC's
>>> before being placed into the target application.
> 
> Remember that you can program and secure a new chip at 3V, so you could
> solder the chips then program in the bootloader on-board. The only thing
> you can't do is erase the security bit to reprogram.

Maybe this doesn't apply to the OP's circuit, but can't you use 5V
programming in a 3V circuit? Like making the rest of the circuit 5V
tolerant or creating some kind of separation between the micro and the rest
(maybe two solder pads that get closed only after programming). Then supply
the micro with 5V from the programmer.

Gerhard

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