Hi Jason, I2C and SPI are not generally used to program a PIC micro. For that you would normally use ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) (or possibly JTAG). See http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/30277d.pdf for info on = ICSP. I2C and SPI are often used to communicate between the PIC micro and other components in the circuit (e.g. real-time clock, ADC, EEPROM etc) Matt On 16 February 2010 13:49, Jason Hsu wrote: > >From what little I understand so far, I2C and SPI are standards for > programming microcontrollers IN their target circuits. =A0For obvious > reasons, avoiding the need to swap the microcontroller back and forth > between the target circuit and a programmer like the PICSTART PLUS is > essential for surface mount microcontrollers. > > Is there a list of all of these in-circuit programming/emulating > methods used for surface mount microcontrollers? =A0How do you decide > which standard to use? =A0What type of connector/cable do you normally > use to connect the computer to the embedded circuit? =A0How do you > recommend getting started? =A0(So far, all of my experience has been > with through hole microcontrollers programmed with the PICSTART PLUS.) > > -- > Jason Hsu > http://www.jasonhsu.com/swrwatt.html > http://www.jasonhsu.com/swrwatt-c.txt > http://www.jasonhsu.com/swrwatt-asm.txt > -- > http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive > View/change your membership options at > http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist > -- = http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist