Programming PIC Microcontrollers on Android via USB-OTG without a PC
Flashing classic microcontrollers like the Microchip PIC16F628A typically requires a desktop PC running legacy Windows software and serial drivers. For field technicians, embedded developers, and hardware hobbyists, carrying a laptop to the workbench or installation site is often inconvenient.
To solve this, I developed PIC k150 Programming, an open-source Android tool that enables full read, write, blank-check, and fuse configuration directly from an Android smartphone or tablet over USB-OTG.
🛠️ Technical Architecture
The application communicates directly with the popular K150 programmer hardware using the KITSRUS P018 / P18A Programmer Firmware Protocol.
┌──────────────────────┐ USB-OTG Cable ┌──────────────────────┐
│ Android Device │ ════════════════════════════► │ K150 Programmer HW │
│ (USB Host Controller)│ (P018 / P18A Protocol) │ (FTDI / CH340 + PIC) │
└──────────────────────┘ └──────────┬───────────┘
│ ZIF Socket
▼
┌──────────────────────┐
│ Microchip PIC (DUT) │
│ (e.g. PIC16F628A) │
└──────────────────────┘
Key Engineering Features:
-
No Root Required: Uses the native Android USB Host API (
android.hardware.usb). - Hardware-Validated Protocol: Validated in laboratory conditions on real silicon (PIC16F628A) and backed by virtual C++/Python emulation suites with PTY ports.
- Diagnostic Controls: Real-time 13V VPP / 5V VDD diagnostic switching, baudrate echo testing, and ZIF socket status indicators.
- Multi-Protocol Support: Clean runtime selection between P18A, P018, P016, and P014 protocols.
📦 Source Code, Downloads & Web
- 🌐 Personal Website & Portfolio: todoandroid.42web.io
- 💻 GitHub Repository (Code & Schematics): Danielk10/PIC-k150-Programing
- 📱 Google Play Store: PIC k150 Programming
Contributions, chip requests, and issues are warmly welcomed on GitHub!
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