Electronic – What kind of external clock is needed for PIC32

Have you consulted the data sheet? Usually when it does not do anything it is a config problem.

I have absolutely no knowledge on this but from PIC18(L)F2X/4XK22 Data Sheet.

Note 1: Quartz crystal characteristics vary according to type, package and manufacturer. The user should consult the manufacturer data sheets for specifications and recommended application.

2: Always verify oscillator performance over the VDD and temperature range that is expected for the application.

3: For oscillator design assistance, refer to the following Microchip Application Notes:

• AN826, “Crystal Oscillator Basics and Crystal Selection for rfPIC® and PIC® Devices” (DS00826)

• AN849, “Basic PIC® Oscillator Design” (DS00849)

• AN943, “Practical PIC® Oscillator Analysis and Design” (DS00943)

• AN949, “Making Your Oscillator Work (DS00949)

Looks like oscillator problems are common. So I'd start there. I know you have a prototype working, but if the right bit is not set no magic happens.

And:

FIGURE 2-6: QUARTZ CRYSTAL OPERATION (LP, XT OR HS MODE)

Note 1: A series resistor (RS) may be required for quartz crystals with low drive level.

2: The value of RF varies with the Oscillator mode selected (typically between 2MΩ to 10MΩ.

Or:

FIGURE 2-7: CERAMIC RESONATOR OPERATION (XT OR HS MODE)

Note 1: A series resistor (RS) may be required for ceramic resonators with low drive level.

2: The value of RF varies with the Oscillator mode selected (typically between 2 MΩ to 10 MΩ).

3: An additional parallel feedback resistor (RP) may be required for proper ceramic resonator operation.

Also from Making Your Oscillator Work

Question: I am trying to use a 4 MHz resonator with VDD at 3V. The data sheet allows this, but the oscillator does not work. What am I doing wrong?

Answer: You may be using the XT mode oscillator. When VDD is raised, the oscillator may start working. Select the HS mode oscillator instead. This will allow the oscillator to work at a lower voltage, but will also draw additional current. Alternatively, change the resonator to a crystal, use XT mode as before and check the loading capacitor selection. When making such a change, retest the oscillator circuit to ensure that it will perform as expected.

Not sure if this applies, but it did make me smile.

I'd also check my programming software to see if it actually is setting the config word the way you want, because I've run into system defaults on PIC's which were not what I selected. Oscillator selected but running very slowly because RC timing was the systems default. (OK I have some knowledge, just enough to make me dangerous - Good luck SSR).

Looking at the "Section 28, Electrical Specification" portion of the PIC16F1933 datasheet (http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/41364B.pdf), one can see that the PIC processor power supply current is dependent on the clock frequency.

That is, internal peripherals and the core are clocked faster with faster external clock, resulting in higher current drawn from the power pin(s).

In general, even with other oscillator options (internal HL, internal LF, crystal), higher clocking speed results in higher power dissipation.

Microchip prides itself on the XLP (Extra Low Power) Nanowatt technology, where the processor draws very little current to maximize battery life. This is achieved with a number of tricks, one of which is the reduction of oscillator frequency.

This picture shows a portion of the datasheet (Idd current draw). One can see that higher Fosc frequency results in higher current consumption.