PIC Write-Protect Behavior

microchippicprogramming

When I write protect a PIC using the config bits, does it prevent all future programming or can I still reprogram the part if I erase it first? I assume this behavior should be standard across all their products, but if it matters I'm using a PIC18 series micro. The datasheet only tells me what I can set, not the actual effect of setting the config bits.

Sample Config Register

Can anyone refer me to a datasheet/errata that speaks to the effect of setting the config bit?

Best Answer

This is clearly answered in the datasheet. The protection bits can be cleared, but only by a bulk erase. So yes, you can reprogram the part, but you can never read out code-protected data. It may be possible to read write-protected data (that is not code-protected), but in either case all the protection bits are cleared by a bulk erase. After a bulk erase, the chip is back to factory-fresh state.