Virtual Protocol Lab

Experimental

Interactive simulator for hardware programming protocols. Explore how PICKit (ICSP), CH341A (SPI), and JTAG debuggers communicate at the signal level.

How to Use

Signals Panel

GREEN = HIGH (1)
GRAY = LOW (0)
Click signal to inspect details

Controls

Demo Run animated sequence
Learn Start tutorial mode
Play/Step Control simulation

Bridge Mode

Click Bridge tab
Select cross-protocol scenario
See how protocols work together

Tutorial Mode

Click Learn button
Step-by-step protocol guide
Challenge mode tests knowledge

Timing View

Real-time signal waveforms
Top = HIGH, bottom = LOW
Click signal name to select

Protocol Tabs

SPI - CH341A flash programming
ICSP - PICKit programming
JTAG - Debug interface

Try This: SPI Transaction

Double-click CS wire to pull it LOW (select chip)
Press Play to start the clock
Double-click MOSI to send data bits
Watch the timing diagram update in real-time
Double-click CS again to end transaction

Virtual Protocol Lab

EXPERIMENTAL

Protocol Lab

Timing Diagram

Tick: 0

T:0

SPI Protocol

Available

Serial Peripheral Interface - Full-duplex synchronous serial communication used by CH341A to program flash chips like W25Q64.

ICSP Protocol

Available

In-Circuit Serial Programming - Microchip's protocol for programming PIC microcontrollers via PICKit programmers.

JTAG Protocol

Available

Joint Test Action Group (IEEE 1149.1) - Industry-standard interface for testing and debugging integrated circuits.

This is an educational tool. Signal timing and behavior are simplified for learning purposes.