Tests with FT232-chips have been successfull and my pcb copper etching machine is now ready for production, so here is a complete revision of the ICD. The description is a little bit preliminary, you must apologize that I didn't have had much time for this at the moment. So please see the guestbook/forum, too!

I used SMD parts, thus PCB size is nothing more than 5cm x 5cm. The design features an USB interface (FTDI FT232BM) and is completely USB bus powered. Vpp is obtained by an easy-to-use monolitic 5V to 15V DC-DC-converter (in Germany: e.g. at Reichelt, 8EUR). The circuitry of the TARGET_PGM signal has been simplified. It is now generated by an OpAmp and a poti (you can adjust Vpp to your needs), no need for lots of discrete transistors confusing all the people (especially when using replacements) any more. The PCB is single sided (so you can etch it easily at home, too...), but you can use a second copper side as ground plane. SMD resistors and capacitors type 1206 are used. You will have to add 3 signal wire connections (yellow in photo above) and 3 ground connections by wires (white wires) or connection to the gnd plane to the PCB layout - see air wire lines at layout pictures below (dark yellow). The FT232BM appears as a virtual COM-port when installed, so don't select USB but the FT232's COMx-Port in MPLAB!

The picture above shows the new ICD getting firmware flashed by the old style ICD. I think the main advantage is that you don't need a heavy external power supply any more. Perhaps it might be speeded up as PL mentioned in the forum, too. Here are the schematics and the PCB. But be aware of a design fault concerning the pinning of the USB connector and the test pin of the FT232(tie this pin to ground!!)!!! In both cases, see the FTDI datasheet!!! I will try to correct this as soon as possible.

See the guestbook/forum!