Just setup a new PC and installed MPLAB X 6.00. When I select the device as PIC16F1828 I can also select the PICKIT3 as the Hardware Tool. But when I select the 16F15256 the PICKIT3 is grayed out in the list. I installed V6.00 because I read that V6.10 may have a bug that disallows using the PICKIT3.

 

Try 6.15 PICKIT3 support was reinstalled with that version for older chips. It might also work on 6.20 but I've not checked that version. Some of the newer chips are only supported with PICKIT4 and above.
Looks like you're out of luck with pickit3 support for the 16F15256.

 

Try 6.15 PICKIT3 support was reinstalled with that version for older chips. It might also work on 6.20 but I've not checked that version. Some of the newer chips are only supported with PICKIT4 and above.
Looks like you're out of luck with pickit3 support for the 16F15256.

Are you saying that the 16F15256 is NOT supported with the PICKIT3 or that it is just V6.00?

 

Just installed MPLAB X V6.20 and PICKit3 is still not available for 16F15256.

 

Just installed MPLAB X V6.20 and PICKit3 is still not available for 16F15256.

Does the PICKit3 still work for the PIC16F1828? Time to upgrade to a PICKIT5.

 

Does the PICKit3 still work for the PIC16F1828? Time to upgrade to a PICKIT5.

Yes, it works with the 16F1828. I thought all 16F's work with the PICKit3.
Also tried MPLAB X V6.00, V6.15, V6.20. 15256 didn't work with any of them. 1828 works with all of them.
Is the 15256 an new or older part?

 

Yes, it works with the 16F1828. I thought all 16F's work with the PICKit3.
Also tried MPLAB X V6.00, V6.15, V6.20. 15256 didn't work with any of them. 1828 works with all of them.
Is the 15256 an new or older part?

Newer part. The preliminary datasheet is dated 2021.

Chip support list matrix:
https://packs.download.microchip.com/DeviceDoc/Device_Support.pdf

 

Thanks for the matrix. Unfortunately the 15256 is not supported by the PICKit3.
I wonder is the PG164100 supports the 15256? It's not listed in the matrix.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/microchip-technology/PG164100/9562532

 

Thanks for the matrix. Unfortunately the 15256 is not supported by the PICKit3.
I wonder is the PG164100 supports the 15256? It's not listed in the matrix.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/microchip-technology/PG164100/9562532

PG164100 should be listed as SNAP

From the last page of the device matrix:
The D and P at the end of the tool name represent the Debugging and Programming functions of the tool.
ICD5: ICD 5 In-Circuit Debugger PICKit5: PICkit 5 In-Circuit Debugger ICE4: ICE 4 In-Circuit Emulator, Programmer and Debugger ICD4: ICD 4 In-Circuit Debugger PICKit4: PICkit 4 In-Circuit Debugger SNAP: SNAP In-Circuit Debugger EDBG: Atmel Embedded Debugger mEDBG: Mini Embedded Debugger nEDBG: Nano Embedded Debugger RealIce: MPLAB Real Ice In-Circuit Emulator AT-ICE: ATMEL-ICE AT-ICEPD: Power Debugger Sim: Simulator PICKit3: : PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger ICD3D: ICD 3 In-Circuit Debugger PM3: PM3 Universal Device Programmer

The list should be easily accessible from within MPLAB X instead of just being embedded in program functionality.