AVR PROGRAMMER FOR MICROCONTROLLER

This simple AVR Programmer will allow you to painlessly transfer hex programs to most ATMEL AVR microcontrollers without sacrificing your budget and time. It is more reliable than most other simple AVR programmers available out there and can be built in very short amount of time.

AVR programmer consists of in-circuit serial programmer (dongle) and small pcb with a DIP socket where you can fit your microcontroller and have it quickly programmed.

You may also use this programmer as a stand alone in-circuit serial programmer that can be used to conveniently program AVR microcontrollers without removing them from the target circuit.

Entire AVR programmer has been build with using common parts and fits in the case of the serial connector. The socket pcb has been created to fit a 28-DIP AVR ATmega8 microcontroller, but you can build a socket pcb for any other AVR microcontroller out there. This AVR programmer is compatible with a popular PonyProg software that shows you a status bar of the programming progress.

avr programmer

AVR In-Circuit Serial Programmer

avr programmer schematic

AVR Programmer's PCB (front) with 9-PIN female RS232 serial connector.

AVR Programmer's PCB (back)

Fitting AVR Programmer's PCB in RS232 serial case.

Finished AVR Programmer with standard 6-PIN ICSP connector.

AVR Socket PCB



Socket PCB has very minimal number of components and is used for programming your desired AVR microcontroller outside of your target circuit.

Socket PCB with 28-DIP AVR ATmega8 microcontroller.

There are two connections; ICSP that connects to AVR Programmer, and external +5V supply.

Socket PCB consists of the PCB, 28-DIP socket, 4MHz crystal resonator, or crystal with two 22pF decoupling capacitors, and two header connectors. Two-PIN connector supplies +5V voltage to the AVR microcontroller, and 6-PIN ICSP connects to AVR Programmer dongle.

Supplying microcontroller with external +5V voltage as opposed to taking it directly from computer's serial connection port ensures that the chip is receiving exactly +5V voltage and provides very reliable error free programming.

Socket PCB for 28-DIP AVR ATmega8 microcontroller.

+5V voltage supply for AVR chip may be provided from external power supply or even better - directly from USB connection.