Getting started with the Atmel AVR
There are two major microcontrollers in the hobby domain, the popular PIC and Atmel’s AVR line. PICs are tried and true in both commercial and hobby implementations, but the Atmel AVR offers affordable programming solutions, a free development environment, a free assembler and a stable gcc toolkit that work across the entire AVR line.
Affordable Programmers
The AVR is well known for how simple it is to program. To start, you only need a few resistors and a parallel port. This will burn your code onto the microchip, but if you plan on pursuing larger projects you will need a more complex programmer with ISP support. This will enable the extra features and debugging support.
- The ultra low-cost AVR programmer uses an LPT port and a few resistors, but requires special software.
- A simple serial programmer for Linux uses several resistors and two LEDs. Programming is done with uisp.
- More complex schematics for ISP programmers that can be programmed via AVR Studio or AVR-Dude.
- A usb programmer that supports ISP.
A free development environment
AVR Studio is available directly from Atmel at no cost. It has an integrated simulator and programming software. However, there is only an assembler available. You will have to purchase more software for high level languages.
The gcc-toolkit
If you want to use C/C++, then the gcc-toolkit is available for the AVR, free. WinAVR comes loaded with a gcc, binutils, the avrdude programmer, simulavr, and more. On Linux, you will need to download the packages for your specific distribution or compile your own cross-compiler.
A great community
AVR Freaks is a site dedicated to the AVR line of microcontrollers. There is a large archive of tutorials and a very helpful forum.
No harsh feelings. I have been walking around all day saying, “Atmel, Atmel.” People are going to think I’m nuts.
It’s ATMEL, not AMTEL
That’s what I get for pushing things out the door! Honestly, calling the company Amtel is a serial habit of mine. It started years ago and I have never been able to shake it.
winAVR is a free C compiler for the avr atmels.
AVRLIB is a great free example C. to do just about everything on the atmel.
I forgot to mention: I love superpositioned and really appreciate your work! no reason to throw the towel
Atmel microcontrollers are great
Here’s an open source project using an atmega8:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/liberlab/
how can i program the internal timer 1 of ATmega 8535
Warning: Could you please delete the above URL I gave in the comment a long time ago (this domain is now squatted by an “adult” site).
The correct address is now:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/liberlab/
Thanks for your comprehension.
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