Superpositioned: Getting started with the Atmel AVR

Getting started with the Atmel AVR

Matthew — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 13:58:00 -0700

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.

"Getting started with the Atmel AVR" by Pavan

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 10:34:23 -0700

how can i program the internal timer 1 of ATmega 8535

"Getting started with the Atmel AVR" by learner404

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 14:51:16 -0700

Atmel microcontrollers are great :) Here’s an open source project using an atmega8: http://www.liberlab.net

"Getting started with the Atmel AVR" by Matthew

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 14:30:06 -0700

No harsh feelings. I have been walking around all day saying, “Atmel, Atmel.” People are going to think I’m nuts.

"Getting started with the Atmel AVR" by Lucas

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 11:23:36 -0700

I forgot to mention: I love superpositioned and really appreciate your work! no reason to throw the towel ;)

"Getting started with the Atmel AVR" by rodbotic

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 10:30:40 -0700

also check out avrfreaks.net

for more free help and code

"Getting started with the Atmel AVR" by rodbotic

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 10:29:07 -0700

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.

"Getting started with the Atmel AVR" by Matthew

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 07:32:09 -0700

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.

"Getting started with the Atmel AVR" by Lucas

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 06:48:18 -0700

It’s ATMEL, not AMTEL ;)