AVR ISP Programmer

AVR ISP Programmer

This is an AVR ISP programmer controlled via a COM port. The signal level of the RS-232C line is converted to the target level, so the target device can operate across the entire VCC range. It can also be used as a communication cable for communication between the host PC and the target program (this will be explained in the following sections). This ISP adapter is sufficient for developing most AVR applications.

The top image shows an AVR ISP programmer built for the COM port. It has a switch for connecting/disconnecting the ISP adapter from the target board. This feature is useful for the debugging process, i.e., the "Load-Runner" (repeated programming/running). During the build, placing the level shifter close to the target board is better from a stability and operability perspective. I have built and used several ISP adapters and determined this form factor. This ISP adapter is controlled by AVRSP.EXE (Win32) or avrdude 5.1+.