AVR Programmer

AVR Programmer

This is an AVR programmer used to program AVR microcontrollers, such as the AT90S1200, via a parallel port. The AVR programmer is very simple. IC1 buffers the signals from the parallel port to the microcontroller and vice versa. That's basically all the circuitry. Two box-type connectors (K2 and K3) have the 'standard' ISP (In-System Programming) pin arrangement for AVR controllers. Manufacturers recommend these two pin arrangements to attempt to create a standard for in-system programming of AVR microcontrollers. These connections can be found on many development boards for these controllers. The AVR programmer's software performs the actual programming tasks.

Therefore, it's necessary to have a program (ATMEL AVR ISP), which can be downloaded for free from https://www.atmel.com. Since we didn't design a PCB for this circuit, it must be fabricated on a standard prototype board. Given the small number of components involved, this shouldn't present any difficulties. We recommend that inexperienced builders first copy the circuit diagram and, after making each connection on the board, check it off on the schematic. This makes it easy to check later that all connections have been made.