How to Choose an AVR Programmer

Choosing thecorrect AVR programmer depends on the requirements of your project, budget and your experience level. There are a number of factors to consider when making your decision.

Why Choose a Particular AVR Programmer?

• Users: Are the users experienced or do they need the simplest solution possible?
• Compatibility: Make sure the programmer is compatible with the AVR microcontrollers you plan to use. Check the supported AVR families and specific model numbers.
• Interface: Choose a programmer with an interface that suits your workspace and workflow. USB is the most common option nowadays, but there are also RS-232, parallel, and Ethernet-based programmers available or choose a standalone programmer for use without PC.
• Programming speed: Programming speed can be important for production or projects that require frequent updates or large code segments. Faster programmers can save you time and improve efficiency.
• Features: Some programmers offer additional features like debugging capabilities, in-system programming (ISP), or serial numbers. Consider these features if they are important for your application.
• Price: AVR programmers range in price from affordable entry-level models to more expensive professional tools. Set a budget and choose a programmer that meets your needs without exceeding your financial limits.
• Robustness: Can the programmer cope with faulty boards in production, being dropped or otherwise manhandled?
• Reliability: Are you just programming the odd circuit or is it a disaster if your line stops because programmer has broken or you have just travelled 200 miles and the programmer fails?

Different AVR Programmer Types

For simplicity, AVR programmers can be divided in three types

• Microchip Programmers and Debuggers. Examples include AVRISP-MKII and AVR ICE
• Professional ISP Programmers, such as Kanda AVRISP and AVRUPDI
• Standalone Field and Production Programmers. Kanda standalone programmers include keyfobs, single units and 8 and 32-way versions

Microchip (Atmel) Programmers and Debuggers

These are widely available and some function as both programmers and debuggers and are mostly used for development rather than production programming. If you just need to program a few AVR microcontrollers they are prefect but need to run from Microchip or Atmel Studio, which is not the best production software.

The simplest is AVRISP-MKII. This is a simple programmer that runs from Microchip Studio. It supports ATmega and ATtiny families, ISP, PDI and TPI interfaces, ATxmega Family (PDI) and ATtiny with TDI programming interface. It does not support latest AVR UPDI microcontrollers.

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