Different Features and Types of the AVR Starter Kit

Do you wish to learn and study microcontrollers? Do you want to come out of the traditional digital designs and look for something microcontroller based? If that’s what you want to do, then you must have a very clear idea about these systems and devices. Here you will get a clear idea on Microcontroller operations:

Tips and Steps

Here are some basic tips which are required to get started:

• Knowledge and Ability: It is not enough to be a master “C” Programmer. However, you must have the ability to solve a program statement. This is one of the most important criteria.

• Hardware and Software: The Microcontroller System is made of a combination of software and hardware. The hardware of a microcontroller is formed by a small IC on the system. This small chip is the one which stores all the programs in it. These programs are known as the Software

Components

Here are some of the components which are required during the process:

• A Microcontroller
• A 16 chars by 2 lines
• A Sensor fir Temperature
• 5V DVC Regulator of Voltage

What does a Development Kit Include?

• SmartPROTO Board
• EasyAVR v7 Development System
• Character LCD 2x16 with blue backlight
• mikroBasic PRO for AVR compiler with USB Dongle License
• EasyConnect Board
• DS1820 Temperature Sensor
• USB Cable
• Touch Panel or Plastic Pen
• Serial Cable
• Printed Manuals

Different Types

There are different types of AVR starter kit. Here they are:

• AVR Dragon ICE with STK300 AVR Board: A very useful tool for providing training to the beginners.
• USB STK200 AVR Starter Kit: This is another starter kit which is available with USB programmer.
• AVR STK200 Starter Kit Parallel Port: One of the most popular starter kits available in the market.

So, these were some of the starter kits available for this purpose. But in order to start working with them you need to be well acquainted with the system. Also you need to buy them from the reputed stores only to enjoy the benefits.

Features and Applications of AVR Dragon

For developing low cost tools for 32-bit and 8-bit Avr devices, the AVR Dragon has set more improved standards for low cost development with OCD (On Chip Debug) capability. It is capable of performing symbolic debug on different devices with JTAG, SPI, PDI, high voltage serial programming Wire Models, Parallel Programming. It also supports debugging on PDI, SPI and JTAG interfaces. 

 

Key Features

Here are some of its features:

• On-board 128kB SRAM for fast statement-level stepping
• Supports up to 3 hardware program breakpoints or 1 maskable data breakpoint
• Robust level converters support 1.8V to 5.5V target operation
• Supports up to 32 software breakpoints
• Uploads 256Kb code in ~60 seconds using JTAG interface
• Firmware upgradeable for supporting future AVR devices
• Full-speed USB 2.0 compliant host interface
• It is powered by USB and can act as a source of power to other external targets

Devices for AVR Dragon

Here are some of the devices for the AVR Dragon:

• ATxmega64A1U: 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A1U Microcontroller, 64KB Flash, 100-pin, USB Full-speed Device
• ATxmega64A3U : 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3U Microcontroller, 64KB Flash, 64-pin, USB Full-speed Device
• ATxmega128A1U: 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A1U Microcontroller, 128KB Flash, 100-pin, USB Full-speed Device
• ATxmega256A3BU: 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3BU Microcontroller, 256KB Flash, 64-pin, USB Full-speed Device
• ATxmega192A3U: 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3U Microcontroller, 192KB Flash, 64-pin, USB Full-speed Device
• ATxmega128A3: 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3 Microcontroller, 128KB Flash, 64-pin
• ATxmega128A4U: 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A4 Microcontroller, 128KB Flash, 44-pin, USB Full-speed Device

AVR Dragon Applications

• In Automotive Industry: Networking, Microcontrollers, Motor Control Systems, Car Access

• Building Automation: Security & Fire, Comfort and Control, Telecare

• Home Appliances: Motor Control, Cooking, Washing, Refrigeration

There are clones available for AVR Dragon, which are known as AVR Dragon Clone. These clones are not as effective as the AVR Dragon itself.  But if you buy these tools from the experts dealing in these, you will certainly be able to get the best deal and the most effective ones.

AVR Dragon – Its Features and Usage

When it comes to setting standards for developing low cost tools for 32-bit and 8-bit AVR devices with OCD or On Chip Debug capability, the AVR Dragon has played an instrumental role. It is capable of performing a debugger, which is symbolic in nature on all the OCD devices with JTAG, selected PDI devices, a Wire mode, parallel programming, high voltage serial programming, OCD and helps in supporting debugging by using JTAG, PDI and SPI interfaces. The designers are allowed to add sockets, build personalized circuitry which would fit best in the footprint of the device.  The debugger, with the help of the memory of the target device supports NanoTrace; it depends on the OCD Module. 

Main Features

Here are some of the key features of AVR Dragon:

• 1 maskable data breakpoint or 3 hardware program breakpoints are supported by it
• However, it depends on the OCD module
• Software breakpoints up to 32 is supported
• For fast statement-level stepping it comes with an integrated 128kB SRAM
• A target operation from 1.8v to 5.5v is being supported by the converters
• It is capable of uploading 256Kb is half a minute by using a JTAG interface

Full-speed USB 2.0 compliant host interface 

• The firmware can be upgraded to support the AVR devices in the future
• Nano Trace is supported
• It is being powered by USB and can also supply power to any external device

Common Types of AVR Dagon Devices

Here are some of the AVR Dragon devices. Check them out:

• ATxmega64A1U: Full-speed USB 2.0 compliant host interface 
• ATxmega128A1U: 128KB Flash, USB Full-speed Device, 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A1U Microcontroller 100-pin
• ATxmega64A3U:  64KB Flash, USB Full-speed Device,  64-pin, 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3U Microcontroller
• ATxmega128A3U: USB Full-speed Device, 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3U Microcontroller, 64-pin, 128KB Flash
• ATxmega192A3U: USB Full-speed Device, 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3U Microcontroller, 64-pin, 192KB Flash
• ATxmega256A3U: USB Full-speed Device, 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3U Microcontroller, 64-pin, 256KB Flash
• ATxmega256A3BU:USB Full-speed Device, 8/16-bit AVR XMEGA A3U Microcontroller, 64-pin, 256KB Flash

Dragon AVR Related Applications

• Building Automation: In this domain it is related to Telecare, Security and Fire, Control and Comfort.
• Automotive: In this area, it includes Microcontrollers, Networking, Motor Control Systems, Car Access
• Home Appliances: Washing, Refrigeration, Cooking, Motor Control are included in this domain

AVR Dragon and Boards have become indispensable when it comes to the devices which are being used on a daily basis. Their usage seems to be increasing. As such you need to get hold of the finest devices from the reliable manufacturers and sellers in UK.

All about ZigBee and its Wireless Products

The ZigBee Wireless products offer low power solutions which enable the devices to continue functioning for a longer period of time using relatively inexpensive batteries. The ZigBee standards have played a very vital role when it comes to automating and connecting an array of different types of devices which are used on a daily basis. Control and security devices, HVAC, home lighting, and other which are used in residential and commercial properties.

• What is ZigBee?

ZigBee is nothing but a wireless protocol technology, which is based on global standards. It is an open standard.  It is designed with the view to address the requirements in the field sensor network application, remote control and monitoring. With the help of ZigBee wireless standards, it is possible to deploy wireless mesh on a broader scale at a very low and reasonable rate.

ZigBee Alliance – What is it?

The ZigBee Alliance is a huge concept. It is a scenario where more than 400 companies from all over the world are developing wireless solutions which can be used for home security, home automation, and smart metering in industrial applications, commercial buildings and residential complexes. The companies which are a part of the ZigBee Alliance are working together in order produce cost-effective, reliable, wirelessly networked, low-power, control and monitoring products which are being built on a global standard. The ZigBee Wireless devices have proved to be instrumental in providing reliable and authentic wireless solutions.

• ZigBee Alliance – Its Focus

The followings are the areas of focus for the ZigBee Alliance:

• Defining the security, network, software layers and application.

• Providing conformance and interoperability testing specifications.

• Creating market awareness by promoting the brand of ZigBee on a global platform.

• To manage and control the technological evolution.

Benefits of the ZigBee Protocol

There are a couple of benefits which the ZigBee Protocol has to offer. The main benefits include vendor accessibility and the interdependence of markets which are broader in terms of scope. The networking layers and the physical radio have been designed as per industry standards which help in more innovative approach towards new ZigBee Wireless device development.

In the ZigBee protocol specification, there is a set of expanded features which is known as ZigBee PRO. It is known as ZigBee PRO Feature Set. It helps to maximize the capabilities of ZigBee specifications. It also comes handy when it comes to facilitating support over large networks and ease of use.

The ZigBee Wireless devices have made a mark in the field of networking and gradually they are turning out to be indispensable in this domain. To get quality devices you can easily approach the professional manufacturers and equipment providers.

The Way How Bluetooth Works!

Everyone knows what Bluetooth serial is and what are its functions and uses. But if you think about how this wireless technology has won over hearts of billions of people, you would be curious to know the mechanism behind it. What makes the wireless technology to connect to several mediums without any cables?

A physical layer also known as the RF transceiver usually works at 2.4 gigahertz in the unrestricted ISM band. A frequency springing transceiver getting services from the core system helps in battling fading and interference.

The Master Device and Its Slaves

When many devices are grouped together and are synchronized, then they form a piconet. You might start wondering, what is a piconet? Well, when the channel is grouped together with many other devices, all of them start operating together in the frequency springing pattern and the master device stays in charge of the synchronization.

For example, a cell phone is the master device and every other device of the piconet like the MP3 player, headset, car stereo, etc. are its slaves. So, every single device has its own frequency springing pattern usually controlled by the master device algorithmically.

How the Transmission Takes Place?

The channel or the wireless link is further divided into slots. Each slot has its own packets. So when data is being transferred, it is done through packets. During the transmission and reception process, all the frequency springing takes place. The packet that made just one transmission can now be sent over various frequencies inside the ISM band.

The channel can support transport of various analytical links that have their own function to perform. While a link supporting synchronous traffic is responsible for handling audio data, the asynchronous traffic can perform other functions of delivering a file or several others.

The Relation between the Inquiring and the Scanning Device

One major reason how the Bluetooth works is due to the ‘inquiry’ and ‘inquiry scan.  Every scanning device responds to the frequency of the device that is inquiring. Each time a scanning device receives the inquiry, it immediately sends the information to the inquiring device to match the nature that has accepted the signal.

For example, if you want to link your cell phone to a printer to get a picture printed, the cell phone starts looking for nearby devices. When the scanning device that is the printer gets the inquiry and responds, the availability of this option pops up on the cell phone screen. Choosing the option to connect, the process begins.

With your hands free for talking, connecting devices and listening to music on wireless earphones, you don’t notice the complications that occur during this whole process. But Bluetooth technology has indeed become successful with time!

Why Should You Choose The Best AVR ISP Programmer?

ISP programmer or In System Programmable microcontrollers are the best choice for those operations that do not require you to use a socket programmer. However if you don’t own then you must look forward to acquire the best one. However you need to consider a few features to choose the best one that can meet all your demands. The AVR ISP programmer is highly useful in both production area and in development sector and is open to be used in various versions based the firm’s usage pattern and can even hike the level of production. 

Field upgrades

One of the major advantages of the pic programmer is that it lets you to think about the options like field upgrades. This would help you to fall from the trap of products that cannot be upgraded. This is mainly because the ICSP of this device is electronically designed and includes the format of ICSP connector. However it is important for you to know the format of the connector to gain an insight about the same. The development boards of the microchips generally use the RJ11 connector as a default function and this is rather a bad choice for production purposes. 

How to choose?

Even if you take the pains to spot the connector of the device it would have a big footprint. Hence it is important for you to choose the PIC programmers that arrive with flying leads with 6 ways and have a standard 6X1 connection. This helps it to connect the fly leads of the programmer easily or replace the shroud easily as it already has well defined pin order. 

As the AVR ISP Programmer is low in cost and is easy to use, it can be used in startups and small scale units of production.

Why Should You Use Handheld Programmer For Production?

Generally standard programmers such as AVRISP MKII, PIC kit 2 and IDC 3 that are apt for development are apparently very weak while you try to expand your production, develop your product or update any firmware that you utilize for production process. This can be a grave situation as your production team might have to put up with the software that is complex to use like the AVR Studio or MPLAB or use a GUI standard programmer.

 

Easy to use

Such a situation might even demand you to offer extensive training for your staff while being open to various other issues which would need your supervisor to intervene and sort out those issues. However if you wish to stay away from such bothering issues which can even interfere with your production process then the best way is to use a handheld programmer. This device is bestowed with the right code and features data EEPROM, program settings, configuration bytes etc. Once it is loaded, your staff just needs to plus in and hit the big button for the LED light in green to blink. Some versions of this programmer can also store 8 programs which can e chosen easily with a simple switch of rotary type. 

Why is it useful?

If you have an offsite production area then this programmer is an effective choice. You just have to load it and send it to the factory at another location as it is free from all hassles and issues. The hand held universal programmer is ideal for production engineer as it has a simple operation and is updated based on the area of its operation. This device can simplify the process as it enables you to pass it to agents and distributors or to the site engineer as it helps them to stay abreast of all production activities.