If you are looking for programming starter kits for a wide series of microcontrollers, we can assist you. We have products for PIC, ST7, and AVR models, as well as several others. In addition, we have many accessories you can use with them. Everything we stock is high quality and can be yours for very fair prices.

At Kanda we are very happy to stock one of the broadest selections of programmers and debuggers in the world. We have products from all kinds of high profile manufacturers. This includes the latest Atmel ICE, the successor to the immensely popular AVR Dragon. So, if you are looking for quality products and a reliable service, we are the team for you.

Some of the numerous useful devices we sell here at Kanda are our ISP programmers. This stands for In System Programming. It enables users to program devices within a final circuit instead of with a separate socket programmer. It is an advantageous process and one you should consider looking at. Continue reading “ISP and IAP programming are two different processes” »

Initially Bluetooth was only meant to allow devices within close proximity to send and receive data. In fact, the earliest versions would struggle to reach as much as 100m in the open. Usually the operating range indoors would be closer to 10m. However, there are now newer versions like BLE and Smart that can reach up 1,000m. It is possible to extend this even more though. At Kanda we have a great range of this equipment, including top of the line long range Bluetooth products. Continue reading “What affects Bluetooth range?” »

The development in technology in the last few decades has been incredible. We are now in a period where the growth is exponential and it continues at a great pace. Electronics is one of the biggest growing areas. One of the most interesting parts of it is the use of microcontrollers. These incredible tiny computers are now in all kinds of goods. At Kanda we support people in using them by offering high quality handheld programmers and more. Continue reading “Save on training costs with handheld programmers” »

Kanda is a leading establishment known for manufacturing and supplying various high quality programming items for great prices. This includes programmers, PC interfaces, chips, and more. For instance, we can supply you with a PIC microcontroller debugger/programmer. We have items for a wide array of projects, so rely on us. Continue reading “New PIC microcontroller debugger/programmer and PICKit 4” »

At Kanda we appreciate that our customers want access to the very best programming equipment, whether it is a universal programmer or chip set. We strive to provide it, offering products from the best brands as well as our own ranges. As a result we are confident we can cater for any needs. In addition, we ensure great value for money and have lots of other great resources. Continue reading “Which Xeltek universal programmer is right for you?” »

Our team supplies high end programming equipment to clients all around the world. We even have Microchip snap products in our collection. For years, we have been expanding our service to serve as many countries as we can. No matter the location, we strive to offer a service each client can trust. In addition, we have made the effort to ensure that there are solutions to match every budget. Continue reading “Everything the MPLAB Snap has to offer” »

We are a company that has a reputation for distributing first rate programming products. This includes top of the range Quick USB modules. We have had the pleasure to serve customers in nearly every country. No matter what it is you are after however, we have something for every budget. Continue reading “USB charging has improved from what it once was” »

Kanda is a company specialising in the distribution of high end programming equipment. This includes the new Atmel ICE. It is a potent development tool created for programming as well as debugging. You use it with Atmel AVR and ARM Cortex-M based Atmel SAM microcontrollers.

What is the Atmel ICE capable of?

It supports on-chip debugging and programming of each Atmel AVR 32-bit microcontroller. This is on aWire and JTAG interfaces. It is the same for every Atmel AVR XMEGA family device. This is on PDI2-wire and JTAG interfaces. However, it is capable of much more than that.

There are many out there who wonder how the ICE compares to the Atmel AVR Dragon, the model it replaced. For those who don’t know, the latter is a development tool. It set a new standard for low-cost measures and became a market leader. It is capable of supporting every programming mode for the Atmel AVR device families. Additionally, it has complete debugging support for the majority of AVR contraptions. However, a lot of people are now considering whether they should make the move to ICE.

Linking to target boards

Now that we know more about the pair, let’s compare how they link to target boards. The ICE comes with a pair of 50 mil 10-pin JTAG connectors. You electrically connect both connectors directly. However, the two adhere to two separate pinouts. These are the ARM Cortex and AVR JTAG headers. You should choose based on the target board’s pinout as opposed to the target MCU type.

With the AVR Dragon, you will require six wires at minimum to link it to the target board. The signals are GND, TCK, VTref, TDO, TMS, and TDI. The nSRST is the optional line. You don’t use the nTRST signal, instead you reserve it for compatibility with separate equipment. With nSRST, you utilise it to monitor and regulate the target reset line. This is not mandatory for proper debugging though. Yet, the application code can set the JTD bit inside the MCUCSR. If it does, the JTAG interface shall disable. If the Dragon has to reprogram the target AVR, it must have control of the Reset Pin.

The Dragon’s issues

The AVR Dragon may seem like a good option, but there are some issues you must be aware of. One relates to JTAG communication possessing packages in PDIP that have the CKOUT fuse turned on and operating over 3.5V. This could be unfitting if there is long wiring going to PDIP AVR from the Dragon.

Furthermore, High Voltage Serial and Parallel Programming may not work. This is if you have set the startup time to 0ms. This issue only worsens if you don’t set the CKDIV8 fuse. Not to mention, XMEGA PDI mode on the dragon won’t function for certain XMEGA contraptions. They include A3/D3 revisions B, C, and E.

Order Atmel ICE or AVR Dragon from us

At Kanda, we work hard to supply our customers with the perfect products. Our inventory is extensive so we can cater for various needs. There is also a custom design and modification service for those who require it.

Contact us if you require any assistance. We can help you to choose the right device, especially if you are considering the differences between Atmel ICE and AVR Dragon. With our advice you can get the right product for your project.