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.
https://www.kanda.com/products/Kanda/AVRISP-MKII.html
Kanda AVR ISP and AVRUPDI Programmers
Kanda programmers are designed for small scale production and development. They have their own programming software that is fast, comprehensive and easy to use.
AVRISP-U is low cost but only supports AVR ISP programming and AVRUPDI is more expensive but supports AVR ISP, JTAG, TPI and UPDI interfaces.
Kanda AVRISP-U programmerKanda AVRUPDI programmer
Standalone Field and Production Programmers
Kanda produce a range of standalone AVR Programmers to suit every budget. They are tough, robust and reliable. Above all they are really easy to use, with just a single button press.
If you want to simplify your production or field updates or send programmers to distributors or third party manufacturers, then standalone programmers are the best solution.
Kanda Standalone AVR Programmer
The Kanda Standalone AVR programmer is the most popular. It is battery powered, can power target while being simple to use. Load it from the PC then it is ready to go.
Kanda Standalone AVR Programmer
Kanda Keyfob AVR Programmer
Also loaded from PC and completely portable with 1 button press. Keyfob is powered from target and has less protection from faulty targets but is low cost and is available in bulk packs for real savings.
AVR Standalone Keyfob Programmers
Summary
If you need complete flexibilty and debug capability, then Microchip AVR ICE or AVRISP-MKII are the solution. If reliability and production features are more important, then AVRISP-U or AVRUPDI programmers are the best solution.
If you need easy of use for unskilled operatives or distributors, then Kanda PIC standalone programmers are the answer.