What is it?

This programmer is an AVR/Atmega/ATtiny Chip Copier Standalone Programmer for programming AVR/Attiny/Atmega Devices that use the UPDI interface for programming. Similar to my other programmer here, except this one reads your chip without using a computer to transfer the hex files. The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier will program the Attiny0 series, Attiny1 series and the Attiny2 series MCU's. It also supports the AVRDA and AVRDB devices as well as the Atmega0 series MCU's all without using a computer. Just remove jumper J1 to put the UPDI Standalone Chip Copier in read mode and connect to your AVR UPDI circuit. The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier will read your device and save the data in its memory. The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier then operates as a standalone programmer. To program simply install jumper J1 and connect to your UPDI circuit. Now the programmer is in write mode and will write the memory contents previously read. It just can't be any easier.

The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier will copy any AVR in the device list below. If the lock bits have been programmed, the UPDI Standalone Chip Copier will not be able to read the contents. Please don't ask!

To find out if this programmer supports the MCU you are using, please see the device list below. Untested Devices: Due to the chip shortages we are all facing these days, I am unable to purchase these MCU's at this time. Normally I do not release a programmer without physically testing every single MCU that it supports. However, the programmer is expected to work for the untested MCU's.

This programmer is great for mass production programming or for updating devices for customers. If you need to program multiple devices with the same code, the UPDI Standalone Chip Copier really simplifies the operation! It Programs and Verifies Flash, Eeprom, Fuses, User Row and Lock Bits. Each operation can be enabled or disabled in the configuration.

The UPDI Chip Copier is most convenient for programming the bootloader in brand new chips. Just copy the flash and fuses in a device with the bootloader installed. Now you can just leave the bootloader code stored in the programmer for multiple uses. The bootloader programs a new chip in just a few seconds!

The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier operates through the one wire UPDI interface on your MCU. A three wire connection is required. (VCC, GND, UPDI). A cable is included with the programmer.

Why did you make it?

One word. Simplicity. There is a growing need for an affordable standalone programmer that supports the UPDI protocol. There is no need to install a HUGE program on your computer just to program your MCU. The UPDI programmer is fast and reliable and most of all it's not a very slow, memory consuming, complicated program running on your PC!

What makes it special?

You do need a computer to set it up initially, or whenever you want to change the configuration. You can enable or disable the functions through the terminal. (i.e. you can enable or disable programming the eeprom, user row, lock bits or even the flash). The erase operation can also be skipped if you are just updating the eeprom, so you do not have to reprogram the flash. This programmer is perfect for installing a bootloader in virgin mcu's. The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier is configured to work best with TeraTerm (a simple terminal program). Once set up, The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier runs from a USB power supply or USB port and can supply power to your target (3V or 5V only) or the target can run on its own power (1.8V to 5V). The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier will not run from target power, you must power the programmer from a USB (5V) power supply. The data (Flash, Eeprom, User Row and Fuse bits) are stored in the programmers memory until they are changed.

The UPDI Standalone Chip Copier can also be password protected for preventing unauthorized usage. If you are purchasing this item, please check your email messages on Tindie for instructions.

Device List For the UPDI AVR Standalone Chip Copier/ Mass Production Programmer

Devices in Bold are untested. They are expected to work with this programmer.