Equinox Systems Micro-ISP IV Series User manual

Serial Programming Systems
for the Atmel 89S, AT90S (AVR) &
ATmega microcontroller families
USER
GUIDE
(Version 2.03)
FIRMWARE
UPGRADABLE
This datasheet has been downloaded fromhttp://www.digchip.com at this page

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
i
Copyright Information
© 1998 Copyright Equinox Technologies UK Limited. All rights reserved.
AtmelTM and AVRTM are trademarks of the Atmel Corporation
Microsoft, MS-DOS, WindowsTM and Windows 95TM Windows NT™ are registered
trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation
IBM, PC and PS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation
Every effort was made to ensure accuracy in this manual and to give appropriate credit to
persons, companies and trademarks referenced herein.
or copied only in accordance with the terms of
the agreement.
It is against the law to copy the software on any
medium except as specifically allowed in the
license or non-disclosure agreement.
The purchaser may make one copy of the
software for backup purposes. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or
information retrieval systems, for any purpose
other than for the purchaser’s personal use,
without written permission.
Equinox guarantees that its products will be
free from defects of material and
workmanship under normal use and service,
and these products will perform to current
specifications in accordance with, and subject
to, the Company’s standard warranty which is
detailed in Equinox’s Purchase Order
Acknowledgment.
Equinox reserves the right to change
specifications detailed in this document
without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of the manufacturer.
The software described in this document is
furnished under license agreement or
non-disclosure agreement and may be used
Disclaimer
Please note about diagrams contained
within this document:
Whilst suggested circuits are offered in
good faith, Equinox will not be liable in
any way for any problems which might
arise out of their use.

The Micro-ISP Programmer is a CE Approved Product. It is designed only for use in a
development environment only. This means that the user must ensure that there is no
possibility of damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Since the devices and equipment to
which this product is likely to be connected may well themselves be susceptible to ESD, this
should not pose any difficulty.
For example, if you are handling microcontrollers and EEPROMS etc. then you will already be
used to appropriate precautions, such as the use of anti-static mats, wrist straps and so on.
You should treat your Micro-ISP with the same care as you would these type of device.
Always ensure that you are not yourself carrying a static charge before handling the product.
Wearing an earthed anti-static wrist strap is recommended.
Equinox have taken great care in designing this product to be compliant with the European
EMC directive. When using the equipment be sure to follow the instructions provided.
Although RF emissions are within prescribed limits, care should be taken if you are using the
product near to sensitive apparatus. If you experience any difficulty please refer to Equinox
technical support.
ESD Points to remember
●Work in a static-free environment.
●Wear an earthed wrist strap when handling either the programmer
and/or any programmable device.
ii
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Compliance
Please Note:
This equipment is designed for use in a ‘Development Environment’ only and is
NOT guaranteed to operate correctly in a ‘Production Environment’.
Use of this product in a ‘Production Environment’ will invalidate your warranty.

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
iii
It is often the case that users experience problems when installing or using a product for the first time.
Due to the low-cost nature of this product, Equinox are unable to answer technical support questions
about this product or its use by telephone.
If you have a technical support problem, please consult the following list for help:
1This manual
2 Troubleshooting Guide (see page 28)
3On-line help
Press <F1> for help at any time.
The help system is context-sensitive. Simply press <F1> on any error message and the possible
causes of the error should be listed. This help system is updated on a regular basis. Please see
software update details for information on keeping up-to-date with software revisions.
4 Internet Web Site
Equinox have setup an AVR™ microcontroller support page on our web site. This page is designed
to provide up-to date information on all issues concerning both AVR™ microcontrollers and support
tools.
The microcontroller support page can be found at: www.equinox-tech.com/avr
5 E-mail
Please e-mail any technical support questions about this product to: micr[email protected]
Equinox will try our best to answer your questions about this product as quickly as possible.
However, we can not promise an immediate reply. Please consult our web site for new software
updates as the problem that you are enquiring about may have already been fixed in a new version.
6 Fax
Please fax any technical support questions about this product to: [phone]
Equinox will try our best to answer your questions about this product as quickly as possible.
However, we can not promise an immediate reply. Please consult our web site for new software
updates as the problem that you are enquiring about may have already been fixed in a new version.
Technical Support

iv
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
Contacts
Equinox Technologies UK Limited
3 Atlas House, St Georges Square, Bolton, England BL1 2HB
Telephone Sales ....................... : [phone]
Fax ........................................... : [phone]
E-mail ...................................... : [email protected]
Web site .................................. : www.equinox-tech.com
For technical support on this product please e-mail us at:
[email protected]
In line with our policy of continuous improvement, the ‘Meridian for Windows™’ software is
updated on a regular basis. The firmware of the actual programmer is also periodically
updated. If you would like to receive an automatic e-mail every time a new version is
released, please make sure you have registered your system with Equinox and you have
quoted your e-mail address. You may cancel this service at any time.
The Meridian software updates can currently be downloaded from the following
places:
Internet : www.equinox-tech.com
Select <software> this will take you to the software download page
Software Updates

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
v
About AVR Microcontrollers
Atmel manufacture a complete family of AVR and 89S microcontrollers each with
differing FLASH, EEPROM, SRAM and number of I/O pins. Data sheets for these
devices can be viewed and printed using the Acrobat pdf reader software supplied
on the Atmel CD-ROM. As data sheets are often updated on a regular basis, it is
recommended that you consult the Atmel web site for the latest information.
A few sources of further information about Atmel AVR microcontrollers are listed
below:
Atmel web site : www.atmel.com
Equinox web site : www.equinox-tech.com/avr
If you have any silicon related technical support question about AVR and 89S
microcontrollers which can not be answered by looking at the Atmel/Equinox web
sites, please e-mail:
AVR - [email protected]
89S - [email protected]
with a detailed description of the problem.
Important - Please note
Equinox Technologies are unable to answer direct technical support questions
concerning AVR microcontrollers. Please contact your local Atmel distributor or sales
office if you require any further information.

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
Contents
Introduction.........................................................................1
Device Support....................................................................2
System Specifications .........................................................3
Hardware Overview ...........................................................4
Hardware/Software Installation Overview ......................5
Meridian for Windows Overview......................................6
Hardware Installation Instructions....................................7
Serial Port Selection............................................................8
Software Overview.............................................................9
Device Programming Guide .............................................11
In-System Programming Overview..................................18
ISP Header Pin Assignments ............................................19
ISP Cable Convertor ..........................................................20
Target System Requirements ...........................................21
Atmel AT89S/89LS - ISP Notes..........................................22
Atmel ATmega103/603 - ISP Notes..................................24
Atmel AT90S/ATtiny - ISP Notes ......................................25
Upgrading the Programmer Firmware............................26
Micro-ISP Compatible Target Systems.............................27
Troubleshooting Guide.....................................................28

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
1
Introduction
The Micro-ISP is a state-of-the-art device
programmer supporting the new range of
In-System Programmable (ISP)
microcontrollers from Atmel. These
microcontrollers feature serially
downloadable memory allowing both CODE
and DATA (if device features EEPROM) areas
to be updated in-system without physically
removing the target device from the
application board. The serial programming
is based around the industry standard SPI
protocol which is a 3-wire bus featuring
two data lines and a clock line.
The Micro-ISP programmer currently
supports the Atmel 89S, AVR™(90S),
ATmega and ATtiny microcontroller families
as standard.
The Micro-ISP programmer features
extremely fast programming speeds due to
the use of dedicated hardware to generate
the SPI waveforms.
Please Note:
This programmer is designed for development
use only.
MICRO-ISP DEVICE
PROGRAMMER HIGHLIGHTS
•State-of-the-art Device Programmer
•Supports In-System Programming (ISP)
of:
•Atmel 89S microcontroller family
•Atmel AVR(90S) microcontroller family
•Atmel ATmega microcontroller family
•Atmel ATtiny microcontroller family
•Powerful Windows Interface Software -
Meridian compatible with Win3.1, 95,
98 & NT
•Device Manufacturer Certification for
many algorithms
•Connects to spare PC Serial Port
•Straightforward hardware/software
installation
•Supports programming of security lock
bits
•The programmer firmware is field
upgradable allowing new devices and
enhancements to be added in the future
FAST programming times due to:
•Enhanced serial programming
algorithms
•SPI programming waveforms generated
by dedicated hardware
Two versions of the programmer are
available:
•Standard voltage : UISP-S4 (4.8-6.0V)
•Low voltage : UISP-LV4 (3.3-6.0V)

2
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
Device Support
ATMEL 89S FLASH Microcontroller Family
AT89S8252
AT89S53
AT89LS8252
AT89LS53
Atmel AVR ‘Classic’ Microcontroller Family
Atmel ATmega FLASH Microcontroller Family
ATmega103
ATmega603
Atmel Tiny FLASH Microcontroller Family
ATtiny22
AT90S1200
AT90S1200A (same as AT90S1200
with RCEN Enabled)
AT90S2313
AT90S2323
AT90S2333
AT90S2343
AT90S4414
AT90S4434
AT90S8515
AT90S8535
AT90LS2333
AT90LS4433
AT90LS4434
AT90LS8535
ATmega103L
ATmega603L
Caution. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum voltage of the target device.
Please note: Only ATtiny devices which feature a ‘Low Voltage Serial Programming
Mode’ are supported.

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
3
System Specifications
Minimum System Contents
The Micro-ISP Series IV programmer is available as either a +5V or low voltage version. The
minimum system contents for both versions are as follows:
• Micro-ISP Serial Download Programmer • PC Serial extension cable set
• Windows Driver Software • Atmel CD-ROM
• ISP Cable convertor
Micro-ISP Serial Programmer Specifications
Programmer Size : 55 x 53 x 16mm
Shipped Weight : Approx 0.10kg
PC Connection : Serial Port 25-pin female D Connector
Programming Cable : Length 300mm
Header : 10-way IDC 0.1” pitch bump polarised
Power Supply : Requires power from target system or external power supply.
Series IV Vcc. 4.8 - 6.0V
- Is(supply) approx 50mA when programming
- Is(supply) approx 27mA in standby
Series IV LV Vcc. 3.3 - 6.0V
- Is(supply) approx 36mA when programming @ 3.3V
- Is(supply) approx 22mA in standby @ 3.3V
- Is(supply) approx 70mA when programming @ 5V
- Is(supply) approx 37mA in standby @ 5V
Minimum PC requirements
The minimum hardware and software requirements to ensure that the programmer operates
correctly are as follows:
• 100% IBM compatible 386+ • Minimum 1MB free hard disk space
• Windows 3.1 or higher • Spare PC serial port
• Minimum 4MB RAM

4
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
Hardware Overview
Key
1Micro-ISP Programmer
2Serial Programming Cable (length approx 300mm)
310-way IDC Header Plug
425 pin female D-Connector (plugs into PC serial port)
5Power LED
6Active LED
4 1
2 3
5
6
Red stripe (denotes pin 1)

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
5
Hardware/Software Installation Overview
Perform Software Installation
Perform Hardware Installation
Select the correct serial port
<OPTIONS>
<SELECT PORT>
<TEST>
PORT
Installation
Trouble Shooting
Guide
Try selecting
another
Com port
Programmer should now be
“ON LINE”
FAIL
PASS
The Hardware/Software Overview for the installation process of the Micro-ISP programmer is
detailed diagrammatically below. Please refer to the following pages for a more detailed
explanation.
(See on-line help)

The Micro-ISP programmer is supplied with
'Meridian for Windows' PC driver software.
This software is supplied on one 3.5"
floppy disk or can be downloaded from the
Equinox web site.
Meridian Programmer Interface
Software
• Powerful Windows Programmer Interface
Software compatible with
Windows 3.11™ Windows 95™,
Windows 98™ & Windows NT™
• Device: Check, Signature, Erase, Blank
Check, Read, Program, Verify, Special
Options and Security
• Supports programming of microcontroller
fuse bits
•Programmable RESET polarity
• Powerful RESET Timing utility allows most
RESET circuits to be accommodated
including C/R, External Watchdog and
3-pin CPU supervisor devices
• Powerful Auto-Program Utility
• Fast programming times due to dedicated
SPI Hardware
• Powerful Multiple File Loading Utility
• Supports Bin & HEX file formats
• Comprehensive context-sensitive on-line
help system
The Meridian software was introduced by
Equinox to support the following range of
programmers:
Micro-ISP Series III
Micro-ISP Series III LV
Micro-ISP Series IV
Micro-ISP Series IV LV
Activ8r (Atmel 8051 version)
Activ8r (Atmel AVR version)
6
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
Meridian for Windows Overview
To Install 'Meridian for
Windows' software:
•Boot the PC into Windows environment
(Win 3.1, Win 95 or NT)
•Insert 'Meridian for Windows' disk into
floppy disk drive (A: / B:)
•Select the 'Run...' command from the
'File' menu in the Program Manager
•Select 'Browse' and navigate to the
floppy drive (A: / B:)
•Select 'meridian.exe'
•Select the 'OK' button
The software installation program should
now display an introductory screen. Please
follow the on-screen prompts in order to
complete the software installation process.
On completion, the installation program will
install the 'Meridian' icon within a new
program group called 'Equinox'.
To launch the software,
simply double-click on the
'Meridian' icon.

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
7
Hardware Installation Instructions
Overview
The Micro-ISP programmer connects to any spare PC serial (COM) port. If you only have
one serial port and this is in use for e.g. a modem, it may be possible to add another serial
port to your machine by inserting a new I/O card.
For further hardware installation help, please refer to the:
Installation Troubleshooting Guide
Warning !
To avoid catastrophic damage to PC, programmer or target system:
• Ensure that both your target system and PC are connected to a common earth point.
• Make sure that all interconnections are made before applying power to PC and target
system.
• If you are using a laptop or PC which is not connected to mains earth, it is
recommended that you make a hard-wired connection from the COM port D-connector
shell and the target system to a common earth point.
• Avoid plugging and unplugging ISP connector while either the PC or target system is
powered up.
• Please ensure that any
devices connected to the
user target system are also
properly grounded to the
same common earth point.
• Please see Diagram
Any damage caused to the programmer through inadequate earthing is not
covered under warranty
1Connect the serial cable provided to a spare COM port on the PC using the 9-25 way
adaptor if necessary.
2Connect the Micro-ISP to the other end of the serial cable.
3Connect IDC plug at the end of the serial programming cable into the 10-way IDC header
on the user target board (not supplied).
4Apply power to the target board. Please ensure that the target system is powered up.
The programmer will not operate unless a Vcc in the specified range is applied on pin 1 of
the IDC connector. (The Micro-ISP draws its power from the target)
User
Target
System
PC Micro-ISP External
Devices
12 3
1 Earth connection to PC
2 Target system earth
3 Earth from external device
Common earthing point

8
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
The Micro-ISP programmer plugs into a
spare serial (com) port of any IBM
compatible PC including the majority of
laptop machines.
To select the Correct Serial Port
i. From the menu bar select <Options>
<Select Port>
The available COM ports on your computer
are now displayed.
ii. Select the COM port to which the
programmer is connected
ii. Select a baud rate e.g. 56K
iii. Select <Test>
A programmer communications test is now
performed.
This tests both the programmer, cable and
PC serial port.
Communications Test Pass
The programmer has been detected OK by
the Meridian software. If you now <Cancel>
out of the <Test Port> dialogue box, the
words ‘ON LINE’ should now be displayed at
the bottom right of the
Micro-ISP Window.
Installation is complete and the programmer
should now be ready to-use.
Communications Test Fail
The programmer was not detected on the
COM port selected. Please check that the
correct COM port was selected, and if not,
repeat the <Select Port> < Test> operation.
If your PC is not fast enough to operate at
the default highest communication speed,
it may be necessary to slow the
communication down. This can be achieved
by choosing a slower baud rate from the list
provided.
If the programmer is still not detected,
please refer to the Installation
Troubleshooting Guide located in the
“On-Line” help.
Serial Port Selection (Select Port)
Checking Port : Pass
Checking Communication :
Checking Communication :
Test Programmer
Cancel
COM2
56000
OK Cancel
Test
Port :
Speed :
Select Communication Port

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
9
BLANK CHECK
Checks if the currently selected device is blank.
i.e. All locations = FFh
Software Overview
LOAD FILE TO BUFFER (F9 or Ctrl + L)
Allows you to select a file or multiple files and load the file(s) into the
programmer buffer area(s). Currently supports Intel Hex and Binary file
formats as standard.
VERIFY DEVICE
Compares the contents of the buffer area(s) with the contents of the
currently selected device.
SAVE TO DISK (Ctrl + S)
Allows you to save the contents of the buffer(s) to a file.
Currently supports Intel Hex and Binary file formats as standard.
The Meridian for Windows™ software features many powerful functions which can be
activated by simply clicking a single icon. Other utilities and commands are available by
selecting the relevant menu option.
For further information about the Meridian for Windows™ software , please refer to the
'On-line Help System' supplied with the software (F1).
The most commonly used functions for which an icon exits are listed below.
WRITE DEVICE
Writes with contents of the buffer into the device
Note:
This operation does NOT perform an electronic erase before writing
data.

10
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
Software Overview continued
DEVICE READ
Reads the contents of the currently selected device into the
programmer buffer area(s).
SECURITY
Allows you to READ/WRITE the security lock bits of any device which
supports this feature.
DEVICE AUTO-PROGRAM
Performs a complete programming cycle including Signature Check,
Erase, Blank check, Write, Special Options, Security etc.
ERASE DEVICE
Performs an ELECTRONIC erase on the currently selected device.

1 From Meridian select <Options> <Create Library Info>
This operation interrogates the target programmer and generates a ‘notepad’ document
which details information about your programmer and generates a list of devices supported
by the programmer. From the list you can see which ‘TARGET ISP’ devices can be
programmed with the Micro-ISP. i.e. only devices listed as ‘yes’ or LNR’ are supported.
2 To select the target device click on the
<Device menu>
Chose <Select>, Chose <AT90S>, Chose <Target (ISP)> and finally
click on the target device, in our example <AT90S1200ISP>.
3 From the< Device menu> select<Information>
This will give you a description of the target device.
4Setting of target write times
(LV programmers only)
The write time of the FLASH and EEPROM varies with target
voltage. Meridian defaults to the correct settings for +5V. If your
target system is powered from less than 5V it may be necessary
to change the write time.
To alter the write time settings select
<Options> <SPI Program Options>
Enter the recommended ‘Write Time’
- for the selected device from the
tables overleaf
Enter the required ‘EE Write Time’.
This time is automatically updated to
be the same as the ‘FLASH write time’
for all devices except the ATmega
family. Click <OK>.
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
11
Device Programming Guide
The Micro-ISP Programmer is now ready to program a target device.
In the following example we have chosen to program an Atmel AT90S1200 microcontroller
located on the user target system.
Select
Orientation
Information
Check Signature
Blank Check
▲
ZIF Socket
Target (ISP)
▲ ▲
ATmega
AT90S
ATtiny
AT89C
AT89S/89LS
AT90S1200 ISP
AT90S1200A ISP
AT90S2313 ISP
AT90S4414 ISP
AT90S8515 ISP
AT90S2323 ISP
▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲

12
Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
Device Programming Guide continued
Overview
The following tables detail the result of testing the programming of various target
microcontrollers in the laboratory. These timings and settings are meant for guidance only.
E&OE. Results may differ depending on microcontroller batch, power supply, target system
etc.
Definitions:
Voltage - Supply voltage to programmer and target device
Flash Write Time - Minimum time to program a byte or page (ATmega only) of the target
microcontroller FLASH area
EEPROM Write time - Minimum time to program a byte of the target microcontroller
EEPROM area
Fspi - Frequency of SPI signal from programmer to target device
Fosc - Frequency of target microcontroller oscillator
Code time - Time taken to program the target device CODE area with random data
Data time - Time taken to program the target device DATA area with random data
All measurements were taken with the following equipment:
Meridian V2.12
PC - DX2-50
Micro-ISP Series IV LV
Windows 95
Communication speed: 56,000 baud

Micro-ISP Series IV User Manual V2.03
13
For the AT89S/89LS family it is necessary to change both the ‘FLASH/EEPROM write times’
and the ‘SPI Frequency’ depending on target voltage and oscillator frequency. The table
shows results for 4MHz and 12MHz. The AT89S device should program correctly at >4.0V
with a target frequency of 4MHz to 24MHz. The AT89LS should program correctly at 3.0V to
6.0V as long as the target oscillator frequency is 12MHz or below.
Device Programming Guide continued
Voltage Flash Write EEPROM Write Code time Data time
(V) Time (ms) Time (ms) (KHz) (MHz) (secs) (secs)
3.0 5 5 15 12 78.5 12.0
3.0 5 5 15 4 78.5 12.0
3.3 5 5 50 12 56.2 14.0
3.3 5 5 50 4 56.2 14.0
3.5 5 5 100 12 54.3 13.5
3.5 5 5 50 4 56.2 14.0
4.0 4 4 50 12 47.4 12.0
4.0 4 4 100 4 45.1 11.5
4.5 4 4 100 12 45.1 11.5
4.5 4 4 50 4 47.4 12.0
5.0 2 2 100 12 29.0 7.5
5.0 3 3 50 4 38.1 9.5
5.5 1 1 100 12 19.8 5.0
5.5 1 1 50 4 23.1 6.0
6.0 1 1 100 12 19.8 5.0
6.0 1 1 50 4 23.1 6.0
AT89S/89LS - Timing Characteristics
FSPI FOSC