Adafruit UPDI Programmer

If you have ever programmed an AVR microcontroller with a USB to serial adapter, you should know how it sometimes gets messy with all the data and power wires. Therefore, Adafruit created a UPDI programmer tool that can program newer tinyAVR and megaAVR chips with only 3 wires!

The Adafruit UPDI Programmer simplifies programming modern ATtiny chips with its compact and versatile design. Select between 3V or 5V power and logic levels, powered by a 500mA 3V regulator. The built-in CH340E USB Serial converter supports cross-platform drivers.

For hassle-free programming, it includes a 1K loop-back resistor and USB Type-C connection for data and power. The included JST SH cable enables quick breadboard hookups, while the 2.54mm breakout holes offer custom connections. Indicator LEDs show power and serial activity status.

Inspired by an open-source design, the UPDI Programmer integrates seamlessly with the Arduino IDE and megaTinyCore. Select "Serial UPDI" as the programmer type and program your ATtiny chips at 230Kbps or 56Kbps baud rates with ease.

Experience the convenience and functionality of this user-friendly programming solution for your ATtiny projects.

What Is UPDI?

UPDI stands for Unified Program and Debug Interface. It is a Microchip proprietary interface and is a successor to the PDI interface, which has 2 data wires. UPDI provides a bidirectional half-duplex asynchronous communication with a microcontroller for programming or debugging.

Quick Spec

• Select between 3V or 5V power and logic - the 3V regulator can source up to 500mA so it can run even big projects
• CH340E USB Serial converter chip with cross-platform drivers
• 1K Loop-back Resistor between RX and TX
• USB Type C for data and power connection to any computer
• JST SH cable included for quick plugging into a breadboard
• 2.54mm spaced breakout holes for custom connections
• Green power OK LED
• Red serial activity LED
• Dimensions: 26.4 x 17.8 x 4.9mm

What Chips You Can Program?

As mentioned earlier you can program newer tinyAVR and megaAVR microcontroller chips that have UPDI. Especially ATtiny boards like ATiny816, ATtiny817, or ATtiny1616. Adafruit recommends using Arduino IDE with the megaTinyCore board support package installed. For the programmer type, you need to select “Serial UPDI”. Upload speed of 230Kbps is great, but 56Kbps also works.

Resources

• Product Page
• Product Wiki
• Window and Mac driver download
• CH340E Datasheet
• UPDI Interface Docs

Shipping List

• 1 x Adafruit UPDI Programmer
• 1 x JST-SH 1mm 3 Pin to Du Pont Male
• 1 x Socket to Header QT cable 100mm