Using the Arduino Uno to program ATTINY84-20PU

Using the Arduino Uno to program ATTINY84-20PU (Newark item # 68T3783). This Instructable shows how to use the Arduino platform to work with physically smaller processors, such as the ATtiny84 (84/44/24), ATtiny85 (85/45/25), and ATtiny2313. This example is specifically for the ATtiny84-20PU processor (Newark item # 68T3783) but can be adapted for the others boards by selecting the appropriate board from the Arduino software (i.e., Arduino IDE) and modifying the pinouts as required.

Using the Arduino Uno to program ATTINY84-20PU

Step 1: Configure the Arduino IDE Software

1) Ensure the Arduino IDE is NOT running.

2) Create new folder named “tiny” in your Arduino “hardware” folder
C:\Projects\Arduino\hardware\tiny

3) Download the Arduino-Tiny archive (ZIP-file)
http://code.google.com/p/arduino-tiny/downloads/detail?name=arduino-tiny-0100-0016.zip

4) Copy and paste the contents of the ZIP-file into the “tiny” folder.

5) Create a new file named “boards.txt” in the tiny directory.
C:\Projects\Arduino\hardware\tiny\boards.txt

6) Open the “boards.txt” file and the “Prospective Boards.txt” file using a text editor.

7) Copy board entries of interest from “Prospective Boards.txt” to “boards.txt”. I simply copied the entire contents from “Prospective Boards.txt” to “boards.txt”.

8) Save and close “boards.txt”.  Close “Prospective Boards.txt” (see picture for how the contents should look).

Step 2: Program the Arduino to Use as an In-System Programmer (ISP)

9 ) Open the Arduino IDE.

10) Select your Arduino board. I have the Arduino UNO  but replaced the processor with a pre-programmed Atmega328P chip from Adafruit, which requires that I select “Arduino Duemilanove with ATmega328.”

At this point, you should see additional “boards” listed, such as all of the ATtiny boards that as in your “Boards.txt”. Do not select the ATtiny chip at this point. Select your Arduino board so that you can tell the Arduino that you want to use it as an In-System Programmer (ISP).

11) Select AVR ISP programmer by selecting [Tools] [Programmer] AVR ISP.

12) Upload the ArduinoISP sketch to your Arduino by selecting [File] [Examples] ArduinoISP.

Using the Arduino Uno to program ATTINY84-20PU circuit

Step 3: Create Blink Sketch for the Attiny84

13) Open  sketch to be programmed onto Attiny84. This example uses the Blink sketch from the Arduino software.
[File] [Examples] [01.Basics] [Blink]

14) Edit the sketch so the LED pins correspond to the ATtiny84. That is, change “int led = 13;” to “int led = 0;

[box color=”#985D00″ bg=”#FFF8CB” font=”verdana” fontsize=”14 ” radius=”20 ” border=”#985D12″ float=”right” head=”Major Components in Project” headbg=”#FFEB70″ headcolor=”#985D00″]Arduino[/box]

For more detail: Using the Arduino Uno to program ATTINY84-20PU


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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