A standalone microcontroller programmer is a device that can be used to program microcontrollers without the need for a computer. This makes them ideal for use in portable applications, or for programming microcontrollers that are not easily accessible by a computer. They also simplify production tasks as the operator can be relatively unskilled.
Standalone programmers typically connect to the microcontroller using an in-system programming interface. This interface consists of a few pins that are used to communicate with the microcontroller and transfer the program code.
All Kanda AVR ISP standalone microcontroller programmers also support other programming interfaces, such as JTAG, PDI, UPDI. These interfaces can be used to program a wider range of microcontrollers, but they may be more complex to connect. PIC ICSP, low and High Voltage and ARM SWD interfaces are supported.
Kanda supply a range of different adapters for AVR UPDI, PIC ICSP, SWD and AVR ISP as well as finer pitch connectors eg 2.0mm or 1.27mm (0.05″) or PIC RJ11.
Standalone microcontroller programmers are powered by batteries or can be used with an external power supply or both. Some programmers also have a built-in display and keypad, which can be used to control the programmer and select the program to be programmed. Others have a simple push button for 1 program or a rotary switch to select multiple programs.
Loading the Standalone Programmer
Kanda standalone programmers are first loaded from a PC or by using our smart phone App. This step requires some technical knowledge but we have made it as simple as possible. As well as supporting all microcontroller memory areas (Flash, EEPROM, User Area), they support all fuses, configuration bytes and lock bits. Extra features include Serial Numbering and limit number of programming operations.
They support different file formats, including AVR ELF files and PIC Hex files with configuration bytes etc.
Programming Your Target
To use a standalone microcontroller programmer, you typically need to follow these steps:
- Connect the programmer to the microcontroller using the programming interface.eg 6-way ISP, UPDI
- Select the program to be programmed using the programmer’s display and keypad (if available) or rotary switch.
- Press the program button to start the programming process.
- Wait for the programming process to complete.
- Disconnect the programmer from the microcontroller.
Kanda Standalone Programmer Choices
Here are some examples of Kanda standalone microcontroller programmers. There are standalone programmers available for PIC, AVR, SAMD and Serial EEPROMs. The AVR versions are an AVR ISP, AVR JTAG and AVR UPDI programmer but are also AVR TPI programmers (for some ATtiny microcontrollers) and a PDI programmer for ATxmega programming.
PIC programmers support most PIC16F series and all PIC18F versions and ARM SAM version covers ARM Cortex M0 devices using SWD.
Keyfob Standalone Programmers
These are low cost PIC programmers and AVR ISP and AVR UPDI programmers. They have a single button press and are powered by
the target circuit. They are available in bulk packs for a low cost standalone programmer solution.
Kanda Keyfob Standalone Programmers
Single Handheld Standalone Programmer
These hold 1 program image and just use a single button press to program the target. AVR programmer (including UPDI Programmer), PIC Programmer, SAM ARM programmer and Serial EEPROM Programmer versions.
Kanda Handheld Standalone Programmers
8-way Handheld Standalone Programmer
These hold 8 different programming images and each slot is selected by a rotary switch. Once slot is selected, a single button press programs the target. Also have AVR programmer (including UPDI Programmer), PIC Programmer, SAM ARM programmer and Serial EEPROM Programmer versions.
8-way Handheld Standalone Programmer
Kanda Portable Standalone Programmer
These are more sophisticated and can store up to 31 different programs. The correct slot is selected using a keypad and LCD, then a simple button press programs the target. These have AVR programmer (including UPDI programmer) and PIC Programmer versions.
Portable Standalone Programmer
Conclusion
Standalone microcontroller programmers are a valuable tool for anyone who works with microcontrollers, either in production or doing field updates or customisation.
They can make it much easier to program microcontrollers in a variety of situations, such as outdoor applications eg irrigation systems or chargers or in messy environments, such as kitchens and workshops.