T42 Universal AVR Programmer Board – Compatible with ATtiny13A/25/45/85 (USB ISP Flash Tool)

SKU: FA2010-3
Product Type

Universal AVR ISP Programmer Board

Interface

USB 2.0 (Type A plug)

Supported MCUs

ATtiny13A, ATtiny25, ATtiny45, ATtiny85

Socket Type

8-pin DIP ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) Socket

External Interface

6-pin ISP Header (standard AVR layout)

Operating Voltage (Target)

5V (powered via USB)

Driver Support

USBasp compatible drivers

Software Compatibility

AVRDUDE, Arduino IDE (as external programmer), Microchip Studio

LED Indicators

Power, Status (Programming/Busy)

The T42 Universal AVR Programmer Board is a versatile and essential tool designed for programming a range of popular ATtiny microcontrollers directly from your computer via a USB connection. This device functions as an In-System Programmer (ISP) Flash tool, providing a reliable and efficient way to burn bootloaders or upload custom firmware to bare chips like the ATtiny13A, ATtiny25, ATtiny45, and ATtiny85.
Product Description
The T42 Universal AVR Programmer Board simplifies the process of programming standalone ATtiny series microcontrollers. Acting as a compact, self-contained USB ISP tool, it allows users to connect compatible chips directly to the board’s ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket or ISP header, eliminating the need for complex breadboard setups or external wiring during the programming phase.
Designed for both hobbyists transitioning from development boards to bare metal production and professionals seeking an efficient in-house flashing solution, this programmer is compatible with widely used software interfaces like AVRDUDE and the Arduino IDE (when configured correctly). It provides a reliable bridge between your PC’s programming environment and the target microcontroller’s flash memory, enabling rapid iteration and testing of embedded firmware. The ZIF socket ensures easy insertion and removal of numerous chips without damaging pins, making it ideal for low-volume production runs or repeated development cycles.
Features
  • Universal Compatibility: Specifically designed to support 8-pin ATtiny microcontrollers including ATtiny13A, ATtiny25, ATtiny45, and ATtiny85.
  • Integrated ZIF Socket: Features a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket for quick, easy, and safe insertion and removal of DIL/DIP 8-pin ICs.
  • USB Connectivity: Connects directly to a computer’s USB port, drawing power and data transfer capabilities without needing an external power supply for the programmer itself.
  • ISP Interface Header: Includes a standard 6-pin ISP header for programming chips soldered onto external target boards or larger prototypes.
  • Driver Compatibility: Works with standard USBasp drivers (or similar open-source programmer drivers) compatible with major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
  • Software Support: Compatible with popular programming software such as AVRDUDE, Microchip Studio (formerly Atmel Studio), and the Arduino IDE as an external programming tool.
  • Status Indicators: Onboard LEDs indicate power status, programming activity (busy/error), and successful communication.
Usage
The T42 Universal AVR Programmer Board is utilized in development environments to program ATtiny microcontrollers directly.
  1. Driver Installation: Install the necessary USBasp compatible drivers on your computer (tools like Zadig are often used on Windows for this purpose).
  2. Chip Placement: Lift the ZIF socket lever, insert the bare ATtiny DIP chip following the pin 1 indicator/notch orientation, and close the lever to secure the chip.
  3. Connection & Configuration: Plug the programmer into your PC. Configure your chosen software (e.g., Arduino IDE or AVRDUDE command line) to use the “USBasp” programmer type.
  4. Programming: Upload your compiled hex file or burn the bootloader to the chip via the software interface.
  5. External Programming: Alternatively, connect the 6-pin ISP header to a target circuit board containing a soldered ATtiny chip to program it in-situ
Q: Which specific microcontrollers does this programmer support?

This board is designed specifically for 8-pin DIP package ATtiny MCUs, including the ATtiny13A, ATtiny25, ATtiny45, and ATtiny85

Q: Do I need an external power supply to use this programmer?

No, the programmer board draws all necessary power for both its internal operation and the target ATtiny chip directly from the USB port of your computer.

Q: Can I use this to program an ATmega328P chip (like on an Arduino Uno)?

This board is optimized for 8-pin ATtiny chips via its ZIF socket. While the 6-pin ISP header might theoretically work with ATmega chips using the right software settings, it is primarily intended for the listed ATtiny range

Q: Is this programmer compatible with the Arduino IDE?

Yes, it is. You must select the correct target board within the Arduino IDE (e.g., “ATtiny85”) and select “USBasp” under the “Programmer” menu. You then use the “Upload Using Programmer” option (or “Burn Bootloader”)

Q: I am having trouble with drivers on Windows 10/11. What should I do?

You may need to manually install the generic open-source USBasp drivers using a utility like Zadig to correctly interface with the programmer hardware

Q: Is it suitable for a business buying in bulk for production line use?

Yes, the robust ZIF socket and reliable USBasp protocol make it a cost-effective and durable tool for programming small batches of chips efficiently in a professional prototyping or production environment