These are AVRDX parts and therefore you will require the latest GCSTUDIO build. You may need to sort the libraries but the core compiler works for these AVRDX parts.
The XNANO board I used required the UPDI programming method. This is part of the GCSTUDIO installation ( since 2021 ) but you will to ensure you have the latest USE.INI or add an entry into your own USE.INI as follows, and, select ATMEL mEDBG using UPDI as the programmer.
[tool = atprogram2]desc=ATMEL mEDBG using UPDItype=programmeruseif=progconfig=command=%atmelATPROGRAMdir%\ATprogram.exeparams=-t mEDBG -i UPDI -d AT%ChipModel% chiperase program -f "%FileName%"workingdir=%atmelATPROGRAMdir%\
Thanks Anobium. You have worked hard in supporting these microcontrollers.
I see you programmed these AVR series 0 microcontrollers (that require UPDI programming) using the XNANO board.
I'm asking for suggestions to locate a programmer to program both series 0 & series 1 AVR chips in boards that do not contain a USB connector? ie only a programming pin header is loaded onto the board. I see the Pickit5 is one option. Emulation is not a hard requirement.
To remain flexible, the programmer should support the high-voltage pulse on the UPDI pin to enable programming if the pin has previously been configured as a GPIO or RESET pin.
If you would like to refer to this comment somewhere else in this project, copy and paste the following link:
I am avoiding Microchip's programmers, so to program AVR Series 0 & 1 chips via UPDI—including recovery when the UPDI pin has been reassigned (GPIO/RESET)—these are some options:
Does not support 12V by default, but can be modified with a MOSFET/zener setup to handle it.
Ideal if you are comfortable with a bit of soldering and scripting.
✅ Bonus: XNANO Board Reference
Already using the XNANO board?
It can be adapted to handle UPDI cases with a high-voltage pulse circuit (MOSFET + zener or 555-based).
Details here → ATtiny416 Xplained Nano – Microchip
⚡ 12V Pulse Injector for UPDI Recovery
Use this circuit to apply a brief 12V pulse to the UPDI pin when it has been reconfigured as GPIO or RESET. It is ideal for unlocking AVR Series 0/1 devices before programming.
🧰 Components
1 × N-channel MOSFET (e.g. 2N7000 or IRLZ44N)
1 × 12V Zener diode (1W)
1 × 10kΩ resistor (pull-down for gate)
1 × 100nF capacitor (optional – pulse shaping)
1 × Trigger (manual pushbutton or GPIO pin)
1 × 12V power supply (DC-DC converter or charge pump)
Added AVRDX tinyAVR® 1-series parts as follows:
These are AVRDX parts and therefore you will require the latest GCSTUDIO build. You may need to sort the libraries but the core compiler works for these AVRDX parts.
The XNANO board I used required the UPDI programming method. This is part of the GCSTUDIO installation ( since 2021 ) but you will to ensure you have the latest USE.INI or add an entry into your own USE.INI as follows, and, select
ATMEL mEDBG using UPDI
as the programmer.For demonstration programs see GitHub https://github.com/GreatCowBASIC/Demonstration_Sources/tree/main/TestSolutions/AVRDX_implementation/tiny416
Enjoy these new chips.
Thanks Anobium. You have worked hard in supporting these microcontrollers.
I see you programmed these AVR series 0 microcontrollers (that require UPDI programming) using the XNANO board.
I'm asking for suggestions to locate a programmer to program both series 0 & series 1 AVR chips in boards that do not contain a USB connector? ie only a programming pin header is loaded onto the board. I see the Pickit5 is one option. Emulation is not a hard requirement.
To remain flexible, the programmer should support the high-voltage pulse on the UPDI pin to enable programming if the pin has previously been configured as a GPIO or RESET pin.
only PICKit4 or 5 are microchip High-voltage UPDI capable programmers acording to this:-
https://developerhelp.microchip.com/xwiki/bin/view/software-tools/programmers-and-debuggers/avr-updi-info/ (slightly out of date!)
pinouts here:-
Last edit: HackInBlack 2025-06-20
I am not sure, I can ask Stuart Bury to look into this and then he can design and build one.
Are we certain that none of the existing Programmers like USBTiny will not meet this specification?
My research.
🔧 UPDI Programmers with 12V Support
I am avoiding Microchip's programmers, so to program AVR Series 0 & 1 chips via UPDI—including recovery when the UPDI pin has been reassigned (GPIO/RESET)—these are some options:
1. Kanda AVR UPDI Programmer
2. LeoNerd’s UPDI Programmer (Tindie)
3. jtag2updi (DIY Arduino Programmer)
✅ Bonus: XNANO Board Reference
Already using the XNANO board?
It can be adapted to handle UPDI cases with a high-voltage pulse circuit (MOSFET + zener or 555-based).
Details here → ATtiny416 Xplained Nano – Microchip
⚡ 12V Pulse Injector for UPDI Recovery
Use this circuit to apply a brief 12V pulse to the UPDI pin when it has been reconfigured as GPIO or RESET. It is ideal for unlocking AVR Series 0/1 devices before programming.
🧰 Components
🔗 Basic Schematic
📷 Diagram reference: See the schematic and discussion on the Arduino Forum – UPDI Enable Sequence by 12V Programming.
💡 Usage Notes