AVR: Arduino IDE Bootloader

AVR: Arduino IDE Bootloader#

Installing the Bootloader on ATMEGA328P#

This guide explains how to flash the Arduino-compatible bootloader onto an ATMEGA328 microcontroller using the UNIT USB Multi-Protocol Programmer. By following these steps, your ATMEGA328 can function as an ATMEGA328P, fully compatible with the Arduino IDE.

Required Materials#

  1. UNIT Multi-Protocol Programmer

Multi-Protocol Programmer

UNIT Multi-Protocol Programmer

  1. ATMEGA328P Microcontroller

AVR Programmer

ATMEGA328P Microcontroller

Hardware Connection#

  1. Use the FC cable to connect one end to the UNIT Multi-Protocol Programmer and the other to the ICSP interface of the ATMEGA328P.

  2. Make sure the MISO pin of the programmer is aligned with pin 1 of the ICSP header on the ATMEGA328P.

ISP Connection

ICSP Connection Overview

Driver Setup with Zadig#

To allow USB communication between your PC and the programmer, install the required drivers using Zadig.

Step 1: Identify the COM Port#

Connect the programmer to your PC and open the Device Manager. Under Ports (COM & LPT), identify the COM port assigned to the device.

Step 2: Open Zadig#

Launch Zadig. You should see a window like the following:

Zadig Interface

Click Options → List All Devices to display all USB interfaces:

Zadig List All Devices

Step 3: Install Drivers#

Install the following two drivers:

  • picoASP Interface 0: Install the libusbK driver by clicking Replace Driver.

picoASP Interface 0

  • SerialUPDI Interface 1: Install the USB Serial (CDC) driver by clicking Upgrade Driver.

SerialUPDI Interface 1

Once both drivers are installed, your UNIT Multi-Protocol Programmer is ready to flash the bootloader.

Bootloader Installation Using Arduino IDE#

Open the Arduino IDE and follow these steps to burn the bootloader onto your ATMEGA328P.

  1. Select the Target Board

    Navigate to Tools → Board and choose ATMEGA328P.

Select Board

  1. Choose the Correct Port

    Under Tools → Port, select the COM port corresponding to your programmer.

Select COM Port

  1. Select the Programmer

    Under Tools → Programmer, select the programmer (e.g., USBasp or your custom driver name).

Select Programmer

  1. Burn the Bootloader

    Finally, go to Tools → Burn Bootloader.

Burn Bootloader

Success! Your ATMEGA328P now has a compatible Arduino bootloader installed and is ready for development.

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