General Information

Cesar Bautista7/10/25About 3 minGuidePage ConfigurationUsage Guide

General Information

The Multi-Protocol Programmer is a compact and versatile development tool designed for high-precision embedded system applications. It supports a broad range of protocols and device architectures, including AVR, ARM (CMSIS-DAP), and CPLD (MAX II). Its USB connectivity enables direct interfacing with standard development environments, enabling:

In-system programming (ISP)
Step-through debugging
Boundary-scan testing (JTAG)
Flash memory operations

Compatible with popular platforms such as STM32, RP2040, and PY32, this programmer integrates configurable GPIO lines, multi-protocol headers, and streamlined power delivery—making it ideal for rapid prototyping and field diagnostics.

Firmware Loading

For each protocol, the corresponding firmware must be loaded onto the device. Make sure to follow the specific instructions for each architecture.

Supported Architectures

AVR — via ISP (SPI configuration)
ARM Cortex-M — via CMSIS-DAP and SWD
RP2040
PY32
STM32

CPLD/FPGA (MAX II) — via JTAG

All protocols are exposed via labeled headers or JST connectors, allowing fast, solderless prototyping.

This device connects to a host system via USB and allows the user to program and debug various microcontrollers and programmable logic devices.

Features

Multi-architecture support: Compatible with AVR (ISP), ARM Cortex-M (CMSIS-DAP), and CPLD (JTAG).
In-System Programming (ISP): Flash microcontrollers without desoldering.
Real-time debugging: Step-through and breakpoint debugging with OpenOCD and PyOCD.
JTAG boundary-scan: For CPLD configuration and board testing.
Configurable GPIOs: Adaptable for use as JTAG, SWD, or ISP lines.
USB 2.0 interface: Direct connection to host PC using USB CDC or HID.
Toolchain compatibility: Works with avrdude, OpenOCD, PyOCD, urJTAG, and others.
Cross-platform support: Compatible with Linux and partially supported on Windows.

Advantages

Compact design: Suitable for breadboards and embedded setups.
Versatility: One device for multiple programming and debugging protocols.
Open-source firmware: Fully customizable and community-supported.
Cost-effective: Inexpensive alternative to commercial debuggers and programmers.
Linux-friendly: No need for proprietary drivers on Linux systems.
Ideal for education: Can be used in microcontroller courses and workshops.

Limitations

External power required: Cannot supply power to high-current target boards.
Learning curve: Requires knowledge of protocols like CMSIS-DAP, JTAG, or AVR ISP.
Firmware updates: May require reflashing to support new features or targets.
Partial Windows support: Some tools may require manual setup or driver adjustments.

Compatibility

CMSIS-DAP (ARM Cortex-M)

Compatible with CMSIS-DAP v2.0 protocol.
Supported by OpenOCD and PyOCD.
Tested with:
- STM32F0
- RP2040 (Raspberry Pi Pico)
- PY32 series
- Other Cortex-M0/M3/M4 devices

AVR ISP

Works with avrdude using USBasp-like interface.
Supports:
- ATmega328P
- ATtiny85
- ATmega2560
- Other classic 8-bit AVR microcontrollers

CPLD JTAG

Supports Intel (formerly Altera) MAX II series.
Compatible with JTAG tools like urJTAG or openFPGALoader.
JTAG signals exposed via GPIO (TDI, TDO, TCK, TMS).

Use Cases

Firmware flashing and in-system programming.
Debugging embedded applications with CMSIS-DAP.
Educational labs and training environments.
Low-cost production line programming.
Boundary-scan tests for hardware bring-up.
CPLD configuration and prototyping.

Resources

Firmware: wagiminator/CH552-DAPLink
CH552 Datasheet: Available from WCH official website.
Tools:
- OpenOCD, PyOCD
- avrdude
- urJTAG, openFPGALoader
Community support: GitHub issues, Reddit, Hackaday, forums.