How To Program Attiny12 With Arduino

Overview of ATtiny12

The ATtiny12 is a small microcontroller, part of the Atmel AVR family, known for its low power consumption and compact size. Typically utilized in projects where space is limited, it features 1 KB of flash memory, 64 bytes of SRAM, and 32 general-purpose I/O lines. Despite its small footprint, it is capable of performing a range of operations, making it a popular choice for various embedded applications.

Required Components and Tools

To program the ATtiny12 using an Arduino board, several components are needed:

1. Arduino Board: Any Arduino model (like Arduino Uno, Nano, etc.) can be used as a programmer.
2. ATtiny12 Microcontroller: The main component to be programmed.
3. Breadboard and Jumper Wires: To establish connections between the Arduino and ATtiny12.
4. 10 µF Capacitor: To be used between the reset and ground of the Arduino to disable its auto-reset feature during programming.
5. Arduino IDE: The software platform to write and upload sketches.
6. AVRDUDE: This typically comes with the Arduino IDE and is used for flashing the code.

Setting Up the Arduino as a Programmer

Before programming the ATtiny12, it is essential to set up the Arduino board properly. This involves configuring the Arduino to act as an ISP (In-System Programmer).

1. Install the Arduino IDE: Make sure you have the latest version of the Arduino IDE installed on your computer.
2. Open Examples: In the IDE, navigate to File > Examples > ArduinoISP. This will open the sketch necessary for programming the ATtiny12.
3. Upload the ArduinoISP Sketch: Connect your Arduino to your computer, select the appropriate board and COM port from the tools menu, and upload the ArduinoISP sketch. This sets the Arduino to function as a programmer.

Wiring the ATtiny12 to the Arduino

Proper wiring is crucial for programming the ATtiny12. Follow these steps:

1. Connect VCC (Power): Connect the VCC pin of the ATtiny12 to the 5V pin on the Arduino.
2. Connect GND: Connect the GND pin of the ATtiny12 to a GND pin on the Arduino.
3. Connect the ISP Pins:
   • ATtiny12 Pin 1 (RESET) -> Arduino Pin 10
   • ATtiny12 Pin 6 (MISO) -> Arduino Pin 12
   • ATtiny12 Pin 5 (MOSI) -> Arduino Pin 11
   • ATtiny12 Pin 7 (SCK) -> Arduino Pin 13
4. Add the Capacitor: Place the 10 µF capacitor between the RESET pin and GND on the Arduino to prevent interference with the programming process.

Configuring Arduino IDE for ATtiny12

The Arduino IDE doesn’t directly support ATtiny12, so additional steps are necessary to configure it:

1. Add ATtiny Core: Navigate to File > Preferences and in the “Additional Board Manager URLs” textbox, enter the URL for a core that supports ATtiny, like http://diyhacking.com/arduino-board-support.
2. Install the Core: Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager, search for the ATtiny core, and install it.
3. Select ATtiny12 Board: Go to Tools > Board and select ATtiny12 from the list.
4. Set the Clock Speed: Usually, ATtiny12 runs at 1 MHz by default. Ensure the clock speed matches your setup in the Tools menu.

Uploading the Sketch

With everything set up, you can now upload your code:

1. Write Your Code: Create a new sketch or use an existing one. Make sure to utilize the appropriate libraries compatible with ATtiny12.
2. Select the Programmer: Navigate to Tools > Programmer and select “Arduino as ISP.”
3. Upload the Code: Click on Sketch > Upload Using Programmer or press Ctrl + Shift + U to upload the sketch to the ATtiny12. Ensure that no errors appear during this process.

Verifying the Upload

To ensure the code has been uploaded correctly, implement the following:

1. Connect the Circuit: If the circuit includes output devices (like LEDs), connect them according to your application design.
2. Test the Functionality: Power the ATtiny12 circuit and validate that it executes the intended program. This may involve interacting with buttons or checking GPIO states.

FAQ

1. Can I program the ATtiny12 without an Arduino?
Yes, you can use a dedicated AVR programmer or another microcontroller as a programmer, but this method requires additional hardware.

2. What can I do if the upload fails?
Check all wiring connections to ensure they are secure. Ensure the correct COM port and board are selected in the Arduino IDE. Also, try using a fresh sketch or examining the code for errors.

3. Are there any libraries specific to ATtiny12?
While many Arduino libraries can be used, compatibility with ATtiny12 may vary. It is essential to test and, if necessary, modify libraries designed for larger Arduino boards for use with the ATtiny12.