PIC-CONTROL | Custom Electronic Solution

Loading Arduino Bootloader to brand new ATMEL Microcontroller

13-Aug-201914-Feb-2017

This article is written as a guide to loading an Arduino bootloader or firmware onto a brand new ATMEL microcontroller IC chip.

When you first purchase a legitimate ATMEL ATMEGA16U2 chip, it is actually loaded with a default DFU firmware. If you did not purchase the microcontroller from the legitimate source, there might not be any firmware pre-loaded inside. In this case, you can only load the bootloader firmware using the ATMEL ICSP programmer method.

If you built the basic USB circuit using the ATMEL microcontroller and plugged it into your computer’s Windows Operating System (example Win7), you should be able to see a USB device name “ATmega16U2” under a folder libusb-win32 devices in the Win7 Device Manager.

Basic USB circuit for ATMEGA16U2

Click to enlarge the basic USB ATMEGA16U2 schematic circuit.

Using the ATMEL FLIP software, you will be able to load firmware or bootloader using its default ATMEL DFU bootloader. You can download this FLIP software from ATMEL website. Or you can download here,

JRE – Flip Installer – 3.4.7.112.exe, (21MB, updated August 2012), FLIP 3.4.7 for Windows (Java Runtime Environment included)

Uploading Arduino USB Serial Firmware via FLIP

Plug the USB circuit to your computer. You should see the ATmega16U2 device in the Win7 Device Manager. This is the default DFU firmware loaded in the ATMEGA16U2 microcontroller chip. It is also known as the DFU mode.
Install and execute ATMEL FLIP software.
Select the microcontroller. Click “Device”>”Select…”, or use the shortcut key <Ctrl>+S. Select the microcontroller “ATMEGA16U2”.
Select the communication. Click “Settings”>”Communication”>”USB”, or use the shortcut key <Ctrl>+U.
A dialogue box may appear. Then click open.
Download this USB serial firmware for ATMEGA16U2. For ATMEGA8U2, you can download the USB serial firmware here.
- Arduino-usbserial-atmega16u2-Uno-Rev3.hex (11Kbyte, for ATMEGA16U2)
- Arduino-usbserial-uno.hex (11Kbyte, for ATMEGA8U2)
Load the firmware on the FLIP software. Click “File”>”Load HEX File…”>”Arduino-usbserial-atmega16u2-Uno-Rev3.hex”
Ensure the check box is checked. “Erase”, “Program” and “Verify”
Click “Run”.
Once the firmware is loaded, you can unplug the USB connection and plugged it back to your computer. You should be able to see in your device manager as “Arduino Uno” under the section “Ports (COM & LPT)” instead of the previous “ATMEGA16U2” device.
The ATMEGA16U2 is now loaded with the USB serial firmware which is used in a typical Arduino UNO board. Your ATMEGA16U2 microcontroller is now a USB serial (CDC) or USB to serial communication converter. The same converter IC chip used in Arduino UNO board.

Upload DFU Bootloader to brand new ATMEL USB Microcontroller

For the ATMEL microcontroller which does not have the default DFU firmware pre-load into it, you can load the following DFU hex file for the respective ATMEL microcontroller chip.

Since the microcontroller does not have a bootloader, the only way to load this DFU to the microcontroller via an ATMEL ICSP programmer. The instruction guide for the uploading of a firmware using an ICSP programmer can be found here.

Upload Arduino Bootloader into ATMEGA328P Microcontroller

For the ATMEL Microcontroller ATMEGA328P used in Arduino UNO, the Arduino bootloader can be upload using an Arduino ICSP programmer with the Arduino IDE (integrated development environment) Software.

Run the Arduino IDE software.
Select “Arduino UNO” from the Tools > Board menu.
Select “ArduinoISP” from Tools > Programmer (depending on the programmer that you are using)
Run Tools > Burn Bootloader

Now your ATMEGA328P microcontroller is loaded with the Arduino bootloader firmware.

Take Note for ATMEGA328 Microcontroller

Uploading of bootloader for ATMEGA328 (signature ID 0x1e 0x95 0x14) is different from ATMEGA328P (signature ID 0x1e 0x95 0x0F).

Check out the following webpage if you want to upload the bootloader to ATMEGA328.

Other Arduino Related Services

AC-DC Power Supply

25-Mar-201713-Feb-2017

power supply open frame

AC-DC Power (Meanwell open-frame G3 series)

110-230Vac input

AC-DC power supply 15W in Singapore AC-DC power supply 75W in Singapore

Model for Meanwell AC-DC Power Supply	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
RS-15-3.3	3.3V	3.0A	51 x 62.5 x 28 mm
RS-25-3.3	3.3V	6.0A	51 x 78 x 28 mm
RS-35-3.3	3.3V	7.0A	82 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-50-3.3	3.3V	10A	97 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-75-3.3	3.3V	15A	98 x 129 x 38 mm
RS-100-3.3	3.3V	20A	97 x 159 x 38 mm
RS-150-3.3	3.3V	30A	98 x 199 x 38 mm
	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
RS-15-5	5V	3.0A	51 x 62.5 x 28 mm
RS-25-5	5V	5.0A	51 x 78 x 28 mm
RS-35-5	5V	7.0A	82 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-50-5	5V	10A	97 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-75-5	5V	12A	98 x 129 x 38 mm
RS-100-5	5V	16A	97 x 159 x 38 mm
RS-150-5	5V	26A	98 x 199 x 38 mm
	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
RS-15-12	12V	1.3A	51 x 62.5 x 28 mm
RS-25-12	12V	2.1A	51 x 78 x 28 mm
RS-35-12	12V	3.0A	82 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-50-12	12V	4.2A	97 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-75-12	12V	6A	98 x 129 x 38 mm
RS-100-12	12V	8.5A	97 x 159 x 38 mm
RS-150-12	12V	12.5A	98 x 199 x 38 mm
	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
RS-15-15	15V	1.0A	51 x 62.5 x 28 mm
RS-25-15	15V	1.7A	51 x 78 x 28 mm
RS-35-15	15V	2.4A	82 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-50-15	15V	3.4A	97 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-75-15	15V	5.0A	98 x 129 x 38 mm
RS-100-15	15V	7.0A	97 x 159 x 38 mm
RS-150-15	15V	10A	98 x 199 x 38 mm
	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
RS-15-24	24V	0.6A	51 x 62.5 x 28 mm
RS-25-24	24V	1.1A	51 x 78 x 28 mm
RS-35-24	24V	1.5A	82 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-50-24	24V	2.2A	97 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-75-24	24V	3.2A	98 x 129 x 38 mm
RS-100-24	24V	4.5A	97 x 159 x 38 mm
RS-150-24	24V	6.5A	98 x 199 x 38 mm
	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
RS-15-48	48V	0.3A	51 x 62.5 x 28 mm
RS-25-48	48V	0.57A	51 x 78 x 28 mm
RS-35-48	48V	0.8A	82 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-50-48	48V	1.1A	97 x 99 x 36 mm
RS-75-48	48V	1.6A	98 x 129 x 38 mm
RS-100-48	48V	2.3A	97 x 159 x 38 mm
RS-150-48	48V	3.3A	98 x 199 x 38 mm

Positive Negative Supply	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
RQ-50B	±5V, ±12V	1.0A per output	97 x 99 x 36 mm
RQ-50C	±5V, ±15V	1.0A per output	97 x 99 x 36 mm

UPS (SLA battery)	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
AD-55A	13.8V (adjustable)	4A	97 x 152.5 x 38 mm
SCP-35-12	13.8V (adjustable)	2.6A	99 x 97 x 36 mm
SCP-50-12	13.8V (adjustable)	3.6A	129 x 98 x38 mm
SCP-75-12	13.8V (adjustable)	5.4A	159 x 97 x 38 mm

Motor Power Supply	Voltage Output	Current (maximum)	Size (mm)
EDR-7548 (EDR-75 series power supply for running motor)	48V	1.6A	35 x 125.2 x 102 mm
	Especially suitable for motor where it may at times draw high current which may activate the protective feature of a normal power supply.

Meanwell Power Supply Series

G3 Series (normal power supply)
NE Series
SE Series (Withstand 300Vac surge input for 5 sec)
PFC Series (built-in active Power Factor Correction)
Harsh Environment Series
DIN Series (DIN rail mount)
Security Series (Power Supply with UPS function, Battery Charger), AD-55A
DC-DC Converter Switching Power Supply
Industrial Adaptor

PCB Standoff

02-Apr-202210-Feb-2017

PCB Standoff

Brass (most common)
Plated Steel
Nylon

brass PCB standoff Nylon PCB standoff

These PCB standoffs available in brass, steel or nylon material. The threaded ends are for typically M3 and M4 screw size. One side can be a male thread and the other end a female thread. Both end female thread is also quite common. The standoff length is usually in millimetres (even number, example: 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, etc…

Nylon is light in weight and has a non-magnetic property like brass. Screws and nuts are also available.

PCB Standoff Base

The PCB standoff base can be secured underneath the PCB board and provide your board with the support. This can lift up the PCB board so that the bottom side will not be touching the table surface. This is useful especially if the table is metallic or there are many metal parts laying around. A simple standoff base will reduce the chance of accidental short-circuit, without having to spend time and money on a casing.

These bases come with a double sided adhesive tape below. It allows you to secure it onto a casing or a surface plate easily.

Adhesive Standoff Base with M3 nut thread for securing to PCB board

PCb Standoff Base (Black color, M3) PCB Standoff Base illustration

Screwless Standoff Base

Nylon PCB Standoff base for hole size 4mm PCB Standoff Base illustration

背胶固定座 PCB M3

SMD PCB Standoff / Spacer (surface mount)

https://www.dmtl.co.uk/product-series/smd-pcb-spacers-standoffs-power-elements-for-high-current-applications-smt-terminal-blocks

USB Thumbdrive Logger using VNC1L chip (VDIP1)

25-Nov-202007-Feb-2017

VDIP1 USB module is base on VNC1L from FTDI Chip.

VDIP1 module product using VNC1L chip from FTDI Chip

VDIP1 Pinout & Settings

Set jumper to UART (J3=J4= 2+3), as shown by the Red dotted rectangular box in the picture.
Default UART configuration: baudrate 9600bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity

Pin 01	5V
Pin 06	TXD (UART data output)
Pin 07	Gnd
Pin 08	RXD (UART data input)
Pin 09	RTS (VNC1L can only accept incoming data when RTS is low)
Pin 10	CTS (tie to Gnd to permanently request send data into VNC1L chip)
Pin 18	Gnd
Pin 22	!Reset (A reset pin)

VDIP1 schematic taken from the datasheet.

VNC1L chip datasheet.

VNC1L chip command.

VNC1L Logger Application Notes.

Download test script for VDIP1 module using docklight.

Comments

every command must end with 0x0D

VDIP1 Evaluation

1) When VDIP1 is powered up, it will send out the following text
-> “<CR>Ver 03.68VDAPF On-Line:<CR>”

2) When a thumdrive is connected
-> “Device Detected P2<CR>
No Upgrade<CR>
D:\><CR>”

3) When ascii command DIR<CR> is issued.
-> <CR>
SYSTEM~1 DIR<CR>
D:\><CR>

Short command evaluation (Hex data)

1) Check for presence of a disk
(when there is no thumbdrive plugged in)
Send -> 0D
Receive <- “No Disk<CR>”

(when there is thumbdrive plugged in)
Send -> 0D
Receive <- “D:\><CR>”

2) Switch to short command mode.
Send -> 10 0D
Receive <- 3E 0D (mean command accepted)

3) Repeat command checking for presence of a disk (in short command mode)
(when there is thumbdrive plugged in)
Send -> 0D
Receive <- 3E 0D

When thumbdrive is unplugged
Receive <- 44 52 32 0D “DR2<CR>” (slave device removed from port 2)
Receive <- 4E 44 0D “ND<CR>” (no disk)

(when there is no thumbdrive plugged in)
Send -> 0D
Receive <- 4E 44 0D “ND<CR>”

Sounder and Beacon Alarm Alert

12-Jun-201805-Feb-2017

Klaxon Sounder Beacon Products.

Dustproof and waterproof (IP65 for deep base version).
32 Sound Tones to choose from.
Volume control.
Red/Amber Beacon light.
Quick and simple to install.

Suitable for Fire alarm alert, hazardous area, security public warning, railway and marine.

Sounder

Sound alarm as an alert to passerby people. Sound range about 10-50m on an open space outdoor environment.

Sounder product brochure (sounder-sonos.pdf)

Sounder Beacon

Visual alert with sound alarm and a strobe light to warn people about the danger ahead or hazard work in progress.

Sounder Beacon product brochure (sounder-beacon-sonos.pdf)

Alarm Tone to choose from

Click on the following sound file to listen to the range of alarm tone that you can select from your sounder beacon.

LCD Display Alphanumeric & Dot Matrix

23-Nov-202004-Feb-2017

Commonly available LCD display (alphanumeric, dot matrix) configuration and dimension.

Alphanumeric LCD Display (16 x 2, 1602)

2.95 x 5.15mm character size, 16 Chars x 2 Lines. Commonly available.

Pin-out

Pin No.	Name	Function
1	Gnd
2	5V
3	VEE	Contrast adjustment voltage
4	RS	Register select (1=data, 0=instruction)
5	R/!W	1=read, 0=write
6	E	Enable
7	D0	Data bit 0
8-13	D1-D6	Data bit 1-6
14	D7	Data bit 7
15	A	LED + (Backlight)
16	K	LED – (Backlight)

Reference:

http://www.circuitstoday.com/a-note-on-character-lcd-displays

Alphanumeric LCD Display (20 x 4, 2004)

5mm character size, 20 Chars x 4 Lines (MIDAS LCD Display)

Pin-out

same as the alphanumeric LCD display above.

Dot Matrix LCD Display (128 x 64, 12864)

Pin No.	Name	Function
1	5V
2	Gnd
3	V0	Contrast adjustment voltage
4	D0	Data bit 0
5	D1-D6	Data bit 1-6
6	D7	Data bit 7
7	CS2	Chip select signal for IC2
8-13	CS1	Chip select signal for IC1
14	!RST	Reset Signal
15	R/!W	1=read, 0=write
16	RS	Register select (1=data, 0=instruction)
17	E	Enable
18	VEE	Contrast adjustment voltage
19	A	LED + (Backlight)
20	K	LED – (Backlight)

Check out the documentation for the display controller chip KS0108 or T6963c. Application notes for T6963c

Reference:

http://embeddedlaboratory.blogspot.sg/2016/06/graphical-lcd-128×64-part-1.html

Raw LCD Display (TN, HTN, STN, FSTN LCD Display)

This screen module is typically has to be custom made. Each pixel is a patch of custom graphic. The advantage of use this raw display is the low power consumption.

The pin out will be unique to each custom display panel. The pins are usually consist of SEGMENTS and COMMONS. These are like vertical and horizontal pins which can allows time multiplexing of the pixel display to reduce the number of pins required.

The disadvantge of this display is the need to drive each pixel with an alternating voltage. This makes it troublesome to drive. A driver is usually used for this LCD interface. Example of a driver will be for example, HOLTEK HT1621B, HT1620, HT1621, HT1622, HT16220, HT1623, HT1625, HT1626.

There is a term “bias”. This basically means the multiplexing. 1/2 means it is multiplexing 2 columns, 1/3 means multiplexing 3 columns. The more it multiplex, the quality (contrast) of the LCD display gets lower due to the lower display frequency. As long as the display frequency is >30Hz, you shouldn’t see any flickering.

For more raw LCD customise information, check out the following link.

http://www.displaybly.com/lcd-news/11-points-confirm-before-quote-a-custom-lcd-screen/

Other LCD driver

HT1621B (48 TSSOP)
tm1668
PCF8576 (56 TSSOP)
AY0438 (DIP-40)
PCF2100CT (SO28, 2COMx20SEG)
PCF2111T (VSO-40, 2COMx32SEG)
PCF2112C (VSO-40)

Simple LCD driver for 1x COM

74HC164

Elastomeric Strips for raw LCD panel module

Elastomeric strips is a special rubber cushion material which acts as a cushion and conductor for tracks. It is often found with non-pins raw LCD module.

Rubber Strips on LCD panel module, Elastomeric strips

Design Resource for Electronics Engineer

03-Dec-202004-Feb-2017

Commonly Available Electronic Components for Design Engineers

This is the main reference page which provides a list of the commonly available electronic components, parts, accessories for your electronic design selection.

If you are an electronic designer, you are welcome to bookmark this page for your future design reference.

Connectors

PCB Mount Connectors

Passive Components

Capacitor Types (selection)

Ceramic capacitor
Polymer capacitor
Film capacitor (Metallized film, Foil firm, Polypropylene film or PP film, Polyyester film, etc…)
Aluminum Electrolytic capacitors
Tantalum Electrolytic capacitors
Niobium Electrolytic capacitors
Super capacitor
Silver Mica capacitor
Variable capacitor
etc…

smd, surface mount
through hole
radial style
screw terminal

Display

LCD Display Alphanumeric & Dot Matrix

Switches

Switches
PCB mount tactile switches
Metalic panel mount switches

Microcontrollers

Microchip Microcontrollers Selection
Atmel Microcontrollers Selection

PCB Accessories

PCB Standoff

Cable Selection Guide

Belden cable selection.

AC Power Plug

UK Plug (3 pins)
EU Plug (2 pins)
IEC C13 plug (230Vac, 10A)
IEC C7 plug (230Vac, 2.5A)

Reference:

International plug reference: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
https://www.interpower.com/ic/designers/designing-for-export/guides-and-charts/IEC-60320-Appliance-and-Interconnection-Couplers.html

Product Accessories for Projects

Mechanical Resources

Mechanical prototyping
Materials
Screws, washer, nuts, mechanical accessories
Cable grommet, cable watertight gland
Rubber feet for enclosure (rubber leg base for casing)

Software

Electrical Single Line Drawing Schematic Tools

ProfiCAD, https://www.proficad.com/

Admin Tools

Screenshot capture tool, https://app.prntscr.com/en/index.html

Others

Automated Awning Shade Wiring for Rain Sensor

15-Sep-201923-Jan-2017

Automated Awning Shade using a Rain Sensor

Automated awning will open its shade when the weather is raining, and retract the shade when the sky turns fine. A rain sensor is used to detect the rain. A switch can be wired for manual or automatic control of the motorised awning shade.

Automated Awning Shade, Rain Sensor Wiring

An example of the automated awning rain sensor wiring for the automatic and manual control of the shade.

The cable to the outdoor rain sensor needs a minimum of 3 wires to work. A jumper wire can be wired inside the rain sensor to supply the 12V supply to the internal relay. This will enable the output (NO, normally open) to be energised when the rain sensor is activated. Hence a minimum of 3 wires is enough for the rain sensor. For a more flexible implementation, we will recommend 4-5 wires connection.

Check out the step by step rain sensor installation guide, for more details.

Automated rain sensor awning shelter wiring.

Rain Sensor Automated System Integration

Automatic rain sensing awning passenger waiting for a taxi

The automatic awning will be opened up when the rain sensor detects raining activity. The sensitivity of the rain detection can be adjusted.

If the rain activity has stopped, the awning will remain opened for about 2-3 minutes before it starts to retract the awning up. If a longer time period is needed, you can set the DIP switch no. 4 on the sensor to extend the resting time to 15 minutes.

Auto rain sensing or manual awning control switch

An operator can select “Auto” mode on the switch, which allows the rain sensor to open the awning automatically when it rains. The “Manual” mode allows the operator to manually open or retract the awning with the Up/Down switch on the righthand side.

You can refer to the wiring diagram as featured in the previous section above.

You may like to check a wireless or network rain sensor notification system for a more integrated information technology system.

Check out this page for more information about this wet weather rain sensor.

Contact PIC-CONTROL for a custom automated rain sensor control system today.

Basic USB circuit for ATMEGA16U2

Uploading Arduino USB Serial Firmware via FLIP

Upload DFU Bootloader to brand new ATMEL USB Microcontroller

Upload Arduino Bootloader into ATMEGA328P Microcontroller

Take Note for ATMEGA328 Microcontroller

Other Arduino Related Services

Meanwell Power Supply Series

Mechanical Design Companies in Singapore

Mechanical Prototyping Companies in Singapore

Laser Cutting and laser marking service companies in Singapore

Silkscreen Printing Service in Singapore

Stencil

Workshop

Others

Common Physical Communication Layer

Other Physical Communication Layer

Protocol Layer on the common Physical Layer

Other Protocol Layer

PCB Standoff

PCB Standoff Base

Adhesive Standoff Base with M3 nut thread for securing to PCB board

Screwless Standoff Base

SMD PCB Standoff / Spacer (surface mount)

VDIP1 Pinout & Settings

VDIP1 schematic taken from the datasheet.

Comments

VDIP1 Evaluation

Short command evaluation (Hex data)

Sounder

Sounder Beacon

Alarm Tone to choose from

Alphanumeric LCD Display (16 x 2, 1602)

Pin-out

Alphanumeric LCD Display (20 x 4, 2004)

Pin-out

Dot Matrix LCD Display (128 x 64, 12864)

Raw LCD Display (TN, HTN, STN, FSTN LCD Display)

Other LCD driver

Simple LCD driver for 1x COM

Elastomeric Strips for raw LCD panel module

Commonly Available Electronic Components for Design Engineers

Connectors

Passive Components

Capacitor Types (selection)

Display

Switches

Microcontrollers

PCB Accessories

Cable Selection Guide

AC Power Plug

Product Accessories for Projects

Mechanical Resources

Software

Electrical Single Line Drawing Schematic Tools

Admin Tools

Others

Automated Awning Shade using a Rain Sensor

Automated Awning Shade, Rain Sensor Wiring

Rain Sensor Automated System Integration