I have a STK500 from Atmel and I can use it with any AVR chip however I have been "convinced" by Arduino Mini approach and I would like to use MLF ATmega 168 instead of DIP. I would like to ask if anybody could recommend a programmer board for MLF pack or an adapter for the STK500 suitable for arduino's bootloader burning.
Thanks!
Don't know if this will work with the MLF, but I etched a circuit board with the pad for the TQFP (same as the mini-Arduino) and simply held the chip down onto the pad with my finger long enough to set the fuses and burn the bootloader.
Of course, if you have room you can just add an ICSP header to your board and program it that way, or use some adapter if you break out the necessary pins for a mini-style module.
If you're really serious for about US$150 you can get an MLF-32 ZIF socket.
-j
I thought Mini-Arduino was MLF ... at least that's what I have understoof from Massimo's posts. For this project I will have to burn over 1000 chips so 150 doesn't seem so expensive, so if anyone could point me to a source for the "right" adaptor.
I thought Mini-Arduino was MLF ... at least that's what I have understoof from Massimo's posts.
I don't actually own one, but the picture here is a 32 lead TQFP. The MLF package has no leads per se, but has pads on the bottom of the package.
If you're duplicating an Arduino mini, it would be easy to breadboard a programming circuit with a DIP ZIF socket and plug the mini module into the DIP socket, since the new (04) mini has all the ATmega pins needed for ICSP broken out to module pins.
-j
HEy
there is a TQFP adapter here. The 168 comes in 28 pin MLF or DIP packages, as well as 32 pin MLF or TQFP packages. The Atmega168-20AI is the 32 pin TQFP package, the largest at 7 x 7 mm plus pin length.
D
A few days ago I submitted a design for an 28pinto 32pin mlf pdip adapter. Delivery should be in less than 2 weeks.
Here is an image I received from the board manufacturer:
This is a topview of the board. On the outer rows, pins have to be soldered at the bottom (pins on bottom, solder on top). These pins will -should, not tested yet- fit in the Atmega footer on the Ardiuno. Then, for programming you align the mlf32 on the print and pressed lightly while you program the mlf chip. This method should work according to people I have spoken with about this.
Looking for 2-3 beta testers when these show up at my door.
I would be glad to test it. I live in Belgium if that's not too far away for shipping. Send me a pm for contact information.
Thanks for your offer to be one of the beta testers. I am in The Netherlands, so Belgium is perfect. May I ask how much experience you have with Arduino (I noticed you have only 3 posts here, but also realize that doesn't say much about your experience with the Arduino or similar environments)?
For everyone who applies to be a beta tester, I would like you to know that I prefer (and only will consider to be a beta tester) people that:
Please keep in mind that once you have programmed an MLF32 chip with your firmware, you will need something to test it on.
Beta boards will be free of charge, when everything goes well, I estimate these boards will be available for around US$ 15/piece.
CD
Nice, do you mind me asking which pcb manf you used? I've just finished designing a small daisy chain I/O board, and there's soo many pcb prototype makers to choose from.
No, I don't mind asking. I used http://www.batchpcb.com, this is the PCB service from SparkFun. At the end, Gold Phoenix (I think) in China is the manufacturer of the boards.
If you can live with 7-8mil minimum for tracing and spacing, then they seem to be the cheapest around.
Well I have experience with various micro but mainly AVR (hence the STK 500 I have), I use arduino only since 3 months and everything is fine with it since then. I have all the necessary debug equipment including an oscilloscope. I have burned the arduino bootloader to several ATmega 168 DIP, I have used the arduino for controlling motors, Led displays and speakers/buzzers, and interfacing sensors. I have the atmega168 in all different package formats. I use hot air station, hot plate and preheater for surface mount components, with various level of success.
I have no formal education in electronics but I am working on electronic projects since 2 or 3 years. I am more experienced in software but I can definitively read a datasheet, solder and design a pcb, it's not always elegant but it works! If I am interested in Arduino it's mainly for educational purposes and prototyping. If I need surface mount packages, it's for production purposes. Before the end of this year I will use arduino for 2 projects, one must be ready for beginning of november and the other beginning of december. It's quite large scale projects requiring at least 500 MCU. So basically I will be more and more busy with it and I like it 
No, I don't mind asking. I used http://www.batchpcb.com, this is the PCB service from SparkFun. At the end, Gold Phoenix (I think) in China is the manufacturer of the boards.
If you can live with 7-8mil minimum for tracing and spacing, then they seem to be the cheapest around.
Thank you
I received notification that the converter boards are on it's way to me.
Jeromelab has been the only one that has offered to be a beta tester. Anyone else interested?
JD