1 Microchip Development and Programming Tools

To identify the correct programming and debugging tool for a microcontroller from Microchip, go to the microcontroller product webpage and from the quick access links above the product name, click the development tools icon (See Figure 1.1). This will show a list of development tools for the product. The SAM-ICE™ supports programming and debugging of all SAM microcontrollers. SAM devices can also be programmed using the SAM-BA® bootloader (with various interface options). The Atmel-ICE is a programming and debugging tool that supports all of the AVR and SAM microcontrollers. AVR microcontrollers can also be programmed using the AVRISP mkII. However, note that the AVRISP mkII does not support debugging.

Note: The above mentioned programming tools are not recommended for production programming as they are designed for development environments. SAM-BA can be considered as an exception, as it does not depend on a physical tool, but the software only.

SAM-ICE: http://www.microchip.com/developmenttools/productdetails.aspx?partno=at91sam-ice

SAM-BA programming: http://www.microchip.com/developmenttools/productdetails.aspx?partno=atmel+sam-ba+in-system+programmer

AVRISP mkII: http://www.microchip.com/developmenttools/productdetails.aspx?partno=atavrisp2

Atmel-ICE: http://www.microchip.com/DevelopmentTools/ProductDetails.aspx?PartNO=atatmel-ice

Atmel-ICE for AVR® Programming In Mass Production: ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/00002466A.pdf

Figure 1-1. Development Tools Icon