AN2468

Production Programming of Microchip AVR

and

SAM Microcontrollers

Description

This application note covers both AVR

and SAM microcontrollers, but not PIC

microcontrollers.

AVR and SAM microcontrollers are Flash-based, therefore, the program memory needs to be

programmed with a firmware image for the end-product to operate as desired. During development it is

recommended to use the combined programming and debugging tools from Microchip, which integrate

directly in the Atmel Studio IDE. However, for production programming, it is recommended to use third-

party programming tools that are intended for industrial environments. Another option is to order the

microcontrollers preprogrammed from Microchip or from a programming house.

Features

• Microchip Technology Inc. Programming Solutions

•

Third-Party Programming Solutions

• Programming Services

Application Note

DS00002468D-page 1

Table of Contents

Description.......................................................................................................................1

Features.......................................................................................................................... 1

1. Microchip Development and Programming Tools...................................................... 4

2. Preprogrammed Microcontrollers.............................................................................. 5

3. Third-Party Programming Tools.................................................................................6

4. Introduction of Listed Third-Party Programming Offerings........................................ 9

4.1. Advantech Equipment.................................................................................................................. 9

4.2. ASIX............................................................................................................................................. 9

4.3. BPM Microsystems.......................................................................................................................9

4.4. Data I/O......................................................................................................................................10

4.5. Dataman..................................................................................................................................... 11

4.6. EE Tools, Inc...............................................................................................................................11

4.7. Elnec...........................................................................................................................................11

4.8. Elprotronic Inc............................................................................................................................ 12

4.9. Equinox Technologies................................................................................................................ 12

4.10. HI-LO Systems........................................................................................................................... 12

4.11. Leap Electronic Co., Ltd............................................................................................................. 13

4.12. MikroElektronika.........................................................................................................................13

4.13. Opteeq Technologies Ltd............................................................................................................13

4.14. Phyton, Inc................................................................................................................................. 13

4.15. Ronetix....................................................................................................................................... 14

4.16. RPM Systems.............................................................................................................................14

4.17. SMH Technologies..................................................................................................................... 14

4.18. Softlog Systems......................................................................................................................... 15

4.19. System General..........................................................................................................................15

4.20. Xeltec Inc....................................................................................................................................15

5. Programming Houses..............................................................................................17

6. How to Register as a Third-Party Design Partner................................................... 18

7. Revision History.......................................................................................................19

The Microchip Web Site................................................................................................ 21

Customer Change Notification Service..........................................................................21

Customer Support......................................................................................................... 21

Microchip Devices Code Protection Feature................................................................. 21

AN2468

Application Note

DS00002468D-page 2