What is it?

This is an ICSP programming adapter for Microchip/Atmel ATtiny45, ATtiny85 and ATtiny13a DIP8 thru-hole chips, allowing simple flashing of these MCUs after they have been soldered to the PCB. It adapts between the 6-pin DIP pinout of most Atmel-compatible programmers to the 8-pin DIP8 chip format, without need for on-board programming headers. The adapter is just pressed over the chip, the spring-loaded pogo-pins provide reliable contacts, then hit your programming key and GO!

Note: Product for sale is the adapter ONLY. User must supply the AVR-compatible programmer and ribbon cable.

Why did you make it?

I was tired of committing PCB real-estate to 6-pin DIP programming headers, or struggling with clothes-pin style chip-clips once my ATtiny chips were soldered in place on the PCB. Not to mention eliminating complex trace routing of programming headers.

Use Cases:
- Flashing DIP8 MCUs prior to population on PCB.
- Re-flashing for code updates after population during small-production runs.
- Code updates for maintenance releases after-the-sale.

What makes it special?

• Spring-loaded Pogo-Pin contacts make the interface to the MCU super-reliable.
• Very little pressure is required.
• Uses a standard 6-PIN DIP style ICSP cable with normal Atmel programmer pinout.
• Chip orientation is clearly marked on the adapter.
• DIP cable orientation is locked via standard ribbon-cable key-slot.
• Precise physical tolerances guarantee accurate fit to MCU pads.
• Inter-pin separators prevent accidental shorts between pins while programming.
• No need to use up precious PCB space for a 6-pin DIP header.
• The adapter can be used to pre-program chips prior to soldering, by just pressing against a DIP8 chip mounted in a breadboard or held in a perfboard.
• Makes post-assembly software updates painless.
• Durable ABS and resin construction.
• This item is made by me in the USA.

Please see my other listings for programming adapters for ATtiny85/45 surface-mount packages.