A resource for 8-bit AVR microcontrollers
An evaluation board — also known as a development board or evaluation kit—is a pre-assembled circuit board designed to help developers, engineers, and hobbyists experiment with a specific microcontroller or system-on-chip. These boards provide everything needed to start prototyping, learning, or debugging, without needing to build a circuit from scratch. For those working with AVR … Read more
LED blink tutorial for 8-bit AVR microcontrollers: Blinking an LED—also known as a blinky LED or flashing LED light—is often the first program you’ll write when learning how to use microcontrollers. In addition it may be referred to as the ‘hello world’ program of embedded systems. It’s simple, satisfying, and demonstrates that your hardware and … Read more
MPLAB X IDE is one of the most powerful tools available for writing, debugging, and programming your firmware for Microchip microcontrollers—whether you are using AVR or PIC. Built on the NetBeans platform, it supports a wide range of devices, tools, and programming workflows suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and professional embedded engineers alike. In this guide, … Read more
The ATtiny85 is a compact yet powerful 8-bit AVR microcontroller that has become a favorite among hobbyists, makers, and even professionals working on space-constrained embedded projects. Its small footprint, low power consumption, and affordable price make it ideal for DIY electronics, wearables, and custom Arduino-compatible builds. Whether you’re just getting started with AVR microcontrollers or … Read more
AVR programming refers to the process of writing software and transferring it to Atmel (now Microchip) AVR microcontrollers. These microcontrollers are popular in DIY electronics, hobbyist projects, and even professional embedded systems. Whether you’re flashing firmware onto an ATmega328P or tinkering with a tiny ATtiny412, understanding how AVR programming works is key to getting your … Read more
If you’re exploring low-level programming in embedded systems, AVR assembly is a great starting point. It offers direct access to hardware on 8-bit AVR microcontrollers like the ATmega and ATtiny series. This article introduces assembly language in general, with examples from various architectures—including practical snippets of AVR assembly to help you understand how these powerful … Read more
In embedded systems, a push button or mechanical switch may seem like the simplest of input devices. But under the hood, there’s a common challenge known as switch bounce—rapid, unintended signal changes caused by the mechanical nature of switches. Without proper switch debounce, these false triggers can confuse digital systems and lead to erratic behavior. … Read more
When working with 8-bit AVR microcontrollers, choosing the right programmer is essential. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned embedded developer, understanding the AVR programmers available to program these chips can save you hours of frustration and debugging. Over the years, Atmel (now Microchip) has produced several official AVR programmers. Some, like … Read more
Embedded systems are at the heart of the digital devices we use every day. From washing machines to cars, from thermostats to medical devices, embedded systems make modern electronics work intelligently and efficiently. If you’re new to the world of embedded development, this guide will help you understand what embedded systems are, what they’re used … Read more
8-bit AVR microcontrollers are among the most popular microcontrollers used in embedded systems, hobby electronics, and automation projects. These microcontrollers provide a balance of simplicity, efficiency, and low power consumption, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced developers alike. Whether you’re building a DIY project, learning about embedded systems, or designing a professional … Read more