StackFoundry Blog » AVR32

Important Note on AVR32 Availability

Yann — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:01:17 +0000

Our current stock of the Copper AVR32 module is almost depleted. Currently, Atmel is very behind on the manufacturing and delivery of numerous parts (AVR, AVR32, Dataflash) – our order for more AT32UC3B1256-AU parts is currently scheduled into March of 2011, meaning that once our existing stock runs out we will be unable to ship more Copper AVR32 modules.

AVR32 Software Skeleton – No nonsense build file

Yann — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:37:39 +0000

I have created a no-nonsense skeleton project you can use with the AVR32 GNU Build toolchain, without having to use the AVR32 Software Framework.

The project includes:

A Makefile geared for the AT32UC3B1256 Microcontroller (as on the Copper development board)
The needed trampoline code (for JTAG and other use)
The needed linker script for the microcontroller
Generation of the .elf and .hex images

To add more source files to the project, simply append to the OBJECTS line in the Makefile.

You can grab the Git repository from Gitorious:
http://gitorious.org/avr32-skeleton, or just download the latest snapshot: http://gitorious.org/avr32-skeleton/avr32-skeleton/archive-tarball/master

Copper AVR32 Module – New sale price of $30.99

Yann — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:38:57 +0000

For the month of May, we will be offering the Copper AVR32 module at a new low price of $30.99.

Copper is an AVR32 UC3B1256 mounted on a DIP32 breadboard friendly module, giving you the smallest AVR32 development board available (and one of the cheapest!). Features integrated voltage regulator, USB connector, and in-system programming via the USB port.

AVR32 Software Framework 1.7 Makefiles are broken

Yann — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:21:08 +0000

Word of warning: The Makefiles in the AVR32 Software Framework version 1.7 feature broken GCC Makefiles (hardcoded paths, incomplete files, etc).

For now, make sure you are using an older revision if you don’t need the new UC3C and UC3L files.

We host a local mirror of the 1.5 version: AVR32-SoftwareFramework-AT32UC3-1.5.0.zip

Copper – Expected ship date 2/26/2010

Yann — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:15:29 +0000

Our Copper AVR32 Stick stock is expected to be ready to ship on February 26th! A bit later than we had hoped unfortunately. We are also transitioning to a full make-to-stock system, which should dramatically reduce the time to ship. Previously, we had been customizing each board based on your selections, which added in a 2-5 day delay from order processing to shipping.

Coming soon: new products!

Copper – out of stock, more on the way soon

Yann — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:30:13 +0000

We’ve run out of Coppers! You can backorder now, and we will ship within 1-2 weeks.

We are also planning on upgrading our production, allowing us much shorter order to ship times.

Happy New Year – New International Pricing

Yann — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:13:24 +0000

Happy New Year to everyone! We have been busy fulfilling all of your orders and questions, leaving little time to make posts on the blog. Thank you to everyone who has ordered, making the Copper our best selling product yet.

On the business front, we are announcing new international postal service pricing. You can now get your package delivered to anywhere* in the world for a low fixed price in 6 to 10 days via USPS Priority Mail International. The base price for this service starts at $16. Our old pricing was automatically computed, but often times would return wildly inaccurate prices and overcharge you, causing us to issue partial refunds for shipping. This new flat rate option should simplify everything.

(* You’re out of luck if you’re in a US Trade Embargo country – sorry)

Copper Development Board Quick Start Guide

Yann — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:03:20 +0000

We’ve just posted the Copper AVR32 stick/development board quick start guide, which is available at the download site: http://dl.stackfoundry.org/hardware/copper/

AVR32: Getting up and running with DFU

Yann — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:56:45 +0000

The Copper features an integrated USB bootloader which allows for reprogramming the device with nothing but the USB port. However, it can be a bit confusing to get everything set up correctly (install the trampoline in build rules, use the right linker commands, and get the drivers working), outside of AVR32 Studio or the included AVR32 Software Framework examples (which are a great way to get going by the way).

The most important document is the following PDF from Atmel: http://www.atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod_documents/doc7745.pdf, which is meaty enough to require several read-troughs.

We have prepared the following tips to get running with the DFU:

On Windows, you need to install the Atmel FLIP software, however you cannot use the graphical mode. You must either use the functionality as integrated into AVR32 Studio, or the BatchISP.exe command line as described in the Atmel document (above)
If you are running 64bit Windows (Vista or 7), the drivers which are included with FLIP are not signed. Luckily, there is a community signed version of the drivers available at AVRFreaks.net. This is the same Atmel driver, with a generously donated digital signature so it passes Windows’ new signing requirements.
The AVR32 Studio projects may or may not install the DFU trampoline, depending on the template chosen. Making a project for the EVK1101 reference board will bring in the necessary magic automatically, otherwise you need to add the Trampoline.s file to your build project.
For command line/Makefile driven builds, the Atmel document provides the needed commands to add. Or, us one of the examples in the AVR32 Software Framework (the CDC Example for the UC3B1256 is a good starting point).
If the USB DFU functionality does not appear in AVR32 Studio under targets (as described in the Atmel document), try changing the target type of the AVR32 Simulator first. Often, this will make the option available for “New Targets” (a random glitch).

A Wiki with more collaborative information is in the works, so stay tuned!

Copper pre-orders now accepted, new products and widgets

Yann — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:48:20 +0000

Copper on a breadboard

Our AVR32 DIP-module board (Copper) is now open to pre-orders! For $26.99 (plus shipping and handling) you too can bring one home. We are expecting the orders to ship before November 25th, but depending on demand and any glitches, the ship date may be pushed back. As part of the StackFoundry pre-order guarantee, you can cancel and receive a full refund at any time before the product ships, after which the standard warranty and return policy applies.

We have also posted a smattering of new products:

A cool electromechanical solenoid activated counter
USB cables – you can never have enough
High precision temperature sensors on 6 feet of wire – perfect for your next weather station project
Logic ICs – You can never have enough 74 series logic

Thats it for now!