Reduce complexity and cost. The USB's bus is replacing the UART in an increasing number of embedded systems. Existing development tools are often based on 32-bit processors or embedded PCs, which require large system memories and an operating system (OS). By offering a complete development platform based on the market-leading AVR 8-bit RISC architecture, Atmel offers a standalone platform that does not require an OS to facilitate the quick development of new applications with USB. Atmel's $30 platform is 10 to 1000 times less expensive than other solutions.

A low-cost and powerful kit. The AT90USBKey connects to a PC without the need of an external power supply for USB device developments. It can also be powered by an external battery for host/OTG developments. The on-board AT90USB1287 AVR Microcontroller features 128 Kbytes of Flash code memory that can be reprogrammed in-system and high-end debugging is allowed with a JTAG connection. The AT90USBKey gives access to all the AVR general-purpose IOs and peripherals: UART, SPI, TWI, Timers, PWM, ADC, etc.

The kit also provides 16 Mbytes of DataFlash(R) demonstrating mass storage applications and containing reference software and documentation. On-board joystick and LEDs allows interaction with the user. Cables and adapters are also included to connect to a variety of USB and OTG devices.

Complete set of royalty-free USB stacks. The following USB standard device classes are supported today in both device and host modes: Human Interface Device (HID), Mass Storage Device (MSD) and Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU). The Communication Device Class (CDC) and the Audio class are supported in device mode while their host mode support is in development. Printer and Hub classes will be supported in 2007. Composite devices with multiple interfaces are already supported in host mode and in device mode.

As an example, the total program code for a DFU, MSD and HID host and device with file management fits in only 24 Kbytes, leaving a large portion of the Flash memory available to support other application needs.

The USB software suite is written in C language with online documentation and HTML documents to accelerate customer development and help with code maintenance and quality. It allows direct compilation with the IAR(R) C compiler and with the WinAVR GCC-based compiler.

Atmel grants customers a license to use the source code for development on Atmel microcontrollers and to distribute the object code without royalties only for Atmel microcontrollers.

Pricing and Availability

The AT90USBKey is available now from Atmel distributors at $30 per unit. The software is free-of-charge and is available for customers qualifying with Atmel limited license agreement.

About Atmel

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are(R).

NOTE: Atmel(R), logo and combinations thereof, Everywhere You Are(R), AVR(R), DataFlash(R) and others, are registered trademarks, or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Information:

Atmel's AT90USBKey product information may be retrieved at: http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=3879

For further information on USB controllers, go to: http://www.atmel.com/products/USB

     Press Contacts:
     Philippe Faure, Marketing Communications Manager - Microcontrollers
     Phone: +33 2 40 18 18 87, Email: Email Contact
     Helen Perlegos, Public Relations - USA and Asia Pacific Rim
     Phone: (+1) 408 487-2963, Email: Email Contact
     Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager - Europe
     Phone: +33 1 30 60 70 68, Fax: + 49 71 31 67 24 23
     Email:  Email Contact

Web site: http://www.atmel.com//