EE 281 Lab 1: Getting Started

The Lab 1 handout gives the basic outline for completing the assignment, but here is additional information to accompany the handout.

Using AVR Studio:

If you want to start working from a computer other than the lab, you must install the AVR Studio software for writing/debugging your code. AVR Studio lets you assemble your code for downloading to a development board, but it will also allow you to simulate the code on your PC. AVR Studio can be downloaded from here: AVR Studio 3.52 IDE

Creating a new project: Select New from the Project menu in AVR Studio (Project->New). After specifying a project name and an appropriate location (the directory containing the .asm and .inc files) , select AVR Assembler from the Project Type box.
Adding source file to project: Select Add File from the Project menu in AVR Studio (Project->Add File...) and specify the location of the .asm file. (You might also want to add the .inc file if you want to take a peek at its contents).
Assembling your code for Simulation: If you want to assemble your code for simulation in AVR Studio (without using the actual development board), you need to make sure that the proper output file format is specfied. Select Project Settings from the Project menu and specify Object format for AVR Studio in the Output file format drop-down list. To run a simulation, select Build and Run from the Project menu. A Simulator Options dialog box should appear, from which you should chose AT90S8515 to match the processor used on the development board. You will then be able to step through your code for testing.
Assembling your code for Downloading to the development board: If you want to assemble your code for downloading to the development board, specify Intel Intellec 8/MDS (Intel Hex) in the Output file format drop-down list. To perform the assembly, select Assemble from the Project menu (or use the shortcut key F7). This generates a .hex file that can be downloaded to the development board using the STK500 programmer built into AVR Studio (as described below):

Programming the STK500 Using AVR Studio:

In order to program the processor on the STK500, you must first connect the serial cable from the development kit to the serial port of your PC. The programming tool for the STK500 can then be accessed by selecting STK500/AVRISP/JTAG from the Tools menu in AVR Studio (Tools->STK500/AVRISP/JTAG ICE). This will pop up an STK500 dialog box. If the serial cable is connected properly, the bottom of the dialog box should indicate that the STK500 was found by the software (example: “Detecting.. STK500 found on COM2:”). You will then need to make sure that the proper options are selected, as described below:

Selecting the proper device: Under the Program tab of the STK dialog box, select AT90S8515 from the Device drop-down list.
Setting the proper programming options: Also under the Program tab, check the Programming mode options. Select the following options: ISP, Erase device before programming, and Verify device after programming.
Selecting the proper input file for programming: Under the Flash heading, browse to the location of the .hex file that AVR Studio has generated upon assembly of your code.
Programming the development board: To program the board, click on Program under the Flash heading. This should program the board and let you know if the operation was performed properly.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Some tips that may be of some help:

Can’t find .hex file for downloading: Read the “Assembling your code for Downloading to the development board” section above.
Problems writing to the device: Make sure that no other application on your system is using the COM1 (or COM2) port. Check that the proper options have been selected (as described above). Advanced: If that doesn’t help, check under the Board tab of the STK dialog box for the Oscillator setting. It should be set at something like 3.69 MHz. Also, make sure that the OSCSEL jumper connects pins 1 & 2 (moved to the right, toward the power connector).
Device writes OK, but code doesn’t work: Make sure that the proper cables are connected for Lab1: A 10-pin cable should connect the Switches connector to the Port D connector and another cable should connect the Port B connector to the LEDS connector on the STK500. This is to match the blink.asm code and this is how the board should have been configured when you received it.

E-mail the TA if you have further questions: This information was intended to help you get started with the basic tools needed to perform Lab 1. If you have further questions or if you find errors in this write-up, please notify the TA.

Last modified: Mon Oct 01 22:12:03 PDT 2001