How do I send a file to a microcontroller for programming using a computer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the methods for programming DIP microcontrollers using a computer, specifically focusing on file transfer techniques such as using JTAG and other interfaces. Participants explore the practical aspects of sending programming files like .s19 to microcontrollers, as well as the necessary hardware and software requirements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in programming DIP microcontrollers and questions how to send programming files to them, noting the convenience of development boards with USB interfaces.
  • Another participant suggests that JTAG is commonly used for programming microcontrollers and indicates that a development kit may be necessary for debugging purposes.
  • A participant shares their confusion about implementing JTAG programming and mentions researching the COP implementation for Freescale microcontrollers.
  • One participant, while not an expert in JTAG, advises checking the electrical characteristics of a JTAG port and suggests the possibility of coupling it to a COM port for DIY programming solutions.
  • Another participant recommends using a development kit for first-time users, citing personal experience with a Microchip development kit that facilitated learning through debugging features.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to programming microcontrollers, with differing opinions on the necessity of development kits versus direct programming methods. There is also uncertainty regarding the implementation details of JTAG and COP.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various interfaces and methods without fully resolving the technical specifics or requirements for programming microcontrollers. There are references to electrical characteristics and software tools that remain unexplored.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in microcontroller programming, hobbyists exploring DIY electronics, and those seeking practical advice on interfacing computers with microcontrollers may find this discussion relevant.

seang
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I'm thinking about buying a few DIP microcontrollers just for fooling around's sake. I think I'll be able to figure most things out except this: how do I send the necessary file (for example, .s19 for freescale mcs) to the microcontroller.

In school we have development boards which sort of magically have USB cables which do that part for us. Is there a pin for this on the chip? Will I have to build a USB interface or something?
 
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Usually JTAG interface is used to program the uC, without those fancy dev.kit. No, if you only want to program the uC, JTAG-mode will suffice, but as soon as you start debugging (e.g single step execution) then, you'll need a real dev.kit.
 
alright, I read up on it a bit. I get what it is but I still have no idea how to implement it. Say I have the uC and a computer, what do I do?

I'll be using a freescale uC, and wikipedia tells me that their implementation is called COP. I'll be reading about that next if I can find anything

thanks
 
seang said:
alright, I read up on it a bit. I get what it is but I still have no idea how to implement it. Say I have the uC and a computer, what do I do?

I'll be using a freescale uC, and wikipedia tells me that their implementation is called COP. I'll be reading about that next if I can find anything

thanks

I'm no expert on JTAG programming, since I'm using a dev.kit from microchip, but you should check electrical characteristics of a JTAG port and check if you can directly couple it to a COM port on your computer and use some DIY software to directly program the device. Take a http://www.freescale.com/webapp/search/MainSERP.jsp?" for "jtag programming", it came up with 10+ results.

For first time users I still would recommend a dev.kit, since it is perfect for debugging. I invested some money into microchip dspic33 dev kit with debugging option and I can't complain, since i learned a lot from running single step execution on a programs that a write, hence learning a lot about how the uC works.
 
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