SPIDER Automation Adafruit High Voltage UPDI Friend | CH340E USB Serial UPDI Programmer | For ATtiny Programming & Embedded Development
Description
The Adafruit High Voltage UPDI Friend is a compact USB serial programming interface designed to simplify programming and communication with modern ATtiny microcontrollers that use the UPDI programming interface. It provides a convenient bridge between a computer and the target microcontroller, making it suitable for embedded firmware development, programming, prototyping and development-board workflows.
The programmer supports selectable 3V and 5V power and logic levels, allowing it to interface with target systems operating at different logic voltages. Its integrated CH340E USB serial converter provides computer connectivity, while the USB Type-C connector handles the board’s power and data connection.
For target-side connectivity, the board includes a JST SH cable and 0.1-inch spaced breakout holes for custom wiring. A 1K loop-back resistor is provided between the RX and TX lines, while dedicated green and red LEDs provide power and serial-activity indication during operation.
Key Features
- UPDI Programming: Provides a dedicated interface for programming modern ATtiny microcontrollers through UPDI.
- ATtiny816 Support: Suitable for development and programming workflows using ATtiny816 devices.
- ATtiny817 Support: Supports UPDI programming of ATtiny817 microcontrollers.
- ATtiny1616 Support: Compatible with ATtiny1616 programming applications.
- 3V / 5V Selection: Provides selectable power and logic levels for flexible target-system integration.
- 500mA 3V Regulator: The integrated 3V regulator can supply up to 500mA.
- CH340E USB Serial Converter: Provides USB-to-serial communication between the host computer and programmer interface.
- USB Type-C: Provides a modern, reversible connector for computer connection and board power.
- 1K Loop-Back Resistor: Includes a 1K resistor between RX and TX for the serial interface.
- JST SH Connection: Includes a JST SH cable for convenient target connection.
- 0.1-Inch Breakout Holes: Allows custom wiring and integration with breadboards or other hardware.
- Power Indicator: Green power LED provides visual confirmation of board power status.
- Serial Activity Indicator: Red LED provides visual feedback during serial communication.
Benefits
- Simplified ATtiny Programming: Provides a practical interface between a computer and UPDI-compatible ATtiny devices.
- Flexible Voltage Integration: Selectable 3V and 5V logic helps accommodate different embedded target systems.
- Convenient USB Connectivity: USB Type-C reduces the need for additional USB-to-serial hardware.
- Easy Target Connection: The included JST SH cable simplifies connection to compatible target hardware.
- Development-Friendly Design: Breakout holes and status LEDs support prototyping, testing and custom embedded setups.
- Compact Form Factor: Small board dimensions make it practical for development benches and portable programming setups.
Applications
- ATtiny Firmware Programming: Programming and updating firmware on supported ATtiny microcontrollers.
- Embedded Development: UPDI interface for microcontroller development and prototyping.
- Prototype Hardware: Connecting UPDI-compatible target boards during development and testing.
- Microcontroller Programming Stations: Useful as a dedicated programming interface for embedded development workstations.
- Custom Embedded Systems: Suitable for integrating programming access into custom ATtiny-based hardware.
- Firmware Development: Supports development workflows requiring repeated programming and serial communication.
Package Includes
- 1 × Adafruit High Voltage UPDI Friend – USB Serial UPDI Programmer
- 1 × JST SH Cable
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | USB Serial UPDI Programmer |
| Programming Interface | UPDI |
| Supported MCU | ATtiny816, ATtiny817, ATtiny1616 |
| USB Serial Converter | CH340E |
| USB Connector | USB Type-C |
| Logic Level | Selectable 3V / 5V |
| Regulator Output | 3V, up to 500mA |
| Loop-Back Resistor | 1K between RX and TX |
| Target Connection | JST SH cable |
| Breakout Spacing | 0.1 inch |
| Power Indicator | Green LED |
| Serial Activity Indicator | Red LED |
| Shipping Weight | 0.01 kg |
| Shipping Dimensions | 5 × 5 × 2 cm |


















