This Flexible In-system Programmer is a programmer for 8bit AVR processors. It allows to write a previously built HEX file into the flash of your microprocessor. The software runs under Windows and GNU/Linux. FLIP needs a Java Runtime Environment (JRE). It supports programming over RS232, USB and CAN.

For FLIP to work, you have to install a bootloader on your target. New processors come with the bootloader present. However, as soon as you use a debugger, such as a JTAGICE, you will overwrite the preinstalled bootloader. You need a debugger to flash the bootloader again. Bootloaders for our supported processor types can be found below.

Steps

  1. Get the newest version of FLIP from https://www.microchip.com/en-us/development-tool/FLIP 
  2. Make sure that a bootloader is present. If not, flash a new bootloader with the aid of Microchip Studio and a debugger such as JTAGICE. Make sure to use the right bootloader for your device.
  3. Check the fuses on your device with the Device Programming Tool in Microchip Studio. The HWBE fuse must be set and the BOOTRST fuse must be cleared in order for the bootloader to start correctly.
  4. Start FLIP
  5. Connect your board with the host over USB: Settings → Communication → USB → Open.
  6. Choose the proper device with Device → Select… → ATmega[xx]U4 (or any other type) → OK

  7. Choose HEX file: File → Load HEX File… → OK, you must have built your project beforehand which results in a specific HEX file.

  8. Start the bootloader with pressing the push button S5 on your board (HWB). Keep it presses while pressing S6 (RESET) shortly, release S6, then release S5.
  9. Program the AVR processor: Run.
  10. Press S6 (RESET) on the target board.

Bootloader