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AT06015: Production Programming of Microchip AVR® and

SAM Microcontrollers

Description
® ®
This application note covers both the AVR and SAM microcontrollers, but not the PIC microcontrollers.
Microchip AVR and SAM microcontrollers are Flash-based, and the program memory therefore needs to
be programmed with a firmware image for the end-product to operate as desired. During development, it
is recommended to use the combined programming and debugging tools from Microchip, which integrate
directly in the Atmel Studio IDE. However, for production programming, it is recommended to use third-
party programming tools that are intended for industrial environments. Another option is to order the
microcontrollers pre-programmed from Microchip or from a programming house.

Features
• Microchip programming solutions
• Third-party programming solutions
• Programming services

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Table of Contents

Description.......................................................................................................................1

Features.......................................................................................................................... 1

1. Microchip Development and Programming Tools...................................................... 4

2. Pre-programmed Microcontrollers............................................................................. 5

3. Third Party Programming Tools................................................................................. 6

4. Introduction of Listed Third-party Programming Offerings.........................................8

4.1. Advantech Equipment.................................................................................................................. 8
4.2. ASIX............................................................................................................................................. 8
4.3. BP Microsystems..........................................................................................................................8
4.4. Data I/O........................................................................................................................................ 8
4.5. Dataman.......................................................................................................................................9
4.6. EE Tools, Inc................................................................................................................................ 9
4.7. Elnec............................................................................................................................................ 9
4.8. Equinox Technologies................................................................................................................ 10
4.9. Hi-Lo Systems............................................................................................................................ 10
4.10. Leap Electronic Co., Ltd............................................................................................................. 10
4.11. MikroElektronika......................................................................................................................... 11
4.12. Opteeq Technologies..................................................................................................................11
4.13. Phyton, Inc..................................................................................................................................11
4.14. Ronetix....................................................................................................................................... 11
4.15. RPM Systems.............................................................................................................................12
4.16. SMH Technologies..................................................................................................................... 12
4.17. System General..........................................................................................................................12
4.18. Xeltec Inc....................................................................................................................................13

5. Programming Houses..............................................................................................14

6. How to Register as a Third-party Design Partner....................................................15

7. Revision History.......................................................................................................16

The Microchip Web Site................................................................................................ 17

Customer Change Notification Service..........................................................................17

Customer Support......................................................................................................... 17

Microchip Devices Code Protection Feature................................................................. 17

Legal Notice...................................................................................................................18

Trademarks................................................................................................................... 18

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Quality Management System Certified by DNV.............................................................19

Worldwide Sales and Service........................................................................................20

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1. Microchip Development and Programming Tools

To identify the correct programming and debugging tool for a microcontroller from Microchip: Go to the
microcontroller product page and from the quick access links above the product name, click the
Development Tools icon (see the figure below). This will show a list of development tools for the product.
™
The SAM-ICE supports programming and debugging of all Microchip SAM microcontrollers. The SAM
®
devices can also be programmed through the SAM-BA bootloader (various interface options). The
Atmel-ICE is a programming and debugging tool that supports all of the Microchip AVR microcontroller
products and Microchip SAM microcontrollers. AVR microcontrollers can also be programmed using the
AVRISP mkII. However, note that the AVRISP mkII does not support debugging.
Note:  The above-mentioned programming tools are not recommended for production programming as
they are designed for development environments. SAM-BA can be considered as an exception, as it does
not depend on a physical tool, but the software only.
SAM-ICE: http://www.microchip.com/developmenttools/productdetails.aspx?partno=at91sam-ice
SAM-BA programming: http://www.microchip.com/developmenttools/productdetails.aspx?partno=atmel
+sam-ba+in-system+programmer
AVRISP mkII: http://www.microchip.com/developmenttools/productdetails.aspx?partno=atavrisp2
Atmel-ICE: http://www.microchip.com/DevelopmentTools/ProductDetails.aspx?PartNO=atatmel-ice
Figure 1-1. Development Tools Icon

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2. Pre-programmed Microcontrollers
Microchip and many Microchip distributors offer pre-programmed microcontrollers. In this case the binary
image is provided to Microchip or the distributor. This solution is obviously less flexible if changes are
made frequently to the pre-programmed firmware and does have MOQ implications, but can have
advantages related to reduced production time for the end-product.
To request pre-programming of Microchip microcontrollers contact MicrochipDirect, your local Microchip
sales office, or your distributor.
MicrochipDirect:
https://www.microchipdirect.com/programming/

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3. Third Party Programming Tools

For production programming, and e.g. to perform in-system calibration or parameter customization for the
end-product it is recommended to use professional third-party programming tools.
The list of third-party programming tools in the following table includes programming solutions for use in
both development and production. Gang programmers in this context refer to single- and multi-site
programmers, where devices are inserted into the programming fixture to be programmed. This in
contrast to In-system programming where the device to program is mounted on the PCB while being
programmed. Both kinds of programmers can thus be used in production environments, while in-system
programmers are usually preferred for development purposes.
Table 3-1. Third-party Vendors of Programming Tools in Alphabetic Order
®
Company Name ARM AVR Programmer Gang In-system
Support Support Intended for
Advantech Equipment Corp. Yes Yes Production (and Yes No
development)
Taiwan ROC
http://www.aec.com.tw/
ASIX s.r.o. Yes Yes Development and No Yes
production
Czech Republic
http://tools.asix.net/index.htm
BPM Microsystems Information missing: contact vendor
USA
http://www.bpmmicro.com/
Data I/O Corp. Yes Yes Production and Yes No
development
USA
http://dataio.com
Dataman Ltd. Yes Yes Production (and Yes Yes
development)
UK
www.dataman.com
EETools, Inc. Information missing: contact vendor
USA
www.eetools.com
ELNEC s.r.o. Yes Yes Production (and Yes Yes
development)
Slovak Republic
http://www.elnec.com/
Equinox Technologies Yes Yes Production, field- Yes Yes
service, and
United Kingdom
development
http://www.equinox-tech.com/

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®
Company Name ARM AVR Programmer Gang In-system
Support Support Intended for
Hi-Lo System Research Co. Ltd. Yes Yes Production (and Yes No
development)
Taiwan ROC
http://www.hilosystems.com.tw/
Leap Electronic Co., Ltd. Yes Yes Production (and Yes No
development)
Taiwan ROC
http://www.leap.com.tw/
MikroElektronika No Yes Development No Yes
Serbia
http://www.mikroe.com/
Opteeq Technologies Yes Yes Production (and Yes Yes
development)
China
http://www.opteeq.com/en/
Phyton, Inc. Yes Yes Production and Yes Yes
development
USA
http://www.phyton.com
Ronetix GmbH Yes Yes Production and No Yes
development
Austria
http://www.ronetix.at/
RPM Systems Corporation Yes Yes Production and Yes Yes
development
USA
http://www.rpmsys.com/
SMH Technologies Yes Yes Production and Yes Yes
development
Italy
http://www.smh-tech.com
System General Corporation Yes Yes Production (and Yes No
development)
Taiwan ROC
http://www.sg.com.tw
Xeltek Inc. Yes Yes Production and Yes Yes
development
USA
http://www.xeltek.com/

A general list of third-party vendors for Microchip products can be found at the pages below (not limited to
programming tools). It is recommended to refer to this list for the most recent information about third-party
tools.

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4. Introduction of Listed Third-party Programming Offerings

The descriptions below are provided by the third-party vendors listed in the previous section’s table and
contain additional information related to the programming products and the services these vendors offer.
The third-party vendors are listed in alphabetic order.
Note:  The descriptions below do not reflect any recommendations by Microchip.

4.1 Advantech Equipment

The Labtool-48UXP is a universal programmer for development and low volume production. It supports
most of the Microchip AVR 8-bit MCUs, up to 64 pins, in various packages including PLCC, SOIC,
TSSOP, SOT23, TQFP, QFN, and QFP. In addition, through adapters with up to 64 pins, it also supports
the Microchip ARM7TDMI MCU in 64/48 pins in TQFP package, as well as the complete line of Microchip
8951-C1 and 51-C12 MCU.
The Labtool-848XP is a production gang programmer for high density NOR Flash and Flash-based
MCU's with EEPROM. It supports parts of the AVR 8-bit family as well as the 89C51-1C and -2C MCU
from Microchip. The Labtool-848UXP can also be customized with additional chip support upon customer
request. In addition, if the default chip support is not sufficient, Advantech Equipment can be contacted to
add the chip support with custom software.
Labtool-48UXP universal programmer: http://www.aec.com.tw/lt-48uxp.htm
Labtool-848XP gang programmer: http://www.aec.com.tw/lt-848xp.htm

4.2 ASIX
ASIX s.r.o. founded in 1991 has entered the development tools business in mid 90s. Since 2004 ASIX
has been offering an In-System USB programmer, PRESTO, which supports many Microchip devices
including AVR, ’51, and ARM7TDMI MCUs, as well as serial EEPROM and Flash memories. In 2012,
ASIX introduced a FORTE programmer, which offers more features and higher speed. Both programmers
are primarily intended for development and service purposes, but many of them are also used for small
and medium volume production (up to a couple of thousand units/day), typically with multiple
programmers working in production lines. User-friendly and highly configurable software, called UP,
supports production programming (serial number generator, remote control from command-line,
®
Windows messages, DLL library, etc.). Updates of UP and other software tools for PRESTO and FORTE
are freely available. ASIX offers fast and effective technical support including new device implementation
by a customer’s request.
Company web page: http://www.asix.net/

4.3 BP Microsystems
No description available.

4.4 Data I/O

Data I/O is the world’s leading provider of manual and automated device programming systems for Flash,
Microcontroller, and Logic devices. They serve electronics manufacturers around the world including
OEM, ODM, EMS, and programming centers. Programming systems and value-added software solutions
enable our customers to:

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• Streamline programming - with their production processes
• Meet their specific quality requirements
• Ensure that the devices are programmed at maximum speed and with the highest quality
Data I/O creates best-in-class production solutions including:
PSV7000 Automated high-speed automated handler: www.dataio.com/PSV7000
RoadRunner3 Inline automated just-in-time programmer: http://www.dataio.com/Solutions/RoadRunner-
Family
FlashPAK III manual programmer: http://www.dataio.com/Solutions/FlashPAK-Family

4.5 Dataman
With over 30 years of experience Dataman is a world leading provider of device programmers.
Dataman designs and sells products that stand out from the crowd and continue to provide market-
leading solutions. Dataman offer a comprehensive range of programming solutions suitable for every
requirement from design and development to large scale production.
Dataman currently supports over 80,000 devices (Nov. 2013), with updates every 3 - 4 weeks adding 200
- 300 new chips. Support can be added for missing devices quickly and typically free of charge. Their
universal programmers come as standard with a 3 year warranty, free life-time technical support, and
software updates.

4.6 EE Tools, Inc.

In 1992, EE Tools, Inc. started manufacturing a line of low-cost device programmers with an emphasis on
MOS programming. EE Tools later developed a series of bipolar memory and logic programmers to
complement the earlier products, and have since then grown to become one of the most well-known
universal device programmer manufacturers worldwide. From their headquarter in San Jose, through a
network of distributors around the globe, they are able to stay on top of the expanding device
programmer market, and provide customers with the best performance products and support. All products
are backed with full technical support and free software updates for the product’s lifetime.
Stand-alone and Production Programmer: MultiMax-8G+
PC-driven Production Programmer via USB Interface: ProMax-4G
PC-driven Development Programmer via USB Interface: TopMax2, ChipMax2
EPROM Eraser: Model 10, Chip-20
EPROM Emulator via USB Interface: EEROM-8U

4.7 Elnec
Elnec is a leading provider of solutions for programming memories, microcontrollers, and other
programmable devices in Europe. Elnec is committed to set a new standard in the industry by providing
universal, highly reliable, and cost-effective programming solutions for devices in any package, whether
programmed in a socket or through ISP on a circuit board. Elnec offers programming adapters; more than
800 models of universal, specialized, and BGA adapters.
Their product range includes support for Microchip AVR 8-bit, AVR 32-bit, ARM based, and 8051
microcontroller: Production programmers with multi-site concurrent programming for high volume

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manufacturers, and Universal programmers with single-site programming for developers and low volume
manufacturers.
Production programmers: http://www.elnec.com/products/production-programmers/
Universal programmers: http://www.elnec.com/products/universal-programmers/
Programming adapters: http://www.elnec.com/products/programming-adapters/

4.8 Equinox Technologies

Equinox Technologies offers a comprehensive range of development, field-service, and production
programming tools, which support In-System Programming (ISP) of Microchip AVR and ARM
microcontrollers. The EPSILON5-MK4 and FS2009USB portable programmers operate in standalone
mode and are therefore ideally suited to low-throughput production programming and field-service
applications. The ISPnano - Series 3 / Series 4 GANG and MUX families of ISP programmers offer
scalable, high-speed production programming solutions from 1 to 32 channels (gang mode) and 2 - 256
channels (multiplexed mode). All programmers offer comprehensive ESD and over-voltage protection.
EPSILON5-MKIV - Portable standalone ISP programmer: http://www.equinox-tech.com/products/
details.asp?ID=1575
FS2009USB - Portable standalone ISP programmer: http://www.equinox-tech.com/products/details.asp?
ID=1561
ISPnano Series 4 - Production ISP programmer: http://www.equinox-tech.com/products/details.asp?
ID=1538
ISPnano-MUX 2/4/8 - Multiplexed ISP programmer: http://www.equinox-tech.com/products/details.asp?
ID=1498

4.9 Hi-Lo Systems

HI-LO has been devoted to providing device programmers and programming/testing solutions, with
reliable quality at a reasonable price for over 30 years. Their product range covers engineering,
production programmers, automated device programming systems, and 3D lead/marking inspection
systems. HI-LO is one of the market leaders regarding to Device Programming Equipment and
Programming services in Pan Asia. (Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Japan, etc.)
Hi-Lo Systems product pages: www.hilosystems.com.tw/en

4.10 Leap Electronic Co., Ltd.

Leap Electronic is deeply involved in the field of IC testing and programming equipment, supplying many
series of products such as programmers, automation systems, and logic analyzers. The range of
programmers varies from universal to gang programmers, all of which can support both AVR and ARM.
Moreover, Leap Electronic also has the capability of providing programming services. Four branches are
established in China, in order to provide customers well-organized and professional services. Email:
overseas1@leap.com.tw.
Leaper-56 (Single-site programmers): https://sites.google.com/site/leapleaptronixen/programmer_series/
LEAPER-56
Leaper-456 (Development programmers): https://sites.google.com/site/leapleaptronixen/
programmer_series/LP-456?pageUrlChanged=LP-456

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AH-160 (Gang programmer series): https://sites.google.com/site/leapleaptronixen/automated_system/
ah-160
AH-480 (Gang programmer series): https://sites.google.com/site/leapleaptronixen/automated_system/
ah-480

4.11 MikroElektronika
™
mikroProg for AVR is a fast USB programmer supporting numerous AVR microcontrollers. It is
supported with mikroC, mikroBasic, and mikroPascal compilers for AVR, but may also be used as a
standalone programming tool. Outstanding performance, easy operation, and low price are its top
features. Elegant minimalistic design, clean matte white plastic finish, and color indicator LEDs make
mikroProg for AVR the first of its kind.
mikroProg for AVR web page: http://www.mikroe.com/mikroprog/avr/
mikroElektronika AVR compilers: http://www.mikroe.com/avr/compilers/

4.12 Opteeq Technologies

Opteeq S-Series is an ultra-fast, industrial grade, in-system programmer. It universally supports different
types of programming interfaces and silicon architectures. Thanks to its compact size and software
library, S-Series can be easily integrated into other production equipment, e.g., functional or circuit testing
machines, testing fixtures, etc. Additionally, S-Series can also be used as desk-top programmer. To
satisfy various output volumes, S-Series offers models with 1, 4, or 8 physical programming channels. Its
capability to work stable and protection of target circuit makes the S-Series an excellent choice for mass
production of automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.
Opteeq Technologies product page: http://www.opteeq.com/en/product.html.

4.13 Phyton, Inc.

Phyton ChipProg line of device programmers for both development and production include single-site,
gang parallel, and in-system programmers. They provide extremely fast flash programming for Microchip
SAM D20, SAM3, SAM4, AVR, C51, and AT89LP microcontrollers, memory devices and PLDs. Multiple
Phyton programmers can be controlled from one computer for concurrent programming, from a friendly
GUI, remotely from ATE via DLL, or in command line mode. The ChipProg software features script
language and other tools for programming automation, allowing the writing of serial numbers and
signatures into the chips. Adapters are available (BGA, QFN, QFP, TSOP, SOIC, PLCC, etc.).
ChipProg-ISP web page: http://phyton.com/categories/product/chipprog-isp
ChipProg-G41 web page: http://phyton.com/categories/product/chipprog-g41
ChipProg-481 web page: http://phyton.com/categories/product/chipprog-481
Device Finder web page: http://phyton.com/device-search

4.14 Ronetix
Ronetix is an Austrian manufacturer of high-quality software tool-kits, debug probes, and programmers
for wide-range CPUs and cores. Ronetix’s JTAG Flash programmer PEEDI is a production and
development solution for high-speed programming on-board and on-chip Flash devices on all ARM and
AVR based MCUs.

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• Programming of over 1000 NOR flash chips, NAND Flash, OneNAND Flash
• Programming of Data Flash, SPI Flash devices
• Programming of a JFFS2 image to a NAND Flash
• Working in standalone mode in the production line (with a MMC/SD card)
• Multi-core programming; upgrade to PEEDI JTAG Emulator
For more information, see: http://www.ronetix.at/flash-programmer.html

4.15 RPM Systems

RPM System Corporation with MPQ Four-port In-circuit Gang Programmers provide programming
support with:
• One image on up to four devices in parallel
• Up to 16 MPQ's can be interconnected to provide programming of up to 64 devices in parallel
• Up to four separate program images can be stored on the programmer, allowing optional stand-
alone operation, and making programming fast and efficient
• Stand-alone, ATE-controlled, or PC-controlled operation
• Device Serialization feature allows automatic serialization of programmed devices
• Secure Image Management feature provides code security and allows restrictions on the number of
parts programmed from each image
• Support for Microchip AVR, AVR32, and ARM devices
• Support for SPI, PDI, TPI, JTAG, and SWD Microchip programming interfaces
• More information at http://www.rpmsys.com/products.htm

4.16 SMH Technologies

SMH Technologies is a global, independent, high-tech company leader in Silicon Device In-System
Programming and related services for the electronic boards manufacturing industry. FlashRunner series,
the company's professional Silicon Device In-System Programming platform, is the result of the decennial
experience in micro-code encoding for 8-, 16-, and 32-bit processors. FlashRunner helps customers
enhance quality, save time, and optimize manufacturing cycles. SMH continuously improve their offer by
releasing new programming algorithms weekly. Thanks to FlashRunner flexible and modular design, the
same algorithms are to be used on all of the models.
FlashRunner I series: A range of high-performance In-System Programmers for Flash-based
microcontrollers and serial memories. Targets production environments and works in full standalone
mode or controlled by a host system.
FlashRunner Quattro is a high-integration in-system gang programmer, based on the FlashRunner
technology, designed for programming multi-PCB panel assemblies.
FlashRunner FRPXIA3 is a PXI module for Gang In System Programming. First in the world
programming solution for PXI system, and has full hardware and software ATE integration and multi-
target parallel programming channels.

4.17 System General

In response to increasing customer demands for programming IC devices, System General provides total
solutions in terms of manual and automated equipment primarily used for mass production. Currently
System General supports more than 22,000 IC’s from major IC manufacturers, including the Microchip

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AVR and ARM-based families. The supported IC list can be found in one of the links below. As for
automated solutions, the AP710 is intended for handling small and fragile CSP packages and serves as
the universal programming platform, while the AP720 is optimized for high volume production, carrying
four nozzles and is able to run with four programmers simultaneously. In addition, programming solutions
support eMMC/NAND/NOR/MCU and CPLD devices and software updates are free of charge throughout
the product life of the programming equipment!
System General Products: http://www.sg.com.tw/instruGP/product_E.asp
System General Chip List: http://www.sg.com.tw/instruGP/search_E.asp

4.18 Xeltec Inc.

Xeltek Inc. offers professional high-speed programming solutions for in-system production programming
of AVR microcontrollers. SuperPro IS01 is intended for small to medium scale production. SuperPro
IS03 and SuperPro XPS01 are for large scale production and multiple SuperPro IS03 units can be set
up to program multiple microcontrollers in parallel, to save production time. All programming tools are
controlled through the SuperPro software, and some can also be controlled by command line and
LabVIEW. The SuperPro software has multilingual support including English, Chinese, German, French,
and other languages.
SuperPro IS01 web page: http://www.xeltek.com/isp-programmers/in-system-programmers-superpro-
is01/
SuperPro IS03 web page: http://www.xeltek.com/isp-programmers/superpro-is03-in-system-isp-
programmer/
SuperPro XPS01 web page: http://www.xeltek.com/isp-programmers/superpro-xps01-isp-production-
workstation/
SuperPro software web page: http://www.xeltek.com/SuperPro-Software-Download-Center/

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5. Programming Houses
Programming services are also available from distributors. Contact your distributor for more information
about programming services.
Table 5-1. Other Programming Houses in Alphabetic Order (not limited to)

Company Name Products Supported Other Services

A&J Programming AVR, ARM Ink and laser marking, coplanarity
check and inspection, dry pack.
USA
http://www.ajprogram.com/

Falcon Denshi K.K. SAM3, SAM4, SAMA5,

SAM9
Japan
http://www.falcon-denshi.co.jp/en

Hi-Lo Electronics AB AVR, ARM Laser and ink marking.

Sweden Repacking according to the
customer’s needs.
www.hilo.nu

Hi-Lo System Research Co. Ltd. AVR, ARM Programming of NAND, Nor flash,
etc.
Taipei, Taiwan
http://www.hilosystems.com.tw/en/

MDSemiconductor (Micro Delta System) AVR, ARM, EEPROM Programming of Memory and
PLD.
Korea
www.mdsemi.co.kr

MINATO HOLDINGS INC. SAM3, SAM4

Japan
http://www.minato.co.jp/en

Prochild International Incorporated AVR, ARM

Korea
http://www.prochild.com

Program Automation, Inc. AVR, ARM Programming of memories and

FPGA.
USA
http://www.progauto.com/

Xeltek Co., Ltd. AT89C51, AVR, SAM7, Programming of PLD, GAL.

SAM3, SAM4, SAM D20
China
http://www.xeltek.com.cn/

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6. How to Register as a Third-party Design Partner

Microchip’s Worldwide Design Partner network provides a channel between our authorized Design
Partners and customers in need of technical expertise and cost-effective solutions in a timely manner. If
you are interested in joining, e.g. registering programming tools for Microchip microcontroller products,
send us an email: designpartners@microchip.com. See also our Design Partner Program web page for
more information.

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7. Revision History
Doc. Rev. Date Comments
A 06/2017 1. Converted to Microchip format and replaced the Atmel document number
42215.
2. Opteec added.
3. New documentation template.

42215D 10/2016 A complete update with several changes in the application note
42215C 01/2015 SMH details added
42215B 01/2014 EE Tools, Dataman, and Segger added
42215A 11/2013 Initial document release

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The Microchip Web Site

Microchip provides online support via our web site at http://www.microchip.com/. This web site is used as
a means to make files and information easily available to customers. Accessible by using your favorite
Internet browser, the web site contains the following information:
• Product Support – Data sheets and errata, application notes and sample programs, design
resources, user’s guides and hardware support documents, latest software releases and archived
software
• General Technical Support – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), technical support requests,
online discussion groups, Microchip consultant program member listing
• Business of Microchip – Product selector and ordering guides, latest Microchip press releases,
listing of seminars and events, listings of Microchip sales offices, distributors and factory
representatives

Customer Change Notification Service

Microchip’s customer notification service helps keep customers current on Microchip products.
Subscribers will receive e-mail notification whenever there are changes, updates, revisions or errata
related to a specified product family or development tool of interest.
To register, access the Microchip web site at http://www.microchip.com/. Under “Support”, click on
“Customer Change Notification” and follow the registration instructions.

Customer Support

Users of Microchip products can receive assistance through several channels:

• Distributor or Representative
• Local Sales Office
• Field Application Engineer (FAE)
• Technical Support
Customers should contact their distributor, representative or Field Application Engineer (FAE) for support.
Local sales offices are also available to help customers. A listing of sales offices and locations is included
in the back of this document.
Technical support is available through the web site at: http://www.microchip.com/support

Microchip Devices Code Protection Feature

Note the following details of the code protection feature on Microchip devices:
• Microchip products meet the specification contained in their particular Microchip Data Sheet.
• Microchip believes that its family of products is one of the most secure families of its kind on the
market today, when used in the intended manner and under normal conditions.
• There are dishonest and possibly illegal methods used to breach the code protection feature. All of
these methods, to our knowledge, require using the Microchip products in a manner outside the
operating specifications contained in Microchip’s Data Sheets. Most likely, the person doing so is
engaged in theft of intellectual property.
• Microchip is willing to work with the customer who is concerned about the integrity of their code.

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• Neither Microchip nor any other semiconductor manufacturer can guarantee the security of their
code. Code protection does not mean that we are guaranteeing the product as “unbreakable.”
Code protection is constantly evolving. We at Microchip are committed to continuously improving the
code protection features of our products. Attempts to break Microchip’s code protection feature may be a
violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. If such acts allow unauthorized access to your software
or other copyrighted work, you may have a right to sue for relief under that Act.

Legal Notice
Information contained in this publication regarding device applications and the like is provided only for
your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your
application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY
OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS
CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE.
Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life
support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer’s risk, and the buyer agrees to defend,
indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting
from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual
property rights unless otherwise stated.

Trademarks
The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, AnyRate, AVR, AVR logo, AVR Freaks, BeaconThings,
BitCloud, CryptoMemory, CryptoRF, dsPIC, FlashFlex, flexPWR, Heldo, JukeBlox, KeeLoq, KeeLoq logo,
Kleer, LANCheck, LINK MD, maXStylus, maXTouch, MediaLB, megaAVR, MOST, MOST logo, MPLAB,
OptoLyzer, PIC, picoPower, PICSTART, PIC32 logo, Prochip Designer, QTouch, RightTouch, SAM-BA,
SpyNIC, SST, SST Logo, SuperFlash, tinyAVR, UNI/O, and XMEGA are registered trademarks of
Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries.
ClockWorks, The Embedded Control Solutions Company, EtherSynch, Hyper Speed Control, HyperLight
Load, IntelliMOS, mTouch, Precision Edge, and Quiet-Wire are registered trademarks of Microchip
Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A.
Adjacent Key Suppression, AKS, Analog-for-the-Digital Age, Any Capacitor, AnyIn, AnyOut, BodyCom,
chipKIT, chipKIT logo, CodeGuard, CryptoAuthentication, CryptoCompanion, CryptoController,
dsPICDEM, dsPICDEM.net, Dynamic Average Matching, DAM, ECAN, EtherGREEN, In-Circuit Serial
Programming, ICSP, Inter-Chip Connectivity, JitterBlocker, KleerNet, KleerNet logo, Mindi, MiWi,
motorBench, MPASM, MPF, MPLAB Certified logo, MPLIB, MPLINK, MultiTRAK, NetDetach, Omniscient
Code Generation, PICDEM, PICDEM.net, PICkit, PICtail, PureSilicon, QMatrix, RightTouch logo, REAL
ICE, Ripple Blocker, SAM-ICE, Serial Quad I/O, SMART-I.S., SQI, SuperSwitcher, SuperSwitcher II, Total
Endurance, TSHARC, USBCheck, VariSense, ViewSpan, WiperLock, Wireless DNA, and ZENA are
trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries.
SQTP is a service mark of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A.
Silicon Storage Technology is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Inc. in other countries.
GestIC is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Germany II GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of
Microchip Technology Inc., in other countries.
All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.
© 2017, Microchip Technology Incorporated, Printed in the U.S.A., All Rights Reserved.

© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc. Application Note DS00002468A-page 18

 AN2468
ISBN: 978-1-5224-1799-6

Quality Management System Certified by DNV

ISO/TS 16949
Microchip received ISO/TS-16949:2009 certification for its worldwide headquarters, design and wafer
fabrication facilities in Chandler and Tempe, Arizona; Gresham, Oregon and design centers in California
® ®
and India. The Company’s quality system processes and procedures are for its PIC MCUs and dsPIC
®
DSCs, KEELOQ code hopping devices, Serial EEPROMs, microperipherals, nonvolatile memory and
analog products. In addition, Microchip’s quality system for the design and manufacture of development
systems is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc. Application Note DS00002468A-page 19

 Worldwide Sales and Service

AMERICAS ASIA/PACIFIC ASIA/PACIFIC EUROPE

Corporate Office Asia Pacific Office China - Xiamen Austria - Wels
2355 West Chandler Blvd. Suites 3707-14, 37th Floor Tel: 86-592-2388138 Tel: 43-7242-2244-39
Chandler, AZ 85224-6199 Tower 6, The Gateway Fax: 86-592-2388130 Fax: 43-7242-2244-393
Tel: 480-792-7200 Harbour City, Kowloon China - Zhuhai Denmark - Copenhagen
Fax: 480-792-7277 Hong Kong Tel: 86-756-3210040 Tel: 45-4450-2828
Technical Support: Tel: 852-2943-5100 Fax: 86-756-3210049 Fax: 45-4485-2829
http://www.microchip.com/ Fax: 852-2401-3431 India - Bangalore Finland - Espoo
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Web Address: Tel: 61-2-9868-6733 Fax: 91-80-3090-4123 France - Paris
www.microchip.com Fax: 61-2-9868-6755 India - New Delhi Tel: 33-1-69-53-63-20
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Dallas Tel: 86-571-8792-8115 Tel: 82-2-554-7200 Germany - Rosenheim
Addison, TX Fax: 86-571-8792-8116 Fax: 82-2-558-5932 or Tel: 49-8031-354-560
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Los Angeles China - Shenyang Fax: 65-6334-8850 Poland - Warsaw
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Tel: 949-462-9523 Fax: 86-24-2334-2393 Tel: 886-3-5778-366 Romania - Bucharest
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Tel: 951-273-7800 Tel: 86-755-8864-2200 Taiwan - Kaohsiung Spain - Madrid
Raleigh, NC Fax: 86-755-8203-1760 Tel: 886-7-213-7830 Tel: 34-91-708-08-90
Tel: 919-844-7510 China - Wuhan Taiwan - Taipei Fax: 34-91-708-08-91
New York, NY Tel: 86-27-5980-5300 Tel: 886-2-2508-8600 Sweden - Gothenberg
Tel: 631-435-6000 Fax: 86-27-5980-5118 Fax: 886-2-2508-0102 Tel: 46-31-704-60-40
San Jose, CA China - Xian Thailand - Bangkok Sweden - Stockholm
Tel: 408-735-9110 Tel: 86-29-8833-7252 Tel: 66-2-694-1351 Tel: 46-8-5090-4654
Tel: 408-436-4270 Fax: 86-29-8833-7256 Fax: 66-2-694-1350 UK - Wokingham
Canada - Toronto Tel: 44-118-921-5800
Tel: 905-695-1980 Fax: 44-118-921-5820
Fax: 905-695-2078

© 2017 Microchip Technology Inc. Application Note DS00002468A-page 20