Flashing ATmega32 with a USBasp Programmer

The ATmega32 is a versatile 8-bit AVR microcontroller widely used in legacy and learning applications. The USBasp is a compact and affordable in-system programmer (ISP) that allows flashing firmware over the ISP interface.

Requirements

• ATmega32 (DIP40 or TQFP version)
• USBasp programmer
• 10-pin ISP cable or adapter
• AVRDUDE (command-line tool)
• Firmware in Intel HEX format

Pinout Reference

Connect the ISP pins as follows:

• MISO (pin 6) → MISO
• MOSI (pin 4) → MOSI
• SCK (pin 3) → SCK
• RESET (pin 5) → RESET
• VCC (pin 2) → VCC
• GND (pin 10) → GND

Installing AVRDUDE

sudo apt update
sudo apt install avrdude
  

Check Device Connectivity

avrdude -c usbasp -p m32
  

Flash the Firmware

avrdude -c usbasp -p m32 -U flash:w:main.hex:i
  

Read and Set Fuses

# Read fuse values
avrdude -c usbasp -p m32 -U lfuse:r:-:i -U hfuse:r:-:i

# Example: Set fuses for external 16 MHz crystal
avrdude -c usbasp -p m32 -U lfuse:w:0xFF:m -U hfuse:w:0xC9:m
  

Troubleshooting Tips

• If AVRDUDE cannot detect the chip, check wiring and make sure the chip is powered.
• Make sure the crystal (if used) is connected and stable before flashing.
• Some USBasp clones need a jumper enabled for 5V output.

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