Microchip Technology ATAVRXBNDL

Overview

ATAVRXBNDL from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is an evaluation kit for the ATxmega128A1 8-bit microcontroller, featuring integrated SDRAM, DataFlash, dual-processor architecture (ATxmega128A1 + AT90USB1287), analog I/O (temperature sensor, potentiometer, DAC-driven mono speaker), and digital I/O (8 buttons, 8 LEDs, UART-to-USB gateway). It serves as a hardware platform to evaluate XMEGA peripherals and external memory interfacing in embedded development.

For engineers reviewing the ATAVRXBNDL datasheet, ATAVRXBNDL pinout, ATAVRXBNDL application, or ATAVRXBNDL equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, key specifications, availability details, manufacturer background, and answers to common design and programming questions specific to the Xplain evaluation kit revision 3–4 hardware platform.

Technical Context

The ATAVRXBNDL implements a dual-MCU architecture: the ATxmega128A1 acts as the primary application processor with EBI-connected 8MB SDRAM and SPI-master-driven 8MB Serial DataFlash, while the AT90USB1287 functions as a dedicated USB communication gateway and in-system programmer. Both MCUs ship with preprogrammed firmware enabling immediate audio playback and UART-to-COM port bridging.

Hardware-level features include JTAG/PDI debug interfaces for both MCUs, two 10-pin expansion headers (PORTA analog, PORTD digital), shunt-resistor-based current measurement for the XMEGA core (R105), and configurable power management - including default audio amplifier disable (R300 pull-down) to reduce standby noise and power draw.

Key Specifications

Availability

ATAVRXBNDL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded prototyping, MCU peripheral evaluation, and USB gateway development requiring stable component supply, long-term board availability, and traceable sourcing for educational labs and industrial R&D teams.

Supply support for ATAVRXBNDL includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains legacy product support, documentation, and toolchain compatibility for AVR and XMEGA families.

The ATAVRXBNDL belongs to Atmel's Xplain evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of the XMEGA architecture through hands-on demonstration of EBI, DAC/ADC, USB bridging, and low-power operation - targeting embedded engineers transitioning from classic AVR to advanced peripheral-rich MCUs.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ATAVRXBNDL evaluation kit?

The ATAVRXBNDL is a complete hardware platform for evaluating the ATxmega128A1 microcontroller and its peripherals. It integrates SDRAM, DataFlash, analog sensors, audio output, and a dedicated AT90USB1287 USB gateway to enable rapid hands-on exploration of XMEGA capabilities - including external memory interfacing, DAC-driven audio, UART-to-USB bridging, and low-power measurement - without requiring additional hardware setup. The ATAVRXBNDL ships with preprogrammed firmware for immediate use.

How is the ATxmega128A1 powered and monitored for current consumption on the ATAVRXBNDL?

The ATAVRXBNDL derives all power from USB (5V), regulated down to 3.3V for the XMEGA core. Current consumption of the ATxmega128A1 is measured via the R105 zero-ohm shunt resistor, which sits exclusively between the V_XM (XMEGA power plane) and V3P3 (board-wide 3.3V rail). Replacing R105 with a known resistance allows precise calculation of XMEGA-specific current draw using Ohm's Law - a feature explicitly enabled in revision 3 and later of the ATAVRXBNDL.

Can the ATAVRXBNDL be used to program the ATxmega128A1 over USB?

No - USB-based programming of the ATxmega128A1 is not supported in the preprogrammed firmware shipped with the ATAVRXBNDL. Programming and debugging of the ATxmega128A1 must be performed externally via the JTAG/PDI header (J100) using tools such as JTAGICE mkII or AVR ONE!. The AT90USB1287 handles only UART-to-USB bridging and bootloader functions; it does not expose PDI or ISP capability for the XMEGA core in the ATAVRXBNDL configuration.

What are the roles of the two microcontrollers on the ATAVRXBNDL?

The ATxmega128A1 serves as the main application processor - running user code, driving peripherals (ADC, DAC, SDRAM, DataFlash), and generating audio. The AT90USB1287 operates exclusively as a communication gateway: it implements a UART-to-USB bridge (enabling virtual COM port access to XMEGA UARTC0) and hosts a bootloader for self-reprogramming. Its firmware is preloaded and isolated from XMEGA application logic - ensuring deterministic USB behavior independent of XMEGA execution state on the ATAVRXBNDL.

Which revision of the ATAVRXBNDL does this description cover, and how is it identified?

This description covers ATAVRXBNDL hardware revisions 3 and 4, identifiable by a barcode sticker on the rear with product ID A09-0560/3 (rev 3) or A09-0560/4 (rev 4). Key distinguishing features include the presence of shunt resistor R105 (rev 3) for XMEGA current measurement, default audio amplifier disable (R300 pull-down), and - in rev 4 - replacement of R400 with a 0Ω resistor to reduce power rail noise (at the cost of disabling board-level current measurement). Documentation references AVR1907 Rev. 8203D-AVR-04/10.