Microchip Technology ATSTK600-RC102

Overview

ATSTK600-RC102 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a routing card designed for the STK600 development platform to adapt target AVR microcontrollers with specific pinouts to the STK600's generic socket interface. It features dual 80-pin and 100-pin Samtec FSI spring-loaded connectors, 1.6 mm PCB thickness, and full signal routing for all I/O, power, programming (ISP/JTAG), and high-voltage programming (HVSP/PP) pins. It enables rapid prototyping of new AVR devices without redesigning the main STK600 board.

For engineers reviewing the ATSTK600-RC102 datasheet, ATSTK600-RC102 pinout, ATSTK600-RC102 application, or ATSTK600-RC102 equivalent, this routing card supports flexible MCU evaluation across multiple package types, provides hardware-level ID encoding via BOARD_ID pins, and maintains compatibility with AVR Studio configuration and voltage-limit enforcement based on board identification.

Technical Context

The ATSTK600-RC102 implements a passive interposer function between the STK600 base board and a target-specific socket card. It routes all 100 signals-including PORTA–PORTQ, AREF, XTAL, ISP/JTAG, USB DP/DN, HV programming lines (TGT_PDATA/TGT_PCTRL), and BOARD_ID identification lines-without active logic or signal conditioning.

Its mechanical design conforms strictly to STK600 clip-mounting requirements (1.6 mm thickness, defined clip hole positions) and uses two Samtec FSI-140-03-G-D-AD (80-pin) and two FSI-150-03-G-D-AD (100-pin) spring-loaded connectors to ensure reliable mating with both socket and base board interfaces.

Key Specifications

Availability

ATSTK600-RC102 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded MCU evaluation, AVR device bring-up, production test fixture development, and custom peripheral integration requiring stable component supply and long-term STK600 ecosystem support.

Supply support for ATSTK600-RC102 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 continues to support the STK600 ecosystem. Atmel was a pioneer in 8-bit and 32-bit AVR microcontrollers and development tools.

The ATSTK600-RC102 belongs to the STK600 routing card product line, engineered to extend the STK600's adaptability across evolving AVR package variants while preserving firmware, software, and host tool compatibility.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ATSTK600-RC102 in the STK600 system?

The ATSTK600-RC102 serves as a passive routing interposer that maps the pinout of a target AVR microcontroller (mounted on a separate socket card) to the standardized 100-pin interface of the STK600 base board. It enables mechanical and electrical compatibility between diverse AVR packages and the STK600 without modifying the main board. The ATSTK600-RC102 does not contain active components - its role is purely signal translation and physical adaptation.

Does the ATSTK600-RC102 include onboard voltage regulation or power conditioning?

No, the ATSTK600-RC102 provides only passive signal routing - including VTG (target supply rail) and GND - with no voltage regulation, decoupling capacitors, or power sequencing circuitry. Power integrity relies entirely on the STK600 base board and socket card design. This architecture intentionally offloads power design to the base and socket layers, per Atmel AVR600 Application Note guidance.

How does the ATSTK600-RC102 support board identification and voltage limitation?

The ATSTK600-RC102 implements the STK600 ID system using BOARD_ID0–1 (outputs) and BOARD_ID2–3 (inputs) to encode a 4-bit ID value (0x00–0xFF). When configured (e.g., by routing BOARD_ID1 to BOARD_ID2/3), it reports IDs like 0xCC (3.3 V limit) to the STK600, which enforces corresponding voltage constraints and alerts AVR Studio if mismatched. The ATSTK600-RC102 itself contains no logic - ID is set by discrete jumper or trace routing.

Which programming interfaces are fully accessible through the ATSTK600-RC102?

The ATSTK600-RC102 routes all standard AVR programming interfaces: ISP (TGT_MOSI/MISO/SCK), JTAG (TDI/TDO/TMS/TCK), and high-voltage serial/parallel programming (TGT_PDATA0–7, TGT_PCTRL0–7). These signals are mapped 1:1 from the socket card to the STK600 base, enabling full firmware loading, debugging, and fuse configuration for supported AVR devices using the ATSTK600-RC102.

Can the ATSTK600-RC102 be used with non-AVR microcontrollers?

No - the ATSTK600-RC102 is specifically designed for Atmel/Microchip AVR microcontrollers and aligns with the STK600's signal naming, pin assignments (e.g., PAx, PBx, TGT_*), and ID protocol. Its routing, connector layout, and BOARD_ID logic assume AVR-specific peripherals (e.g., USB OTG signals UID/UVCON/VBUST) and programming modes. Using the ATSTK600-RC102 with non-AVR devices would require complete signal reinterpretation and is unsupported.