Microchip Technology ATSTK600-RC103

Overview

ATSTK600-RC103 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 supports full MCU pin mapping including ISP/JTAG, HV programming, USB, and analog reference signals.

For engineers reviewing the ATSTK600-RC103 datasheet, ATSTK600-RC103 pinout, ATSTK600-RC103 application, or ATSTK600-RC103 equivalent, this routing card enables rapid prototyping of new AVR devices by bridging custom IC packages to the STK600 base board - critical for evaluating pin-compatible variants, validating high-voltage programming paths, and integrating USB OTG or analog peripheral interfaces without redesigning the main evaluation system.

Technical Context

The ATSTK600-RC103 implements a passive signal-routing function between the STK600 base board and an AVR-specific socket card. It provides direct 1:1 mapping of all I/O pins (PAx–PQx), power rails (VTG/GND), clock inputs (XTAL1/XTAL2), programming interfaces (ISP, JTAG, HV-PP/HVSP), and USB signals (DP/DN, UID, UVCON, VBUST).

It integrates the STK600 ID system via BOARD_ID0–BOARD_ID3 pins to enable voltage-limit enforcement (e.g., 1.8 V, 3.3 V, or no limit) and firmware-level compatibility validation in Atmel Studio. The card does not include active components, decoupling, or power regulation - all signal integrity and power delivery responsibilities reside with the socket and base board.

Key Specifications

Availability

ATSTK600-RC103 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AVR microcontroller evaluation, high-voltage parallel programming validation, USB OTG interface testing, and custom socket card development requiring stable component supply and long-term design continuity.

Supply support for ATSTK600-RC103 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 the STK600 ecosystem, including legacy routing, socket, and expansion cards. The company specializes in microcontrollers, development tools, and embedded control solutions.

The ATSTK600-RC103 belongs to the STK600 hardware expansion family, designed specifically to accelerate AVR device bring-up by enabling low-cost, modular adaptation of new package types and pin configurations without modifying the base evaluation platform.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ATSTK600-RC103 in the STK600 system?

The ATSTK600-RC103 serves as a passive routing card that electrically bridges the STK600 base board to an AVR-specific socket card. It maps all MCU signals-including I/O ports, programming interfaces (ISP/JTAG/HV), USB lines, and clock inputs-between the two layers while supporting the STK600 ID system for voltage configuration enforcement. ATSTK600-RC103 contains no active circuitry and relies entirely on correct mechanical alignment and connector mating for signal integrity.

Does the ATSTK600-RC103 include power regulation or decoupling capacitors?

No, the ATSTK600-RC103 does not include any power regulation, voltage conversion, or decoupling components. It provides only pass-through connections for VTG (target supply) and GND, with all power conditioning handled by the STK600 base board. This design reflects its role as a signal-routing layer-not a power-delivery or signal-conditioning element-making proper socket card and base board power design essential for stable AVR operation.

How does the ID system work on the ATSTK600-RC103, and what is its purpose?

The ATSTK600-RC103 uses BOARD_ID0–BOARD_ID3 pins to encode a 4-bit board identifier recognized by the STK600 firmware. For example, ID 0xCC signals 3.3 V operation, triggering automatic voltage limit enforcement. This prevents incompatible voltage combinations during programming or debugging. ATSTK600-RC103 implements these inputs via discrete routing (e.g., tying BOARD_ID1 to BOARD_ID2/BOARD_ID3), enabling firmware-level validation without external ICs.

Which AVR programming modes are supported through the ATSTK600-RC103?

The ATSTK600-RC103 supports ISP (via TGT_MOSI/MISO/SCK), JTAG (TDI/TDO/TMS/TCK), and high-voltage parallel/serial programming (via TGT_PDATA0–7 and TGT_PCTRL0–7). All required control and data signals are routed end-to-end with no modification or buffering. ATSTK600-RC103 ensures full visibility and accessibility of these pins to the STK600, enabling complete AVR device initialization, debug, and fuse programming across supported architectures.

Can the ATSTK600-RC103 be used with non-AVR microcontrollers?

No - the ATSTK600-RC103 is engineered exclusively for Atmel/Microchip AVR microcontrollers. Its pinout, signal naming (e.g., PAx, PBx, TGT_MOSI), ID system implementation, and mechanical layout align precisely with AVR families and the STK600 architecture. It lacks generalized interface logic or configurable routing, so it cannot adapt other MCU families (e.g., ARM Cortex-M or PIC) without redesigning the entire card.