Summary of Easy Breadboarding using ATMega microcontroller
### Summary The author created custom PCBs to simplify breadboarding with AVR microcontrollers, featuring a Network Breadboard Interface and specific adapters. These boards include a 74HC4053 multiplexer to switch programming pins (MOSI, MISO, SCK) based on the reset pin level, along with a dedicated reset button. Key design elements include a large ground loop for easy oscilloscope connections and custom orange jumper wires made from scavenged gold-plated headers for durability.
Parts used in the Easy Breadboarding Project:
- PCB designed for specific AVR microcontroller pinouts
- 74HC4053 multiplexer chip
- Programming connector (bottom)
- Programming connector (top)
- Reset button
- Ground loop with two rows of 10 pins
- Custom orange jumper wires with gold-plated ends
- Shrink wrap tubing
- Hot glue
- PIN name labels
When I’m fiddling about with electronics I want to be comfortable about it. Therefore I built some things to make by breadboarding life a little simpler. One example is the Network Breadboard Interface. Another one is this little project. These little pcb’s can be put directly into a breadboard and they have the same pinout as the AVR it is designed for.
Each of these circuits also has a 74HC4053 and a programming connector on them. The 74HC4053 is from an application note from atmel and it switches the programming pins ( MOSI, MISO, and SCK between the connector on the bottom and the programming connector on the top. The 74HC4053 is switched by the level on the reset pin. I also added a reset button for the microcontroller. I build 3 of these interfaces but the one for the ATMEGA 16 and consorts is not shown on the picture. Also note the small labels for the pin names I glued on to the pcb’s.
The Ground Connection.
On the lower right corner of the picture is a big copper loop. This loop is always connected to the GND of the breadboard and is used to easily connect measurement equipment such as frequency meters, oscilloscopes, and multimeters to the circuit. The ground loop has 2 rows of 5 pins with which it is connected to the breadboard. Only one of those 2 rows are soldered to the loop, the other 5 pins are isolated because they are usually plugged into the 5V rail. If you look carefully you’ll see a similar ground connection on almost every pcb I have made.
The Orange wires
The orange wires on the breadboard are not just ordinary wires. I made a lot of them in different lengths and they have very sturdy gold plated ends on both sides which I scavenged from old headers. They also have some shrink wrap on the ends which I glued in place with hot glue for longevity.
For more detail: Easy Breadboarding using ATMega microcontroller
- How does the 74HC4053 function in this project?
The 74HC4053 switches the programming pins (MOSI, MISO, and SCK) between the bottom connector and the top programming connector. - What controls the switching of the 74HC4053?
The 74HC4053 is switched by the voltage level present on the reset pin. - Why was a ground loop included on the PCB?
The ground loop connects to the breadboard GND to allow easy attachment of measurement equipment like oscilloscopes and multimeters. - How are the ground loop pins arranged on the breadboard?
The loop has two rows of five pins; one row is soldered to the loop while the other five pins remain isolated. - What materials were used to create the custom orange wires?
The wires use gold-plated ends scavenged from old headers and are covered with shrink wrap glued in place with hot glue. - Which microcontroller interface is not shown in the picture?
The interface built for the ATMEGA 16 and its variants is not displayed in the image. - Can these PCBs be inserted directly into a breadboard?
Yes, the little PCBs are designed to fit directly into a breadboard. - What is the purpose of the small labels on the PCBs?
The small labels identify the pin names and were glued onto the PCBs.
