ATtiny

The ATtiny is a line of micro controllers manufactured by Atmel and are part of the AVR family. Generally intended for use in lighter duty applications, the ATtiny is an inexpensive but still relatively powerful device in a very small package.

A range of features includes:


 * 6 to 28 pin packages
 * .5 to 16kB program memory
 * 32 to 512 bytes SRAM
 * 0 to 512 bytes EEPROM
 * up to 20 Mhz clock frequency
 * 0.7 to 5.5 volts
 * up to 11 channel 10 bit ADC

Every ATtiny has a built in RC oscillator to act as an internal clock source, the allows these devices to operate without an external crystal or ceramic oscillator.

A separate device is required to program an ATtiny. These are usually called an In System Programmer (ISP), other programming and debugging methods include Parallel programming, JTAG, DebugWire, and High voltage serial (ISP being the most common by far).

The manufacturer's list of devices can be found here: Atmel Parametric Product Table

To get started with ATtinys you will need a few things.

First, I suggest you get started by downloading AVR Studio with WinAVR (WINAVR installs a C compiler plugin for AVR Studio).

By relying on AVR Studio's simulator you can get started experementing with code before laying hands on any actual hardware (but how fun is that? drop the $3 on a ATtiny13 or ATtiny2313).

Next you will need a programmer. A number of inexpensive programmers are available, but one of the most useful would be the AVR Dragon made by Atmel, it is able to program almost all of the devices in the AVR family.

Lastly you will need the ATtiny itself, as well as some extra devices, such as LEDs, buttons, potentiometers or a vast number of other gadgets available in the electronics industry.