readme.txt

m8 usb to rs232

                                    AVR-CDC


    This is the Readme file to firmware-only CDC driver for Atmel AVR
    microcontrollers. For more information please visit
    http://www.recursion.jp/avrcdc/


SUMMARY
=======
    The AVR-CDC performs the CDC (Communication Device Class) connection over
    low-speed USB. It provides the virtual RS-232C interface without installing
    dedicated driver. The AVR-CDC is developed by Osamu Tamura in Japan. 


SPECIFICATION
=============
    AVR-CDC with USART (ATmega8, 48, 88..)
        speed: 1200 - 19200bps
        datasize: 5-8
        parity: none/even/odd
        stopbit: 1/2

    AVR-CDC without USART (ATtiny45 and 85)
        speed: 1200 - 4800bps
        datasize: 8
        parity: none
        stopbit: 1
        supply current: 8mA

    Without USART, some characters will be corrupted if full-duplex transaction
    continues long in high baud rate. Slower speed is recommended.

    The actual transfer rate depends upon the terminal software strongly.
    On Windows, HyperTerminal sends one character at a time for every packet.
    Therefore, the transmission speed is one character/mSec at the maximum.

    Although the CDC is supported by Windows XP/2000, Mac OS X,9.1, and Linux,
    CDC on low-speed USB is not allowed by the USB standard. Use AVR-CDC at
    your own risk. 


USAGE
=====
    Build your circuit and write firmware (cdcmegaX.hex/cdctinyX.hex) into it.
    If you use another bit for USB_CFG_DMINUS_BIT, modify usbconfig.h and
    recompile codes. You can reverse the polarity of TXD and RXD if you need 
    connect to RS-232C directly on non-UART version (use cdctiny45R.hex).
    Recompile with #define UART_CFG_INVERT 1 in uart.h. 

    [Windows XP/2000]
    When you connect with a USB port first, a Driver Setup Dialog appears.
    Specify the folder in which "avrcdc.inf" exists, without searching
    automatically. Although it is warned that the driver is not certified,
    confirm it. It only loads Windows' built-in usbser.sys. Then, the Virtual
    COM port appears.
 
    [Mac OS X]
    You'll see the device /dev/cu.usbmodemXXX.

    [Linux]
    The device will be /dev/ttyACM*.
    Some problems still remain.


DEVELOPMENT
===========
    This driver has been developed on AVR Studio 4.12 and WinAVR 20060421.
    Create new GCC project named "cdctiny" or "cdcmega" under "avrcdc/" without
    creating initial file. 
    Select each Makefile at "Configuration Options".

    The code size of AVR-CDC is 2.8KB, and 128B RAM is required at least.

    Fuses
        RSTDISBL = 1 (ATtiny)
        WDTON = 1
        BODLEVEL = 101
        CKSEL = 1110
        SUT = 11

    Disabling Reset pin requires the High Voltage Serial Programming at ATtiny.


USING AVR-CDC FOR FREE
======================
    The AVR-CDC is published under an Open Source compliant license.
    See the file "License.txt" for details.

    You may use this driver in a form as it is. However, if you want to
    distribute a system with your vendor name, modify these files and recompile
    them;
        1. Vendor String in usbconfig.h
        2. COMPANY and MFGNAME strings in avrcdc.inf  



    Osamu Tamura @ Recursion Co., Ltd.
    http://www.recursion.jp/avrcdc/
    26 June 2006