ftisp - A USB-to-ISP Programmer Utility

What is 'ftisp':

Ftisp is command-line utility program that allows direct ISP programming of AVR processors via a USB connection. No bootloader needed!
Ftisp uses the fast synchronous bit-bang features found in the FT2232 and FT232R USB interface chips from FTDI (www.ftidchip.com).

Download:

Select version and platform	Win32	Linux	MacOS X
Current Release:
ftisp v2:	[Download]	[Download]	[Download]
Old versions:
ftisp v1:	[Download]	[Download]	[Download]

Ftisp v1 is the original version which allows chip erase, flash read/write, eeprom read/write.
Ftisp v2 has added features including multiple-command support, verify commands, fuse bit and lock bit read/write.
Note: ftispv2 uses a different command-line syntax. Run ftispv2 to see command help.

How to Install:

1. Download ftisp for your platform
2. Install FTDI USB driver
   
   Get drivers and installation instructions at: www.ftidchip.com
   • For Windows systems use the V2.xx.xx (CDM) driver
   • For other systems, use the D2XX driver
3. Connect any cabling or set any configuration jumpers required by your hardware (see Supported Hardware)
4. Connect your supported hardware to your PC with a USB cable (ftisp works only via USB)
5. Open a command prompt and run ftisp. Command line syntax will be printed.

How to Use:

Supported Hardware:

• AVRminiV4.0 - AVR development board with USB, Ethernet, and SD-card slot
  • AVRminiV4.0 board must be connected to PC via USB.
  • Pins 13&15 of USB I/O header must be connected with a shorting block.
• FTDImicro - FTDI USB interface dongle (UART, ISP, JTAG support)
  • Connect your FTDImicro to your AVR board using the 10-pin ISP connector
• FTDImod - FTDI USB-to-Serial interface module (Serial DB9, ISP, JTAG support)
  • Connect your FTDImod to your AVR board using the 10-pin ISP connector
• Lots of other user-made boards and hardware platforms
  • Google 'ftisp'

FAQ:

• Q: How long does ftisp take to program an AVR processor?
  A: This depends on the size of the program you are loading, but in general ftisp programs 16KB in about 10 seconds.
  
• Q: How do it set/clear fuse bits and lock bits?
  A: Ftisp version 2 supports reading/writing fuse bits, lock bits, and variable bitrate programming. Version 1 did not support these features.
  
• Q: Ftisp hangs when I go to program my AVR's flash. What's wrong?
  A: If the ftisp hangs at the beginning of flash programming, this is probably because the flash memory is has not been erased. You must run an erase command before the flash write command.
  
• Q: What file formats does ftisp understand?
  A: Ftisp currently understands only binary files (*.bin). Intel Hex files (*.hex or *.ihx) will be supported in the next release.