Assembly of the AVR200 is quite straightforward as the PC board is a plated-through, double-sided design with solder resist on both sides. To reduce component count and simplify construction, most resistors are contained in single-in-line (SIL) arrays.

In its standard configuration, the board provides eight analog inputs or digital inputs/outputs, 11 digital inputs and nine Mosfet outputs. Also included are a real-time clock, buffered I²C port and RS232 serial port.

Fig.5: use this diagram as an aid when assembling your board. Socket strips are needed for resistor packs RP2-RP7, with all others being soldered directly into the board. Of the six packs, only RP5 & RP6 are installed in the standard configuration shown here. To install optional items, follow the silkscreen overlay printed on the board and the instructions in the text.

If the standard port I/O arrangements are not suitable for your application, then most port lines can be swapped from inputs to outputs or vice versa with only minor component changes. It is therefore important to examine the various options carefully before starting assembly, to ensure that the correct parts are installed from the outset.

We covered the various options in detail last month. In summary, the kit contains all of the components needed to configure all available port lines (28) as inputs, if desired. Eight of these can be either analog or digital inputs, with the remainder being digital only.

Note that the remaining four port bits of the ATmega32 are dedicated to the I²C and RS232 serial interfaces.

Conversely, if more than the standard nine port lines are required as outputs, then up to 12 additional Mosfets can be installed for a full complement of 21 outputs (still giving seven digital inputs). The extra Mosfets are not included in the basic kit but can be ordered separately from JED.