The AT-Link is an online/offline downloader, debugger, and programmer designed for Artery MCU families, offering stability, reliability, portability, and ease of use. It supports IDE online debugging, online/offline programming, and USB to serial interface functions.
Function Description:
The AT-Link serves as a versatile tool for microcontroller unit (MCU) programming and configuration. It facilitates online debugging within integrated development environments (IDEs) like Keil and IAR, enabling developers to test and troubleshoot their code directly on the target MCU. For production and field updates, it supports both online and offline programming, allowing firmware to be loaded onto MCUs without continuous PC connection. The device also functions as a USB-to-serial interface, useful for general serial communication or ISP offline downloads.
Different AT-Link variants offer varying feature sets:
- AT-Link (Standard): Provides core functionalities including IDE compiling/debugging, SWD online download, ICP tool online continuous download, USB to USART, user system data programming, serial number programming, security library (sLib) support, and simultaneous programming of multi-section codes. It supports multiple offline project storage, SWD/ISP-UART offline download, machine programming control, offline continuous download, and remote file/project encryption. It also includes LED indicators and online auto/manual firmware upgrade.
- AT-Link-EZ: A simplified version that supports basic debugging and programming. It includes USB interface, communication interfaces (SWD, SWO, serial port, NRST, BOOT0), and power interfaces (3V3, E5V). It features LEDs for status indication but lacks buzzer, output voltage regulation, LCD display, offline parameter settings, and multifunctional download interfaces. It does not support multiple offline projects, SWD/ISP-UART offline download, or machine programming control.
- AT-Link-Pro: An enhanced debugger and programmer with advanced features. It includes a USB interface, LCD touch screen display, communication interfaces (SWD, SWO, serial port, NRST, BOOT0), power interfaces (VDD, E5V), LED and buzzer. It supports output voltage regulation, LCD display prompts, and offline parameter settings. It also includes machine programming control and offers a more comprehensive set of features compared to the standard AT-Link.
- AT-Link-ISO: This variant incorporates isolation protection, capable of isolating 1500V power supply and signals. It offers the same functions as the standard AT-Link but is ideal for development in environments with strong interference (e.g., motors, high-power supplies). Key differences include E5V pin not usable as power input (always USB powered) and a maximum total power output on the isolation side of around 200 mA. The machine programming control interface is not part of the isolation protection.
- AT-Link+: An enhanced debugger and programmer that supports online/offline programming, IDE online debugging, USB to serial interface, and other functions. It includes USB interface, status LEDs, buzzer, buttons, machine programming control interface, communication interfaces (SWD, SWO, serial port, MULTI FUNC, NRST, BOOT0), and power interfaces (3V3, E5V). It supports multifunctional download interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, etc.) and enhanced anti-interference.
- AT-Link-ISO+: Combines the enhanced features of AT-Link+ with 1500V isolation protection. It is suitable for high-interference environments. Differences from AT-Link+ include the E5V pin in the SWD/ISP box not being usable as a power supply input (due to isolated chip), although AUTO CTRL and MULTI FUNC interfaces support 5V input. The maximum total power output on the isolation side is around 300 mA. The isolated unit handles SWD/ISP, while AUTO CTRL and MULTI FUNC interfaces are not isolated.
Important Technical Specifications:
- USB Interface: Used for communication with PC during online debugging, download, or ICP parameter configuration. Can also serve as a power supply interface in offline mode.
- Communication Interfaces:
- SWD (Serial Wire Debug): Includes SWCLK and SWDIO for IDE online debugging or ICP online/offline programming.
- SWO (Serial Wire Output): SWO_UART feature for print information output in debug mode (V1.3 and above hardware).
- USB-to-serial port: Includes TX and RX for ISP offline download or general serial interface.
- NRST (Reset): Connects to the target board's reset pin for hardware reset and works with BOOT0 for auto boot mode switching during ISP offline download.
- BOOT0: Connects to the target board's BOOT0 pin, working with NRST for auto boot mode switching during ISP offline download.
- MULTI FUNC (AT-Link+ only): Multifunctional interface with SPI (MOSI/MISO/SCK/CS) and changeable peripheral interfaces (I2C/CAN, etc.) for ISP or ICP programming. Uses CDC communication.
- Power Supply Interfaces:
- 3V3: 3.3V power output.
- E5V: 5V power output or input. As output (USB powered): ~4.7V. As input: 4.5V-5.5V external source. (Note: AT-Link-ISO E5V cannot be used as power input).
- GND: Connected to the target board's GND.
- Load Capacity:
- AT-Link/AT-Link-Pro/AT-Link+: 5V@500mA, 3.3V@300mA.
- AT-Link-ISO: 5V@200mA, 3.3V@200mA.
- AT-Link-ISO+: SWD/ISP interface box: 5V@300mA, 3.3V@300mA. AUTO CTRL and MULTI FUNC interface box: 5V@500mA, 3.3V@300mA.
- Data Storage Area (for offline projects): Configurable as 1/2/4/8/16 areas, with individual maximum capacities of 16/8/4/2/1 MB respectively. Supports up to 5 code files simultaneously.
- SWD Speed: Configurable (e.g., 5 MHz) or auto-detect for optimal performance.
- Encryption: Supports 6-24 byte encryption keys for secure data transfer.
- Anti-interference: Standard AT-Link and AT-Link+ offer "General" anti-interference. AT-Link-ISO and AT-Link-ISO+ offer "Enhanced" anti-interference.
Usage Features:
- Driver Installation: For Windows 7 and older, manual driver installation is required (HID, WinUSB, CDC). For Windows 10 and newer, drivers are generally not required but recommended for accurate device recognition.
- IDE Operation:
- Keil Environment: Select "CMSIS-DAP Debugger" and "WinUSB" device in debug settings. Set "Max Clock" to 5 MHz or above for best performance.
- IAR Environment: Select "CMSIS DAP" in "Options-Debugger-Setup-Driver" and "SWD" interface.
- ICP Tool Operation:
- Encryption Files: Supports using encryption files for secure firmware transfer. Users can customize encryption keys and generate encrypted files (benc/henc/senc) from standard formats (bin/hex/srec/s19).
- Parameter Settings: Configure AT-Link parameters such as data storage area, machine programming control (enable, active level polarity, pulse width, delay setup time), SWD speed, reset mode, BLE SPI rate, and encryption key.
- Online Operations: Perform mass erase, erase main flash, erase SPIM, erase sectors, user system data programming, access protection, sLib configuration, and write software serial numbers.
- Offline Operations: Supports offline download with encrypted data transfer. Offline projects can be configured, saved to PC or directly to AT-Link, and activated for programming.
- Machine Programming Control: Allows automated programming without PC software. The programming machine sends a START pulse, AT-Link programs the target, and BUSY/PASS/FAIL pins indicate status. Parameters are customizable.
- Button Operations: Primarily for offline download and mode switching.
- Short press (3s) and release: Single offline download.
- Press and hold (3s) without release: Switch between button-free download and single download modes (indicated by LED/buzzer).
- LCD Touch Operations (AT-Link-Pro only): Directly configure parameters like output voltage, machine programming, SWD speed, and offline project operations. Supports switching download modes.
- Online Debugging: Disables LCD operations and offline download temporarily for online debugging.
- Low-power Consumption Mode: Turns off the screen after 30s of idle time to save power (can be woken by touch).
- Offline Programming Procedures: Create and save offline projects, then activate them for mass programming.
Maintenance Features:
- Firmware Upgrade:
- Auto Upgrade: ICP software automatically detects if the AT-Link firmware is outdated and prompts for an upgrade.
- Manual Upgrade: Users can download the latest firmware (benc format) from the Artery official website and manually upgrade the device.
- Parameter Persistence: All AT-Link parameters can be saved after power-off, ensuring configurations are retained.
- Offline Download Status Monitoring: Provides information on activated projects, total downloads, downloaded times, and successful downloads. This helps manage project limits and track progress.
- Error Handling: Buzzer and LED indicators provide feedback on download status (success, failure, idle, running). Error messages are displayed during failed downloads.
The AT-Link series offers a comprehensive set of tools for developers and manufacturers working with Artery MCUs, ranging from basic debugging to advanced mass programming with security and isolation features.
To Next Page
Need help?
General
