Atmel SAM C21 Xplained Pro User Manual

3. Xplained Pro
Xplained Pro is an evaluation platform that provides the full Atmel microcontroller experience. The
platform consists of a series of Microcontroller (MCU) boards and extension boards which are integrated
with Atmel Studio, have Atmel Software Framework (ASF) drivers and demo code, support data
streaming, and more. Xplained Pro MCU boards support a wide range of Xplained Pro extension boards
which are connected through a set of standardized headers and connectors. Each extension board has
an identification (ID) chip to uniquely identify which boards are connected to an Xplained Pro MCU board.
This information is used to present relevant user guides, application notes, datasheets, and example
code through Atmel Studio.
3.1. Embedded Debugger
The SAM C21 Xplained Pro contains the Atmel Embedded Debugger (EDBG) for on-board debugging.
The EDBG is a composite USB device of three interfaces; a debugger, Virtual COM Port, and a Data
Gateway Interface (DGI).
Together with Atmel Studio, the EDBG debugger interface can program and debug the ATSAMC21J18A.
On SAM C21 Xplained Pro, the SWD interface is connected between the EDBG and the
ATSAMC21J18A.
The Virtual COM Port is connected to a UART on the ATSAMC21J18A and provides an easy way to
communicate with the target application through terminal software. It offers variable baud rate, parity, and
stop bit settings. Note that the settings on the ATSAMC21J18A must match the settings given in the
terminal software.
Info: If not set automatically, data terminal ready (DTR) must be set in the terminal software.
The DGI consists of several physical interfaces for communication with the host computer.
Communication over the interfaces is bidirectional. It can be used to send events and values from the
ATSAMC21J18A or as a generic printf-style data channel. Traffic over the interfaces can be timestamped
on the EDBG for more accurate tracing of events. Note that timestamping imposes an overhead that
reduces maximal throughput. Atmel Data Visualizer is used to send and receive data through DGI.
The EDBG controls two LEDs on SAM C21 Xplained Pro; a power LED and a status LED. Table 3-1
EDBG LED Control on page 7 shows how the LEDs are controlled in different operation modes.
Table 3-1 EDBG LED Control
Operation mode Power LED Status LED
Normal operation Power LED is lit when power is
applied to the board.
Activity indicator, LED flashes
when any communication
happens to the EDBG.
Bootloader mode (idle) The power LED and the status LED blinks simultaneously.
Bootloader mode (firmware
upgrade)
The power LED and the status LED blinks in an alternating pattern.
For further documentation on the EDBG, see the EDBG User Guide.
Atmel SAM C21 Xplained Pro [USER GUIDE]
Atmel-42460C-SAM C21 Xplained Pro_User Guide-10/2015
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Atmel SAM C21 Xplained Pro Specifications

General

Microcontroller	ATSAMC21J18A
Architecture	ARM Cortex-M0+
Operating Voltage	3.3V
Flash Memory	256 KB
SRAM	32 KB
Clock Speed	48 MHz
USB Interface	Yes
On-board Debugger	EDBG
Debug Interface	SWD
DAC Channels	1
Communication Interfaces	I2C, SPI, UART
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C

Summary

Preface

Introduction

Features

Lists the key features of the ATSAMC21J18A microcontroller and evaluation kit.

Kit Overview

Provides a general overview of the SAM C21 Xplained Pro evaluation kit's purpose.

Getting Started

Xplained Pro Quick Start

Guides users through the initial steps to set up and explore the Xplained Pro platform.

Design Documentation and Relevant Links

Lists important documents, software, and resources for the SAM C21 Xplained Pro.

Xplained Pro

Embedded Debugger

Details the on-board Embedded Debugger (EDBG) and its interfaces for programming and debugging.

Hardware Identification System

Explains the system that identifies Xplained Pro compatible extension boards using an ID chip.

Power Sources

Lists and describes the available power sources for the SAM C21 Xplained Pro kit.

Xplained Pro Headers and Connectors

Details the various headers and connectors for interfacing with Xplained Pro extensions.

Xplained Pro Standard Extension Header

Describes the pinout and function of the standard 20-pin extension headers.

Xplained Pro Power Header

Details the pinout and function of the power header for connecting external power.

Hardware Users Guide

Power Distribution

Illustrates the power supply circuitry and how the kit is powered from different sources.

Connectors

Describes the various connectors and headers on the SAM C21 Xplained Pro board.

Xplained Pro Extension Headers

Details the pinouts and functions of the EXT1, EXT2, and EXT3 extension headers.

Arduino Connectors

Explains the implementation of Arduino shield connectors on the SAM C21 Xplained Pro.

VCC Selection Header

Describes the header used to select the target voltage (3.3V or 5.0V) for the board.

VREF Header

Describes the header for applying voltage references to ADC, DAC, and SDADC.

DAC Header

Details the 2-pin header for the DAC output of the ATSAMC21J18A.

Current Measurement Header

Explains the header for measuring MCU power consumption by inserting an ammeter.

Cortex Debug Connector

Details the 10-pin connector for external debuggers.

Peripherals

LED

Describes the status LED on the SAM C21 Xplained Pro board.

Mechanical Buttons

Details the reset and user configurable buttons on the board.

Crystals

Discusses the onboard and footprint for crystals used for clock sources.

CAN

Explains the CAN modules and transceiver on the board.

LIN

Describes the LIN transceiver and its availability on a 3-pin header.

Kit Modifications

Kit Modifications

Details resistors and jumpers for modifying board functionality and disconnecting pins.

Embedded Debugger Implementation

Serial Wire Debug

Explains the Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface for programming and debugging.

Virtual COM Port

Details the Virtual COM Port functionality using the UART for communication.

Atmel Data Gateway Interface

Describes the Data Gateway Interface (DGI) for sending data to a PC.

Appendix

Getting Started with IAR

Guides users on configuring IAR Embedded Workbench for programming and debugging.

Connecting a SAM-ICE to an Xplained Pro Board

Explains how to connect an external debugger like SAM-ICE to the Xplained Pro board.

Hardware Revision History and Known Issues

Identifying Product ID and Revision

Explains how to find the product identifier and revision of Xplained Pro boards.

Revision 5

Details the fixes and changes implemented in Revision 5 of the hardware.

Revision 3

Describes Revision 3 and its quick fix for the 3.3V target supply problem.

Revision 2

Details Revision 2, its engineering samples, and known issues.

Document Revision History

Evaluation Board/kit Important Notice