Digispark ATtiny85 USB Development Board – Ultra-Compact Arduino-Compatible MCU with Micro-USB Interface

Product Description The Digispark ATTiny85 is an ultra-compact, Arduino-compatible development board designed for projects where size and cost are the primary constraints. Built around the powerful Atmel ATTiny85 8-bit AVR microcontroller, this board features a built-in Micro-USB interface, allowing it to be programmed directly through the Arduino IDE without the need for an external programmer. Despite its miniature footprint, it packs 6 GPIO pins, hardware PWM, and I2C/SPI communication support. Its versatile power management system includes an on-board regulator, enabling it to be powered via USB or an external DC source up to 35V, making it the perfect choice for wearable electronics, hidden security devices, and simple automation nodes.

Key Features

• Ultra-Miniature Footprint: One of the smallest Arduino-compatible boards available, ideal for embedding into tight spaces and enclosures.

• Direct USB Programming: Features the Micronucleus bootloader, allowing for seamless code uploads via Micro-USB without extra hardware.

• Versatile Power Input: On-board 500mA regulator accepts a wide range of external voltages (7V to 35V) or stable 5V via USB.

• I/O Capability: Supports up to 6 GPIO pins (2 are used for USB communication during programming) with ADC and PWM functionality.

• USB Device Emulation: Can be programmed to act as a USB HID device (Keyboard, Mouse, or Joystick), making it a favorite for PC automation scripts.

Technical Details

• CPU Speed: Operates at 16.5 MHz via internal oscillator, providing high processing power for its small size.

• Memory Architecture: Includes 8KB of Flash memory (approx. 2KB used by the bootloader), 512 bytes of SRAM, and 512 bytes of EEPROM.

• GPIO Multiplexing: Pins P0-P5 provide various functions including I2C (SDA/SCL), SPI (MOSI/MISO), and 3-channel PWM.

• Analog Inputs: Features 4 integrated ADC channels for reading sensors like potentiometers, LDRs, or thermistors.

• Micro-USB Connector: High-quality Micro-USB port for both power and data transmission.

• Power LED: Includes an on-board power indicator LED and a programmable test LED (connected to Pin 1).

• Reset Circuitry: Internal power-on reset ensures the MCU starts reliably under varying power conditions.

• Programming Interface: Works with the standard Arduino IDE after installing the Digistump board manager package.

• Current Consumption: Very low power operation, drawing less than 20mA in standard active mode.

• Thermal Protection: On-board regulator includes thermal shutdown and current limiting for safe operation with external batteries.

• ISP Header Support: Professional users can still use the SPI pins for traditional ISP programming if the bootloader is not desired.

• Logic Compatibility: Standard 5V logic levels are compatible with most hobbyist sensors and modules.

• Wait-to-Upload Logic: The board waits for 5 seconds upon power-up for a computer to initiate a code upload before executing the stored program.

• PCB Finish: High-quality lead-free finish with clearly labeled pin numbers (P0 through P5) for error-free wiring.

• Clock Stability: Factory-tuned internal oscillator maintains timing accuracy across a wide range of temperatures.