DigiSpark mini Arduino ATtiny85 module, commissioning, test

TechEkspert 12336 32

TL;DR

DigiSpark is a miniature Arduino-compatible module built around the ATtiny85, with USB handled in firmware instead of a USB-UART converter.
It includes a 5V stabilizer and exposes pins P0–P5, while setup requires adding the Digistump board URL, installing Digistump AVR Boards, and loading the driver.
The module offers 8kB flash memory, with 2kB occupied by the bootloader, and the DigiScope example reads analog input on P2 over a 0–4.75 V range.
The board worked with DigiUSB tools to show a 1Hz waveform and can emulate a keyboard, mouse, joystick, or serial port, but it has few pins and awkward breadboard compatibility.

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Post #1
17330915 15 Jul 2018 21:31

DigiSpark is a miniature Arduino compatible module, based on the ATtiny85 microcontroller. The board is not equipped with a USB UART converter typical for Arduino. The USB lines have been connected with the pins of the microcontroller, while the USB support has been embedded in the firmware. The module is equipped with a 5V stabilizer and the PCB terminals work with this voltage. 8kB flash memory available (2kB occupied by bootloader). We have the following outputs:
P0 (SDA, PWM, AREF)
P1 (PWM, LED)
P2 (D / A, SCK)
P3 (D / A, USB +)
P4 (D / A, PWM, USB-)
P5 (D / A)

Integration with Arduino:
We choose:
File-> Preferences-> field Additional URLs to the tile manager, add the line:
http://digistump.com/package_digistump_index.json
Tools-> Tile> Tile manager-> search for "digistump" and install Digistamp AVR Boards library.
We download and install the driver for the device:
https://github.com/digistump/DigistumpArduino/releases/download/1.6.7/Digistump.Drivers.zip
After installation, select Tools-> Board-> Digispark (16.5MHz)

Loading the program is different than with standard Arduino boards:
-compile the program and start uploading
-when appropriate information appears in the console, connect the Digispark board

Let's open the example of DigiSparkUSB-> DigiScope
We compile the example and upload it to the board.
The analog signal is given on P2 (input voltage range 0-4.75v).

Using the tools https://github.com/digistump/DigisparkExamplePrograms (DigiUSB -> windows -> digiscope.exe) we can observe the analog signal given on pin P2. The 1Hz waveform is recorded below.

Depending on the program, digispark, when connected to USB, can emulate a keyboard (example with an I2C scanner), mouse, joystick, serial port. The advantage of the module are small dimensions, the disadvantage may be a small number of pins, and the layout of pins that makes it difficult to use the module on the contact plate. Earlier digispark versions were available on PCBs with a track pattern forming a USB plug, which allowed the PCB to be directly inserted into the USB socket.

What are your applications for digispark modules?

Source:
http://digistump.com/

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#2 17331218 16 Jul 2018 00:09

oskar777 oskar777

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Post #2
17331218 16 Jul 2018 00:09

Hello.
In my cellar, I will probably use the pressure sensor in the water system and then
further data in series, can also be suitable for a water level sensor.

Company Account:
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Gidzińskiego 24/1, Warszawa, 02-293 | Tel.: 501XXXXXX (Show) | Company Website: http://oskar-info.pl
#3 17331317 16 Jul 2018 07:23

RigelInOrion RigelInOrion

Level 13

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Post #3
17331317 16 Jul 2018 07:23

I don't know about you, but I had problems with the digispark at the start. In most cases, the computer did not recognize the device. After replacing the diodes
zener at 3.3v the problem is gone.
#4 17331663 16 Jul 2018 11:40

noel200 noel200

Level 27

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Post #4
17331663 16 Jul 2018 11:40

For me, it often does not recognize this plate. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience to upload the program.
#5 17332528 16 Jul 2018 19:13

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Post #5
17332528 16 Jul 2018 19:13

@ oskar777 between the basement, the sensor and the apartment, it is worth using something like RS-485, or something equally "far-reaching".

@RigelInOrion @ noel200 i.e. simplification of the structure has a negative effect on its stability,
my module worked stably, only the programming procedure is non-intuitive (first load the program, then connect the module).
#6 17332684 16 Jul 2018 20:19

leonow32 leonow32

Level 30

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Post #6
17332684 16 Jul 2018 20:19

Isn't it better to try something like this?

https://www.tme.eu/pl/details/attiny416-xnano...ja-do-ukladow-microchip/microchip-technology/

Built in DEBUGGER and serial port via USB, full integration with Atmel Studio, possibility of graphical configuration of peripherals via Atmel Start. XMEGA style register programming, DAC, logical cells, event system, multi-priority interrupt system. The world doesn't end with Arduino ;)
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#7 17332755 16 Jul 2018 20:45

pier pier

Level 24

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Post #7
17332755 16 Jul 2018 20:45

Do you know any way how to run Digispark under WIN10?
#8 17332795 16 Jul 2018 20:58

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Post #8
17332795 16 Jul 2018 20:58

@ leonow32 interesting board, presentation of a new ATtiny series microcontroller.
@Pir the description in the first post was made during trials on WIN10.
#9 17332863 16 Jul 2018 21:28

RigelInOrion RigelInOrion

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Post #9
17332863 16 Jul 2018 21:28

TechEkspert wrote:
@ oskar777 between the basement, the sensor and the apartment, it is worth using something like RS-485, or something equally "far-reaching".

@RigelInOrion @ noel200 i.e. simplification of the structure has a negative effect on its stability,
my module worked stably, only the programming procedure is non-intuitive (first load the program, then connect the module).

The bootloader, which is responsible for loading the program, starts only for a moment emulating the "Digispark something" device and if nothing is sent to it, it starts the program. Hence, it is constantly plugging the board into the port. I only used the bootloader for testing. I programmed the end device with the USBASP programmer so that it was just a running program. You don't need to install drivers for it and it can run without them on any computer (it emulates the keyboard in my project)
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#10 17332865 16 Jul 2018 21:31

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #10
17332865 16 Jul 2018 21:31

leonow32 wrote:
Isn't it better to try something like this?

https://www.tme.eu/pl/details/...icrochip/microchip-technology/

Blue Pill costs 3 times less, offers 10 times more and is "a little" faster.

Added after 1 [minutes]:

RigelInOrion wrote:
In most cases, the computer did not recognize the device. After replacing the diodes
zener at 3.3v the problem is gone.

The voltage on the USB lines must not exceed 3.6V. As it is bigger, errors can occur.
#11 17333168 16 Jul 2018 23:14

fotomh-s fotomh-s

Level 24

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Post #11
17333168 16 Jul 2018 23:14

This board and this microcontroller are a bit of nonsense. Who needs a USB microcontroller with such a small number of pins? In addition, the USB eats 2 ports ...
The ADC is there, but it eats the port on the reference voltage ...

So you want one, it eats you up with the other ... And it was like to think and not put anything with 8 pins in there. In my opinion, 8-pin microcontrollers are "esoteric" microcontrollers and just like esoteric programming languages they are there to be ... And that's it ... In amateur electronics where the number of ports and peripherals is the basis, something like a fist in the nose ...

Maybe somewhere in commerce it will come in handy as a "programmable ADC", provided the price is as low as the sense of its existence
And the manufacturer also could not force it, but give more than 8 pins and at least USB and AREF separately. It would rather cost nothing and the ports would not be eaten up.

Generally, it's a test who will put more into something with 8 pins. Just like once there was a test of how many guys could be squeezed into a toddler.
#12 17333173 16 Jul 2018 23:17

tronics tronics

Level 38

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Post #12
17333173 16 Jul 2018 23:17

@nowyARM - bluepill is "dumped". Neither I nor you will buy the STM32F103 itself at the price at which this module is sold. What "economic magic" is behind it, I have no idea, GD32 probably not, although who knows ... knowing the Chinese. The original Maple Mini, on which bluepill partially rests, costs * only * from 4-5x that. Interestingly, I bought 10 and each one works flawlessly (except for the stm32duino bootloader). However, the price argument for this particular product is not entirely serious. The same applies to (wo) platforms on F4 where as much as you paid for nucleo, it was the main processor itself (and therefore you could NOT use these platforms for commercial devices because they were sold below cost only to promote the family).
#13 17333196 16 Jul 2018 23:33

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #13
17333196 16 Jul 2018 23:33

fotomh-s wrote:
Generally, it's a test who will put more into something with 8 pins

There are 6 pin uC, where 2 is power. Used in intelligent optical sensor.
uC 8 pin are often used in models where miniaturization is important. In model railroads, model airplanes.
#14 17333337 17 Jul 2018 07:15

leonow32 leonow32

Level 30

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Post #14
17333337 17 Jul 2018 07:15

nowyARM wrote:

leonow32 wrote:
Isn't it better to try something like this?

https://www.tme.eu/pl/details/...icrochip/microchip-technology/

Blue Pill costs 3 times less, offers 10 times more and is "a little" faster.

It is not expensive the original Arduino Uno costs about PLN 91 and you will not experience debugging there
https://www.tme.eu/pl/details/a000066/zecja-arduino/arduino/arduino-uno-rev3/#

ATiny416 from Farnell costs 1.95 PLN / 100 pcs.

and recently Microchip was giving away these tiles for free
#15 17333350 17 Jul 2018 07:26

noel200 noel200

Level 27

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Post #15
17333350 17 Jul 2018 07:26

Recently, I had to disassemble an oral-b vitality electric toothbrush because the switch did not work as it should.
There is a microcontroller inside. Not in the plcc44 housing, but a tiny one. This is only to turn on the motor and after 3 minutes it signals the expiry of this time with its revolutions, but they put the processor there.
#16 17333480 17 Jul 2018 09:22

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #16
17333480 17 Jul 2018 09:22

leonow32 wrote:
the original Arduino Uno costs about PLN 91
ATiny416 from Farnell costs 1.95 PLN / 100 pcs.

Comparison in the style of the ruling party.
Compares colleague alone uC in quantity wholesale down starting tile in quantities retail . Is this comparison reliable? Is it there to prove your point?

PS
I have not checked whether there has been any manipulation of prices with and without VAT yet.
Anyway, buddy @ leonow32, I am telling my colleague a bright future in the Statistical Office.
#17 17333513 17 Jul 2018 09:38

leonow32 leonow32

Level 30

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Post #17
17333513 17 Jul 2018 09:38

You started comparing the small ATina board to the STM32 board
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#18 17333580 17 Jul 2018 10:18

Anonymous Anonymous

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Post #18
17333580 17 Jul 2018 10:18

leonow32 wrote:
You started comparing the small ATina board to the STM32 board

I compared retail prices. I can also compare the price of the tile with a small AtTina for PLN 45.51 (PLN 37.56 net) with NUCLEO for PLN 55 gross. For 20% more, we have 100 times better set.

Let's face it and let's not prove by force that 8-bit is better than 32-bit. There is room for 8-bit in simple applications, more extensive or with more GPIOs, 8-bit is unprofitable. This applies not only to the price of the UC itself, but also to the time of project implementation.
#19 17334578 17 Jul 2018 19:39

fotomh-s fotomh-s

Level 24

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Post #19
17334578 17 Jul 2018 19:39

nowyARM wrote:

fotomh-s wrote:
Generally, it's a test who will put more into something with 8 pins

There are 6 pin uC, where 2 is power. Used in intelligent optical sensor.
uC 8 pin are often used in models where miniaturization is important. In model railroads, model airplanes.

Even in aviation models, the weight of the microcontroller itself does not matter as long as we are talking about SMD. The antenna itself from the receiver weighs a lot more, and no one in modeling cares too much about it. Even a single engine mounting screw that everyone omits, I suspect that it weighs more. To know the weight of an SMD microcontroller, you need a datasheet or a jewelery scale. With a model that weighs, say, 500g, which is not heavy, this weight does not matter, the microcontroller is the lightest element here.

Same size. ATmega 8 SMD is so small that it doesn't matter. In fact, only ATmega64 and its related ones make some (still not big) difference.

As long as you don't build a bee-sized model, you won't notice a difference in practice
#20 17334732 17 Jul 2018 20:35

TechEkspert TechEkspert

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Post #20
17334732 17 Jul 2018 20:35

fotomh-s wrote:
This board and this microcontroller are a bit of nonsense. Who needs a USB microcontroller with such a small number of pins? In addition, the USB eats 2 ports ...
The ADC is there, but it eats the port on the reference voltage ...

It is worth remembering that USB is not hardware-based, but software-based, which significantly limits the capabilities of such a USB.

As for the AREF, it can be used, but you can also select internal reference voltages and free the tip,
There are several pins with ADC input.
#21 17334827 17 Jul 2018 21:09

fotomh-s fotomh-s

Level 24

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Post #21
17334827 17 Jul 2018 21:09

I was just wondering if anyone would really have the courage to put a hardware USB into such a bug.
I was a bit confused by the description where USB- and USB + were marked. Generally, the pin functions are not described, because they depend on the program and everyone has what they want ... ... Although I know that Arudu is sold with "boots".
Apparently, Microchip or Atmel (I don't know how new / old this chip is), however, did not lose his mind and did not put into a cheap MCU a hardware USB unnecessary in such a game.

As I wrote before, such a scalak is OK for commercial stews (it was probably designed for them). For amateurs, however, it is an excess of form over content. What does the person who designed this tile want to prove? I do not know. It's a bit like putting a lawn mower engine in a car, it will drive, but it's not a working environment for such an engine ;-)

The only thing that occurred to me now is that if someone needs a simple system for pain, which probably would not require an MCU at all, it may be an alternative to classic chips / ASICs. You can, for example, make a comparator, PWM, USB / RS232 adapter, LED blinker or some tormentor It would make sense if the price is sufficiently low.
#22 17334855 17 Jul 2018 21:16

simw simw

Level 27

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Post #22
17334855 17 Jul 2018 21:16

TechEkspert wrote:

fotomh-s wrote:
This board and this microcontroller are a bit of nonsense. Who needs a USB microcontroller with such a small number of pins? In addition, the USB eats 2 ports ...
The ADC is there, but it eats the port on the reference voltage ...

It is worth remembering that USB is not hardware-based, but software-based, which significantly limits the capabilities of such a USB.

As for the AREF, it can be used, but you can also select internal reference voltages and free the tip,
There are several pins with ADC input.

There is a concept called imagination. Only she limits. Not the number of tips, the amount of flash memory, not whether USB soft or hard. Here are some uses for simple modules like the ATtiny Digispark:
http://zealota74.blogspot.com/2017/10/uniwersalny-odbiornik-podczarzeniani-do.html
#23 17335552 18 Jul 2018 09:19

Anonymous Anonymous

Anonymous

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Post #23
17335552 18 Jul 2018 09:19

fotomh-s wrote:
Even in aviation models, the weight of the microcontroller itself does not matter as long as we are talking about SMD (...) Size is the same. ATmega 8 SMD is so small that it doesn't matter. In fact, only ATmega64 and its related ones make some (still not big) difference.

But in locomotive models, size does matter. Will TQFP32 fit on the N scale? It will fit, but there will be no room for the driver (SO-08) and the stabilizer (SO-08 or SOT-23).
#24 17335588 18 Jul 2018 09:37

Anonymous Anonymous

Level 1

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Post #24
17335588 18 Jul 2018 09:37

Speaking of the superiority of stm32 over attiny
The cheapest in tme uC stm costs PLN 5 (or 3.84 for 100 pcs if this range is compared) and it is a square with a side of 5mm (UFQFPN32 housing) for this it has a pitch of 0.5mm and 32 pins (you need to subtract 9 for boot and rst power, and possibly additional two on quartz). Unfortunately, there is no usb, but for modeling it does not make sense (for usb you can take 2x more expensive (and 2mm longer on the side) STM32F042C6U6
#25 17344299 22 Jul 2018 22:06

miszczo997 miszczo997

Level 28

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Post #25
17344299 22 Jul 2018 22:06

tronics wrote:
Neither I nor you will buy the STM32F103 itself at the price at which this module is sold.

Stm32f103c8t6 $ 1.5 for single items, $ 1.3 for 10 items.
#26 17344567 23 Jul 2018 04:46

tronics tronics

Level 38

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Post #26
17344567 23 Jul 2018 04:46

@ miszczo997
tme 6.10usd
farnell 4.38gbp
mouser 22pln
rs 4.68gbp
yeah, right ...

The cheapest bluepill on ali * is around $ 1.8, and there's a tact switch, microusb, quartz and a handful of smd resistors. If you are able to put something together at this price, estimate. In PL, mega88 alone can cost more.
#27 18429423 26 Jan 2020 22:53

kys kys

Level 12

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Post #27
18429423 26 Jan 2020 22:53

What is the issue of programming this board when we already have it soldered into the system and powered from the outside? Do you have to disconnect this power before programming? And what if I use pins from USB transmission, can connecting them with the rest of the system prevent the program from being loaded?
#28 18429636 27 Jan 2020 06:14

Slawek K. Slawek K.

Level 35

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Post #28
18429636 27 Jan 2020 06:14

As with any AVR, if you are programming with bootloader, then pins Rx and Tx must be disconnected. You can also program with SPI, without bootloader.

Greetings
#29 18429671 27 Jan 2020 07:36

pier pier

Level 24

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Post #29
18429671 27 Jan 2020 07:36

Slawek K. wrote:
As with any AVR, if you are programming with bootloader, then pins Rx and Tx must be disconnected. You can also program with SPI, without bootloader.

Greetings

The digispark is a bit different because the bootloader starts only a moment after turning on the power.
#30 18429755 27 Jan 2020 09:03

kys kys

Level 12

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Post #30
18429755 27 Jan 2020 09:03

Thanks for the answers. In this case, the module will be best disconnected from the system with goldpin connectors when it will need to be programmed
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the DigiSpark mini Arduino ATtiny85 module, focusing on its commissioning and testing challenges. Users report issues with device recognition on computers, particularly with Windows 10, and suggest solutions such as replacing zener diodes and using USBASP programmers for direct programming. The module's limitations, including its 8-pin configuration and the impact of USB connections on available pins, are debated. Alternatives like the ATtiny416 and STM32 boards are mentioned for their superior features and cost-effectiveness. The importance of disconnecting power during programming and the use of goldpin connectors for ease of access are also highlighted.
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DigiSpark mini Arduino ATtiny85 module, commissioning, test

FAQ

TL;DR: DigiSpark offers 8 kB flash (2 kB bootloader) in a 26 × 18 mm board [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17330915]; "After replacing the Zener diodes the problem is gone" [Elektroda, RigelInOrion, post #17331317] This FAQ streamlines drivers, Windows 10, programming tricks, and troubleshooting.

Why it matters: A two-euro board can emulate USB HID, sense analog signals and run in minutes—if you know the quirks.

Quick Facts

• MCU: ATtiny85, 8 kB flash, 512 B SRAM, 6 GPIO/PWM/ADC lines [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17330915] • USB: V-USB software stack, low-speed 1.5 Mbit/s, shared on P3/P4 [V-USB Factsheet] • Power: On-board 5 V LDO; analog input range 0–4.75 V on P2 [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17330915] • Driver package: Digistump.Drivers v1.6.7 for Win7-10 [Digistump, 2019] • Street price: US $1.8–2.5 per clone module [AliExpress listing, 2023]

How do I add DigiSpark support to the Arduino IDE?

Open File → Preferences → Additional Board URLs and paste http://digistump.com/package_digistump_index.json 2. Go to Tools → Board → Boards Manager, search “Digistump AVR Boards” and install. 3. Pick Tools → Board → Digispark (16.5 MHz) [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17330915]

What is the correct upload procedure?

Compile first, click Upload, then plug the board in when the IDE shows “Plug in device”. The bootloader listens for ~5 s, then runs the previous sketch, so timing matters [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17330915]

Does DigiSpark run under Windows 10, and how do I install drivers?

Yes. Unzip Digistump.Drivers 1.6.7, right-click DPInst64.exe (or 32-bit) and install. Plug the board only after installation; Windows then enumerates it as “Digispark Bootloader” [Digistump, 2019].

My PC doesn’t detect the board—what’s the fix?

Replace the two 3 V 6 Zener diodes with 3 V 3 parts; over-3.6 V on USB D+⁄D– prevents enumeration [Elektroda, RigelInOrion, post #17331317] "Voltage on the USB lines must not exceed 3.6 V" [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17332865]

Can I program the board while it is wired into my system?

Yes. Ensure the external 5 V rail is isolated with a diode so USB can power the module during upload, and keep P3/P4 free of other loads during the short boot phase [Elektroda, pier, post #18429878]

What are typical applications of a Digispark?

Common uses include USB Rubber-Ducky-style keyboards, capacitive touch buttons, WS2812 LED drivers, miniature oscilloscope (DigiScope example), water-level sensors and RS-485 basement telemetry [Elektroda, TechEkspert, #17330915; oskar777, #17331218].

How do I read an analog signal on P2?

Load the Arduino example File → Examples → DigisparkUSB → DigiScope. Feed 0–4.75 V into P2; view live data with digiscope.exe from the DigisparkExamplePrograms repo [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17330915]

Can the board act as a USB keyboard or mouse?

Yes. The V-USB stack lets sketches enumerate as HID. Example: emulate a keyboard to send shortcuts; no driver needed on host PCs because HID is class-compliant [Elektroda, RigelInOrion, post #17332863]

Are there alternatives with more pins or on-chip USB?

Microchip’s ATtiny416-XNano adds on-board debugger, UART-USB bridge and 18 GPIOs [Elektroda, leonow32, post #17332684] For 32-bit, an STM32F103 “Blue Pill” gives 37 GPIOs and 64 kB flash for ~US $1.8 [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17332865]

How can I flash firmware without the bootloader?

Use a standard 6-pin ISP header: connect MOSI, MISO, SCK, RESET, VCC, GND to a USBasp or AVR-ISP MKII. This frees the 2 kB bootloader space, giving the full 8 kB and removes the 5-second start delay [Elektroda, RigelInOrion, post #17332863]

What’s the recommended way to place remote sensors like in a cellar?

Add an RS-485 transceiver (e.g., MAX485) on P0/P1. Two-wire twisted pair lets you span 1200 m while rejecting noise—ideal between basement sensors and upstairs controller [Elektroda, TechEkspert, post #17332528]

What limits should I know about the software USB implementation?

V-USB is low-speed only, maximum 1.5 Mbit/s and one transaction per USB frame. Isochronous and high-bandwidth endpoints are unavailable. CPU spends ~10 % time in USB interrupt service at 16.5 MHz, reducing real-time performance [V-USB Factsheet].

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