How to Use Digispark ATTINY85: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Digispark ATTINY85 is a compact, low-cost microcontroller development board manufactured by Digistump. It is based on the ATtiny85 microcontroller chip and is designed for rapid prototyping and development of small-scale electronic projects. The board is compatible with the Arduino IDE, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced developers.

• IoT (Internet of Things) devices
• Wearable electronics
• LED control and lighting projects
• Sensor-based systems
• USB peripherals and HID (Human Interface Device) emulation
• Small robotics and automation projects

The Digispark ATTINY85 is a versatile board with the following key specifications:

The Digispark ATTINY85 has 6 I/O pins, which are multifunctional and can be used for digital, analog, or PWM operations. Below is the pinout description:

1. Install the Arduino IDE: Ensure you have the Arduino IDE installed on your computer.
2. Add Digispark Board Support:
   • Open the Arduino IDE.
   • Go to File > Preferences.
   • In the "Additional Board Manager URLs" field, add the following URL:
     http://digistump.com/package_digistump_index.json
   • Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager, search for "Digistump AVR Boards," and install it.
3. Connect the Digispark:
   • Plug the Digispark ATTINY85 directly into a USB port on your computer.
   • No external USB cable is required.
4. Write and Upload Code:
   • Select Tools > Board > Digispark (Default - 16.5 MHz) in the Arduino IDE.
   • Write your code in the IDE.
   • Click the "Upload" button. When prompted, unplug and replug the Digispark to initiate the upload process.

The following example demonstrates how to blink an LED connected to pin P0 (D0):

// Blink an LED on Digispark ATTINY85
// Connect the positive leg of the LED to P0 (D0) and the negative leg to GND.

void setup() {
  pinMode(0, OUTPUT); // Set pin P0 (D0) as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(0, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);           // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(0, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);           // Wait for 1 second
}

• USB Communication: Pins P0 and P1 are used for USB communication. Avoid using these pins for other purposes when USB is active.
• Power Supply: The Digispark is powered directly via USB. Ensure your USB port can supply sufficient current for your project.
• Reset Pin (P5): Pin P5 doubles as the reset pin. Be cautious when using it in your circuit, as it may interfere with programming.
• Limited Resources: The ATtiny85 has limited memory and processing power. Optimize your code to fit within the constraints.

1. Problem: The Digispark is not recognized by the computer.
   Solution: Ensure the necessary drivers are installed. Visit the Digistump website to download and install the drivers for your operating system.

2. Problem: Code upload fails or times out.
   Solution: Unplug the Digispark, click "Upload" in the Arduino IDE, and replug the board when prompted.

3. Problem: USB communication is unstable.
   Solution: Avoid using P0 and P1 for other purposes while USB communication is active. Ensure the USB port provides stable power.

4. Problem: The board does not power on.
   Solution: Check the USB connection and ensure the port is functional. Try a different USB port if necessary.

• Can I use the Digispark with external power?
  Yes, you can power the board with an external 5V source by connecting it to the VCC and GND pins.

• Is the Digispark compatible with all Arduino libraries?
  Not all libraries are compatible due to the limited memory and processing power of the ATtiny85. Use lightweight libraries whenever possible.

• How do I reset the Digispark?
  The Digispark resets automatically when replugged into the USB port. Alternatively, you can manually reset it by pulling the P5 (Reset) pin low.

This documentation provides a comprehensive guide to using the Digispark ATTINY85 for your projects. With its small size and ease of use, the Digispark is an excellent choice for compact and cost-effective designs.