Arduino: Hardware SPI hangs, bit-bang does not

Question

I'm using FastLED with a custom board built around the ATMega32u4. When I set it to use Software SPI, everything works fine, but when I use hardware SPI it just hangs whenever it tries to write out the data (FastLED.show()).

I originally mocked this up on an Arduino Pro Micro and it worked fine there. That makes me think that it's a hardware issue but, as I mentioned, SPI output does work, but only when bit-banged. Which really doesn't make much sense.

I tested this by also just using the built in SPI classes and I get the same thing. No luck with hardware SPI.

Anyone else ever see something like this?

The schematic of my circuit is below.

enter image description here

• jfpoilpret: Have you checked SCK/MOSI with an oscilloscope to verify if some signal was sent?

Answer 1

According to ATmega32u4 datasheet, section 17.2.1 (SPI / SS Pin Functionality / Master Mode:

If SS is configured as an input, it must be held high to ensure Master SPI operation.

In your circuit, SS pin (#8 on package), also labeled as "(SS/PCINT0) PB0", is left unconnected.

Is it possible that PB0 is also configured as input somewhere in your program or libraries? In this case, it should be connected to Vcc.

• Adam Haile: YOU ARE MY FAVORITE PERSON RIGHT NOW!! I was testing on a Pro Micro and it just happened to have that pin connected to VCC through an LED and resistor. So, it made it work. pinMode(0, OUTPUT) made it all work again :) THANKS!
• Gerben: Just to add. Instead of connecting to vcc you can also just enable the internal pull-up resistor.
• jfpoilpret: Or just configure the pin is OUTPUT which is the easiest way, and it enables you to use that pin for something else. That's probably the best option.