8-bit MCUs carry up to 8 kB of Flash in low pin-count packages

Microchip Technology Inc. has released a new generation of 8-bit tinyAVR MCUs. The four new devices range from 14 to 24 pins and 4 KB to 8 KB of Flash and are the first tinyAVR microcontrollers to feature Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs). The new devices will be supported by START, an innovative online tool for intuitive, graphical configuration of embedded software projects.

The new ATtiny817/816/814/417 devices provide all the right features to help drive product innovation including small, low pin count and feature-rich packaging in 4 KB or 8 KB of Flash memory. Other integrated features include: a CIP called Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC); Event System for peripheral co-operation; custom programmable logic blocks; self-programming for firmware upgrades; non-volatile data storage; 20 MHz internal oscillator; high-speed serial communication with USART; operating voltages ranging from 1.8 V to 5.5 V; 10-bit ADC with internal voltage references; and sleep currents at less than 100 nA in power down mode with SRAM retention.

“As the number one provider of 8-bit MCUs with our broad portfolio of PIC, AVR and 8051 MCU cores, we are committed to providing our customers with more products that can help differentiate their designs,” said Steve Drehobl, vice president of Microchip’s MCU8 division. “By adding innovative capabilities like Core Independent Peripherals, interconnected analog and intuitive graphic design support that have been available on PIC MCUs for some time, we are continuing to provide our AVR MCU customers with the right tools to innovate and get to market fast.”

CIPs allow the peripherals to operate independently of the core; including serial communication and analog peripherals. Together with the Event System, that allows peripherals to communicate without using the CPU, applications can be optimised at a system level. This lowers power consumption and increases throughput and system reliability.

Accompanying the release of the four new devices, Microchip is adding support for the new AVR family in START, the online tool to configure software components and tailor embedded applications. This tool is free of charge and offers an optimized framework that allows the user to focus on adding differentiating features to their application.

For more information about Microchip’s new AVR microcontrollers and supporting tools visit www.atmel.com/tinyAVR.

To help accelerate evaluation and development, a new Xplained Mini Kit is available. The Xplained Mini Kit is also compatible with the Arduino kit ecosystem. The kit can be used for standalone development and is fully supported by the software development tools, START and Studio 7.

The new generation of 8-bit tinyAVR MCUs is available in mass production today in QFN and SOIC packaging. Devices are available in 4 KB and 8 KB Flash variants for 10K units. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.