ATMEGA8A-AU

Overview

The ATMEGA8A-AU is a low-power CMOS 8-bit microcontroller based on the AVR RISC architecture, manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features an 8KB In-System Programmable Flash memory, 512 bytes of EEPROM, and 1K byte of internal SRAM. The device operates at voltages between 2.7V and 5.5V with frequencies up to 16MHz. It includes 23 programmable I/O lines, three Timer/Counters, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, USART, SPI, and TWI interfaces. Packaged in a 32-lead TQFP, it supports five software-selectable power-saving modes.

Feature Summary

• Advanced RISC Architecture: Executes powerful instructions in a single clock cycle for high throughput approaching 1 MIPS per MHz.
• High Endurance Non-volatile Memory: Features 8KB Flash and 512B EEPROM with read-while-write capabilities and optional boot code sections.
• Integrated Peripherals: Includes three flexible Timer/Counters, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, USART, SPI, and Two-wire Serial Interface.
• Power Management: Offers five selectable sleep modes (Idle, ADC Noise Reduction, Power-save, Power-down, Standby) to optimize power consumption.

Applications

• Industrial control systems
• Computer peripherals
• Consumer electronics

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix 'AU' corresponds to the 32-lead TQFP package and industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). Confirm RoHS compliance status as indicated in the datasheet. Ensure compatibility with existing PCB footprints for surface-mount installation. Check for any recent Product Change Notifications regarding packaging or manufacturing site changes.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a balance of processing speed and low power consumption is required for 8-bit applications. The TQFP package is suitable for surface-mount designs requiring moderate pin counts. Consider the availability of QTouch library support if capacitive sensing functionality is needed. Evaluate the 16MHz maximum frequency against system timing requirements.

Part Context

The ATmega8A belongs to the megaAVR family of microcontrollers from Microchip Technology. It is an enhanced version of the legacy ATmega8, offering improved performance and additional features while maintaining pin compatibility. The 'AU' suffix specifically denotes the TQFP package variant designed for industrial temperature ranges.

Replacement Considerations

ATMEGA8A-AUR

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the ATMEGA8A-AU?

The maximum operating frequency is 16MHz.

Does the ATMEGA8A-AU support read-while-write operations?

Yes, the device supports true read-while-write operation on its Flash program memory.

How many channels does the ADC have in the TQFP package?

The TQFP package contains an 8-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).