Microchip launches new generation of 8-bit AVR MCUs

Microchip Technology, a provider of microcontroller (MCU), mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, 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.

"This announcement is very important to Microchip as it represents the coming together of the two most powerful 8-bit MCU brands under one roof," said Steve Sanghi, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Microchip Technology Inc. " Customers love both PIC and AVR MCUs and Microchip is re-energising new product development to not only continue to support, but to grow the esteemed AVR portfolio."

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 optimised framework that allows the user to focus on adding differentiating features to their application.