Microchip ATTINY1616-SNR: A Comprehensive Guide to Features and Applications

The Microchip ATTINY1616-SNR is a powerful representative of the modern tinyAVR® 1-series family, engineered to deliver high performance and flexibility in a compact, low-power package. This microcontroller (MCU) is designed to meet the demanding requirements of a wide array of embedded control applications, from consumer IoT to industrial automation. Its combination of core independent peripherals (CIPs), enhanced connectivity, and robust development ecosystem makes it a standout choice for engineers.

Key Features of the ATTINY1616-SNR

At the heart of the ATTINY1616-SNR lies the high-performance 8-bit AVR® processor with a hardware multiplier, operating at speeds up to 20 MHz. This core is bolstered by 16 KB of Flash memory, 2 KB of SRAM, and 256B of EEPROM, providing ample space for code and data in complex applications.

One of its most significant advancements is the inclusion of Event System (EVSYS) and SleepWalking™ technology. The Event System allows peripherals to communicate and trigger actions autonomously without CPU intervention, drastically reducing active power consumption. Coupled with SleepWalking, the CPU remains in a low-power sleep mode until a specific peripheral event requires its attention, enabling extremely efficient power management.

The peripheral set is rich and designed for modern connectivity and control. It features:

12-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with hardware accumulation for precise sensor data acquisition.

Two 16-bit Timer/Counters (TCA/TCB) and one 16-bit Real-Time Counter (RTC) for accurate timing and waveform generation.

Two Universal Serial Communication Interfaces (USART) and one I2C/SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) for versatile communication with sensors, displays, and other ICs.

Configurable Custom Logic (CCL), a Core Independent Peripheral that allows the creation of custom state-based logic functions directly in hardware, further offloading the CPU.

Housed in a 20-pin SOIC (SNR) package, this MCU is suitable for space-constrained PCB designs. Its wide operating voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V makes it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V systems and ideal for battery-powered applications.

Primary Applications

The ATTINY1616-SNR's blend of processing power, low-energy operation, and intelligent peripherals makes it perfect for:

IoT Sensor Nodes: Its low-power capabilities and robust communication interfaces (USART, I2C, SPI) are ideal for collecting and transmitting sensor data in wireless networks.

Consumer Electronics: Used in touch interfaces (using its ADC for capacitive sensing), remote controls, smart home devices, and toys.

Industrial Control: The CIPs, like the CCL and advanced timers, allow it to handle motor control, power conversion, and automation tasks reliably.

Automotive and System Control: Functions as a intelligent I/O expander, fan controller, or for managing simple yet critical tasks in larger systems, enhancing overall design flexibility.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Microchip ATTINY1616-SNR is a highly integrated and efficient 8-bit microcontroller that punches well above its weight. Its standout features, including the Event System, SleepWalking technology, and Configurable Custom Logic (CCL), empower designers to create sophisticated, responsive, and ultra-low-power applications. For projects demanding a compact form factor, intelligent peripheral management, and robust performance, the ATTINY1616-SNR presents an exceptionally compelling solution.

Keywords:

1. tinyAVR

2. Low-Power

3. Event System

4. Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs)

5. Embedded Control