ATMEGA162-16MC - 8-bit AVR MCU 16KB Flash 44-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA162-16MC β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.46 | $1,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.19 | $2,190.00 |
ATMEGA162-16MC Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is an integrated circuit that combines a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on a single chip. Within the embedded systems hierarchy, the ATmega162 belongs to the AVR ATmega family of microcontroller units (MCUs), which sit above simple logic ICs and below 32-bit application processors, serving as the control brain of countless electronic products.
The ATmega162 executes 133 powerful instructions, most in a single clock cycle, achieving throughput approaching 1 MIPS per MHz so system designers can optimize power consumption versus processing speed. Key peripherals include two USARTs for serial communication, a JTAG interface for on-chip debugging and boundary scan, four PWM channels, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC in the 10-bit ADC variants of the family, and 53 general purpose I/O lines per the package configuration.
Architecturally, the device uses the Harvard AV enhanced RISC structure with separate program and data buses, 32 general purpose working registers, and a two-cycle hardware multiplier. The 16 KB Flash supports 10,000 write cycles, the EEPROM supports 100,000 write cycles, and in-system programming via SPI permits firmware updates on the assembled PCB.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, communication equipment with dual serial ports, embedded control nodes, and legacy ATmega161 board upgrades. The ATmega162 is 100 percent pin compatible with ATmega161 per the Microchip datasheet, enabling direct PCB replacement.
Design consideration: verify fuse bit settings when migrating from ATmega161, since fuse locations and electrical characteristics differ between the two devices.
This page synthesizes verified distributor data, drop-in alternatives, pricing tiers, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA162-16MC β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ATMEGA162-16MC (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, EEPROM Size, JTAG Interface, Program Memory Size, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA162-16MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$2.19 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA162V-8MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.15 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA162-16MCU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA162-16MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | AVR |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Speed (Max Clock) | 16 MHz |
| Performance | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Instruction Set | 133 powerful instructions, most single-cycle |
| Interfaces | SPI, UART/USART (2), JTAG |
| Package | 44-VQFN (7 x 7 mm), no-lead |
| Number of Terminals | 44 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Life Cycle Stage | Active |
| Data Bus Width | 8 Bit |
| I/O Ports | 53 (device-level) |
ATMEGA162-16MC 44-vqfn (7 x 7 mm), no-lead Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA162-16MC (44-vqfn (7 x 7 mm), no-lead package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for ATMEGA162-16MC.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA162-16MC is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Dual-Port Communication Equipment, Legacy ATmega161 PCB Replacement, Embedded Sensor and Data-Logger Nodes, Motor Control and PWM Actuation, Prototyping and Embedded Education.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The ATMEGA162-16MC fits industrial controller boards that need deterministic 8-bit control with multiple serial links. Its 16 MHz clock delivers 16 MIPS of single-cycle RISC throughput, and the dual USARTs allow simultaneous communication with a PLC backplane and an HMI or fieldbus gateway. Running from a regulated 5 V rail within the 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range, the MCU supervises relays, reads encoders, and toggles the four PWM channels for actuator control. The JTAG interface enables boundary-scan test of assembled PCBs and on-chip debugging during production bring-up. Firmware stored in 16 KB Flash with 10,000-cycle endurance supports field updates via SPI ISP without desoldering, keeping deployed machinery serviceable for years.
Recommended
Dual-Port Communication Equipment
Equipment bridging two serial networks benefits directly from the ATMEGA162-16MC's two independent hardware USARTs. A typical protocol converter polls one port at 9600 baud from a legacy sensor bus while pushing aggregated data at 115200 baud upstream, with each UART's double-speed mode and baud-rate generator operating independently. The 1 KB SRAM buffers message frames, and 512 B EEPROM stores node addresses and calibration constants that survive power cycles. The 16 KB Flash accommodates protocol stacks with headroom. Because throughput approaches 1 MIPS per MHz, interrupt-driven serial service leaves ample CPU margin, and the 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range simplifies integration into mixed 3.3 V/5 V racks.
Recommended
Legacy ATmega161 PCB Replacement
The Microchip datasheet states the ATmega162 is 100 percent pin compatible with ATmega161 and can replace it on existing printed circuit boards, making the ATMEGA162-16MC the standard sustenance path for ATmega161-based products facing component shortages. The 44-VQFN footprint drops onto the qualified land pattern without rework. Engineers must, however, account for two documented differences: fuse bit locations changed and electrical characteristics differ, so bootloader and clock-fuse programming must be re-validated. Once firmware fuses are remapped, deployed boards regain 16 KB Flash (double the ATmega161's 8 KB/16 KB options), two USARTs, and JTAG debugging, often improving end-product capability with zero hardware redesign cost.
Recommended
Embedded Sensor and Data-Logger Nodes
Distributed monitoring nodes use the ATMEGA162-16MC to digitize sensor inputs, timestamp readings, and stream results over a serial link. The 10-bit AVR core handles ADC sequencing and packetization at a fraction of its 16 MIPS budget, while the 1 KB SRAM holds rolling sample buffers and the 512 B EEPROM stores 100,000-cycle endurance calibration tables and node IDs. Power-conscious designs exploit idle and power-down sleep modes within the 2.7 V to 5.5 V operating range, waking on USART or timer interrupts. SPI-based In-System Programming permits firmware refresh after enclosure sealing using a pogo-pin fixture, and JTAG supports production boundary-scan verification of the soldered QFN joints before conformal coating.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Actuation
Small motor and actuator systems leverage the ATMEGA162-16MC's four PWM channels to generate phase or duty-modulated drive signals at up to 16 MHz timer clocks. The single-cycle hardware instructions keep the control loop latency tight, executing 133 mostly single-clock RISC instructions for responsive closed-loop behavior. Two USARTs report speed, position, and fault telemetry to a supervisory controller while the MCU runs the modulation loop locally. The 5 V tolerant I/O drives MOSFET gate-driver inputs directly, and the commercial-grade 44-VQFN (7 x 7 mm) no-lead package dissipates controller heat through the exposed pad into the PCB copper. EEPROM retains last-known actuator trim for power-cycle recovery.
Recommended
Prototyping and Embedded Education
The ATMEGA162-16MC serves well in lab and training platforms built around the AVR ecosystem. The JTAG interface gives students and engineers full on-chip debugging with breakpoints and register visibility that simpler ISP-only AVRs lack, while SPI ISP permits quick re-flashing during iterative development. The dual USARTs let one port attach a debugging console while the other exercises real serial protocols. avr-gcc and Microchip Studio toolchains support the part natively, and the 133-instruction AVR core demonstrates classic RISC pipeline concepts. Wide 2.7 V to 5.5 V operation means the same board runs from USB 5 V or battery 3.7 V rails during bench experiments and field demonstrations alike.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA162-16MC β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA162-16MU | ATMEGA162V-8MU | ATMEGA162-16MCU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm), no-lead | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel legacy) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (V-grade) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Throughput | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz | 8 MIPS at 8 MHz | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Dual hardware USARTs (vs ATMEGA16-16AU)
- 100 percent ATmega161 PCB compatibility (vs ATMEGA161L-4PI)
- Full-speed 16 MHz in compact no-lead package (vs ATMEGA162V-8MU)
Design Notes
When replacing an ATmega161 on an existing PCB with the ATMEGA162-16MC, do not copy the old fuse settings. The Microchip datasheet explicitly states that fuse bit locations and electrical characteristics differ between ATmega161 and ATmega162. Re-derive CKSEL, SPIEN, and JTAGEN fuse values from the ATmega162 datasheet tables before first programming, or the board may come up on the wrong clock source or with debugging ports disabled.
The 44-VQFN (7 x 7 mm) no-lead package places all solder joints beneath the body. Follow Microchip's QFN land-pattern recommendation and place an array of thermal vias under the exposed pad tied to ground. Specify a 0.3 to 0.5 mm stencil aperture reduction to prevent solder bridging on the 0.5 mm pitch perimeter, and plan AOI plus X-ray inspection since perimeter joints cannot be visually verified after reflow.
Decouple VCC and AVCC separately with 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed within a few millimeters of each pin, plus one bulk 4.7 uF to 10 uF capacitor per supply rail. When using the ADC or analog comparator, keep AVCC clean and connect it to VCC through a low-pass LC filter. Ensure the 2.7 V to 5.5 V input rail stays within datasheet ripple limits during motor or relay switching transients.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in the provided verified web data; confirm RoHS/REACH status on the official Microchip product page before export or automotive use.
