ATMEGA164A-MUR - 16KB Flash AVR MCU 20MHz VQFN-44 | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA164A-MUR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.38 | $4.38 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.75 | $375.00 |
| 500 | $3.45 | $1,725.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.2 | $3,200.00 |
ATMEGA164A-MUR Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on a single chip, sitting at the lowest level of the embedded-system hierarchy (semiconductor -> MCU -> embedded board -> complete device). The ATmega family is based on the AVR enhanced RISC architecture, which executes most of its 133 powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, achieving throughput approaching 1 MIPS per MHz.
Key features include 16 KB of self-programmable ISP Flash with read-while-write support, 512 B EEPROM for non-volatile calibration data, 1 KB SRAM, two 8-bit timers/counters and one 16-bit timer with PWM, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, USART, SPI, and two-wire (I2C/TWI) interfaces, plus JTAG for boundary scan and on-chip debugging. The 20 MHz maximum clock rate delivers roughly 20 MIPS of performance.
Architecturally, the AVR core uses a Harvard structure with 32 general-purpose working registers directly connected to the ALU, allowing two independent register accesses in one instruction. In-system programmability permits firmware updates on the assembled board via SPI (ISP) or a JTAG interface, reducing production cost and field-update effort.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation nodes, sensor and data-logging systems, consumer appliance controllers, and motor-control or lighting subsystems that need moderate flash, rich analog input, and multiple serial buses in a space-saving QFN package.
Design consideration: keep the supply within 1.8 V to 5.5 V and note that maximum clock frequency derates at low supply voltage and elevated temperature; decouple VCC and AVCC with 100 nF ceramics placed close to the exposed pad, which should be soldered to a ground pour for thermal and EMI performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-footprint drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet, with pricing referenced as of 2026-09-16.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA164A-MUR 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 ATMEGA164A-MUR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, Instruction Set, Throughput, EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA164A-MU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.01 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA164PA-MUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$2.89 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA164P-20MU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.98 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA324PA-MUR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA324PB-MU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA644A-MU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA1284P-MUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
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View Datasheet βATMEGA164A-MUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| General Purpose I/O | 32 I/O lines |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| ADC Channels | 8 channels |
| Communication Interfaces | USART, SPI, TWI (I2C) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Instruction Count | 133 instructions, most single-cycle |
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T&R), Green |
ATMEGA164A-MUR 44-vqfn (7x7 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA164A-MUR (44-vqfn (7x7 mm) with exposed pad 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 ATMEGA164A-MUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA164A-MUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation, Sensor and Data Acquisition Systems, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Motor Control Subsystems, Battery-Powered Portable Devices, Communication and Interface Bridging.
Industrial Control and Automation
The ATMEGA164A-MUR fits factory automation nodes that need deterministic single-cycle instruction execution and robust peripherals. Its 20 MHz AVR core delivers about 20 MIPS for PLC-style logic loops, while the 10-bit ADC with 8 channels reads analog sensors such as temperature and pressure transmitters, and USART, SPI, and TWI interfaces link to HMIs, motor drives, and industrial buses. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating and 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply tolerance handle electrically noisy factory environments. JTAG support enables on-board firmware validation during production, and 16 KB ISP Flash with read-while-write allows field firmware updates without disassembling the panel.
Recommended
Sensor and Data Acquisition Systems
With an 8-channel 10-bit ADC and 1 KB SRAM, the ATMEGA164A-MUR is well suited for multi-sensor data-logging front ends. Port A can scan eight analog inputs in sequence, the 16-bit timer provides precise sampling intervals, and the 512 B EEPROM stores calibration constants that survive power loss without external memory. USART output streams results to a gateway or PC, while TWI (I2C) connects to digital sensors such as humidity and pressure ICs. Because conversion data can be buffered in SRAM and the Flash supports read-while-write, the part can log intermittent events to program memory at low system cost, all within the compact 7x7 mm VQFN footprint.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
Home appliances such as coffee machines, air conditioners, and small kitchen devices need inexpensive, reliable MCUs with PWM and display-driving capability. The ATMEGA164A-MUR provides two 8-bit and one 16-bit timer with PWM outputs for heater triac control, fan speed, and buzzer generation, while the ADC reads thermistors and user potentiometers. The 32 general-purpose I/O lines drive segment LCD or LED matrices through shift registers via SPI. Its Green RoHS-compliant package meets consumer environmental requirements, and tape-and-reel packing suits high-volume SMT lines. Field-proven AVR architecture reduces development risk across appliance product families.
Recommended
Motor Control Subsystems
The ATMEGA164A-MUR handles DC and small BLDC motor control using its 16-bit timer PWM outputs for speed and duty-cycle drive, its 10-bit ADC for current-sense resistor and back-EMF feedback, and the USART/SPI for host commands. The AVR core executes PI control loops at approximately 20 MIPS, adequate for moderate-speed servo and pump applications. Interrupt-driven input capture measures tachometer pulses for closed-loop speed regulation. The industrial temperature rating supports thermally demanding motor enclosures. For designs needing more PWM channels or faster loops, the pin-compatible ATMEGA324PB-MU doubles memory and adds timers on the identical 44-VQFN PCB footprint.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Devices
Running from a single supply of 1.8 V to 5.5 V, the ATMEGA164A-MUR connects directly to two AA cells or a single Li-ion cell with regulation. Idle and power-down sleep modes of the AVR core extend battery life in handheld meters, remote controls, and wireless sensor tags; interrupt on pin-change or timer wake-up brings the 20 MHz core back within microseconds. The 512 B EEPROM retains user settings and usage counters through battery replacement. For ultra-low standby current designs, the pin-compatible picoPower variants ATMEGA164PA-MUR and ATMEGA164P-20MU drop in on the same PCB footprint with identical firmware and significantly reduced deep-sleep currents.
Recommended
Communication and Interface Bridging
The ATMEGA164A-MUR works as a protocol bridge between system buses: its hardware USART handles RS-232/RS-485 links, SPI connects to Ethernet or CAN controllers and data-flash, and TWI (I2C) services EEPROM, RTC, and sensor devices. With 16 KB Flash, complete protocol stacks such as Modbus RTU slave fit comfortably. The 20 MHz clock sustains approximately 20 MIPS for concurrent buffering and translation, while 1 KB SRAM handles packet buffers for moderate throughput. The JTAG port simplifies bring-up of multi-bus designs, and the exposed-pad VQFN package provides solid ground return for signal integrity in industrial communication cabinets.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA164A-MUR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA164A-MU | ATMEGA324PA-MUR | ATMEGA644A-MU | ATMEGA1284P-MUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN - same | 44-VQFN - same | 44-VQFN - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB | 4 KB | 16 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB | 2 KB | 4 KB |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Low-Power Technology | Standard A-series | Standard A-series | picoPower (PA) | Standard A-series | picoPower (P) |
Key Differentiators
- Identical die in tray packaging available (vs ATMEGA164A-MU)
- Lowest-cost entry point of the 44-VQFN ATmega family (vs ATMEGA324PA-MUR)
- Memory-scaling upgrade path on one PCB (vs ATMEGA1284P-MUR)
- Standard A-series power profile vs picoPower (vs ATMEGA164PA-MUR)
Design Notes
The ATMEGA164A-MUR uses a 44-pad VQFN with exposed pad that must be soldered to a ground pour for reliable grounding and heat dissipation. Design the land pattern per the Microchip QFN footprint guideline and use a via array (e.g., 5x5, 0.3 mm vias) under the exposed pad to tie it to the ground plane. Decouple VCC, AVCC, and the JTAG supply pin with 100 nF X7R ceramics placed within 3 mm of the pads, plus 10 uF bulk at the supply entry.
Keep the supply within 1.8 V to 5.5 V, but respect the speed-versus-voltage derating: full 20 MHz operation requires the upper portion of the supply range, so a 3.3 V system should verify the permissible f_MAX from the datasheet curve before choosing the crystal. Estimated guideline from family data: at 5 V the part runs 20 MHz, at 3.3 V plan roughly 13-14 MHz or less. Feed AVCC from a clean supply through an LC or RC filter to preserve 10-bit ADC accuracy, and keep analog trace lengths short.
Program the JTAGEN fuse state intentionally: JTAG is enabled on shipped ATmega parts, and if PC4-PC7 are needed as GPIO the JTAG fuse must be disabled - otherwise those port pins silently do not toggle, a frequent debugging trap on the 44-pin ATmega family. Also set the CKDIV8 fuse appropriately: when unprogrammed it divides the clock by 8, so a 20 MHz crystal boots at 2.5 MHz until the fuse is corrected.
For EMC on industrial boards, place a series ferrite bead on AVCC and route the ADC ground reference as a quiet analog island connected to the main ground at one point. Because the VQFN has no perimeter ground legs, rely on the exposed-pad via array as the low-inductance return path; adding stitching vias near clock and SPI traces reduces radiated emissions. Keep the 20 MHz crystal and its load capacitors as close to XTAL1/XTAL2 as the footprint allows, with a guard ground ring.
Compliance Information
Listed as 'Green' by FindIC distributor data (Microchip Green packaging excludes lead, halogens, and antimony). No REACH statement found in provided data.
