ATMEGA164P-B15MZ - 16MHz AVR MCU 16KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA164P-B15MZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.35 | $2.35 |
| 10 | $2.12 | $21.20 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.76 | $1,760.00 |
ATMEGA164P-B15MZ Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor that executes most instructions in a single clock cycle, sitting within the microcontroller hierarchy as a standalone embedded processing unit combining CPU, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on one die. The ATmega family is Microchip's (formerly Atmel's) general-purpose AVR line used across industrial, automotive, and consumer embedded systems.
Key features include 32 general-purpose I/O lines, 32 general-purpose working registers, a real-time counter, three flexible timer/counters with compare modes and PWM, two USARTs, a byte-oriented Two-Wire serial interface (I2C-compatible), and an 8-channel 10-bit ADC. The picoPower technology platform provides multiple sleep modes for low average power consumption in battery and energy-harvesting designs.
Technical depth: the AVR core couples a single-cycle ALU with flash-based program storage, enabling deterministic execution near 1 MIPS per MHz. The B-suffix revision denotes the second silicon revision per the datasheet history, and the -15AZ/-15MZ speed-grade nomenclature corresponds to the automotive 16 MHz class at 5V operation per distributor listings (3.3V/5V operating range per FindIC data).
Typical applications include automotive body and comfort modules, industrial control nodes, sensor interfaces using the 10-bit ADC, and serial communication gateways leveraging the dual USARTs.
Design consideration: when migrating from ATmega16/32, consult Microchip application note AVR505 - the reduced crystal driver strength of the low-frequency oscillator means crystal load capacitance and ESR must be re-evaluated.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA164P-B15MZ — 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 ATMEGA164P-B15MZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in RoHS Status, Package, Supply Voltage Range, Flash Memory, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA164PA-MUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA164PA-MNR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA164P-20MUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA164P-20MQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA644PV-10MU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA164P-B15MZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) FLASH |
| EEPROM Size | 512 B |
| SRAM Size | 1 KB |
| Number of I/O | 32 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.3 V / 5 V class (per distributor listing) |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit, 8-channel |
| USART | 2 |
| Timers | 3 (with compare modes and PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | 2x USART, TWI (I2C-compatible), SPI |
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm), Exposed Pad |
| Operating Temperature | up to +125 C (automotive grade) |
| Qualification | AEC-Q100 (Automotive) |
| Silicon Revision | B (revision B datasheet) |
| Special Features | picoPower technology, ISP flash with read-while-write |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | RoHS compliant (per distributor listing) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH (ISP) |
ATMEGA164P-B15MZ 44-vqfn (7x7 mm), exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA164P-B15MZ (44-vqfn (7x7 mm), 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 ATMEGA164P-B15MZ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA164P-B15MZ is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Control Nodes, Sensor Interfaces and Data Acquisition, Serial Communication Gateways, Battery-Powered and picoPower Designs, Lighting and PWM Control Systems.
Automotive Body Electronics
The ATMEGA164P-B15MZ is purpose-built for automotive body and comfort modules because it is AEC-Q100 qualified and rated up to +125 C, matching typical under-dash and near-engine-bay ambient requirements. Its 32 GPIO lines drive relays, lamps, and switches directly, while the 8-channel 10-bit ADC reads switch wetting-current diagnostics, temperature sensors, and analog feedback. Dual USARTs support LIN-bus-adjacent and diagnostic UART links, and the TWI interface networks with in-car EEPROM and IO expanders. picoPower sleep modes keep quiescent draw compatible with key-off battery-drain budgets, a hard requirement in automotive modules that must survive weeks of parked standby. Firmware is stored in 16 KB flash with read-while-write support enabling field updates via bootloader.
Recommended
Industrial Control Nodes
In factory automation and process-control nodes, the ATMEGA164P-B15MZ offers 16 KB flash and 1 KB SRAM - enough for sensor polling, PID loops, and Modbus-RTU slave stacks - while the dual USARTs implement redundant fieldbus channels or RS-485 plus debug simultaneously. The three timer/counters with compare and PWM modes generate actuator drive signals with hardware timing independent of software jitter, and the 10-bit ADC samples analog setpoints and current loops at up to 8 input channels. Although the B15MZ is automotive qualified, that qualification simply adds margin in harsh industrial cabinets rated to +85 C or higher. The 44-VQFN 7x7 mm exposed-pad package fits compact DIN-rail and DIN-rail-adjacent PCB form factors.
Recommended
Sensor Interfaces and Data Acquisition
The 8-channel 10-bit ADC of the ATMEGA164P-B15MZ makes it a compact sensor-hub front end for thermistors, potentiometers, pressure bridges, and ratiometric sensors. With the AVR core executing most instructions in one clock cycle at 16 MHz (about 16 MIPS), oversampling and averaging firmware can push effective resolution beyond the raw 10 bits for slow-moving signals such as temperature. The TWI interface streams converted data to external EEPROM or a host controller, while a USART sends ASCII or binary telemetry upstream. picoPower sleep modes allow battery-powered dataloggers to sample periodically and sleep between conversions for years on primary cells. The 512 B EEPROM retains calibration constants through power cycles without external storage.
Recommended
Serial Communication Gateways
With two independent USARTs, the ATMEGA164P-B15MZ bridges protocols such as RS-232 to RS-485, debug console to fieldbus, or two isolated segments in industrial wiring. The 16 MHz clock comfortably sustains 115200-baud traffic on both ports concurrently, and flash read-while-write lets logged data or configuration persist without halting communication servicing. The TWI master adds a third network leg to reach I/O expanders or RTCs. Its 32 GPIO lines handle flow control, direction pins for RS-485 transceivers, and status signaling. As an AEC-Q100 part, it also serves gateway duties in vehicle diagnostic adapters exposed to wide temperature swings, and the 7x7 mm VQFN fits handheld adapter dongles.
Recommended
Battery-Powered and picoPower Designs
The picoPower technology platform of the ATMEGA164P-B15MZ provides multiple sleep modes (idle, ADC noise reduction, power-down, power-save, standby) that let designers trade wakeup latency against leakage, which is essential in metering, tracking, and portable instruments. The real-time counter continues running in power-save mode with a 32.768 kHz crystal for timekeeping while the main core sleeps - note that per Microchip application note AVR505, this oscillator's reduced driver strength requires careful crystal load capacitance and ESR selection. Combined with the 512 B EEPROM for state retention and 10-bit ADC for periodic measurements, the device supports multi-year battery life budgets while retaining automotive-grade robustness for outdoor installations.
Recommended
Lighting and PWM Control Systems
The three timer/counters of the ATMEGA164P-B15MZ provide hardware PWM outputs with compare modes suited to LED dimming, DC motor speed control, and heater drive - all without CPU intervention once configured, guaranteeing glitch-free duty cycles. The 16 MHz base clock supports PWM frequencies well above visible-flicker thresholds for lighting, while 10-bit ADC channels close the loop with current or luminance feedback. Dual USARTs enable DALI-style command links or DMX-adjacent serial control, and TWI networks multiple fixtures together. The automotive AEC-Q100 rating and +125 C tolerance give extra reliability margin inside sealed luminaires where ambient temperatures run high, and the exposed-pad VQFN-44 conducts heat efficiently into the PCB ground pour.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA164P-B15MZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA164PA-MUR | ATMEGA164PA-MNR | ATMEGA164P-20MUR | ATMEGA164P-20MQ | ATMEGA644PV-10MU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm), Exposed Pad | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 64 KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive Grade | Yes | Yes (R = automotive temp class) | Yes | No (industrial) | No (industrial) | No (industrial picoPower) |
| Silicon Revision | P revision (B silicon) | PA (newer picoPower revision) | PA (newer picoPower revision) | P | P | 644P family, picoPower V |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualification at +125 C (vs ATMEGA164P-20MUR)
- P-revision silicon with verified maturity (vs ATMEGA164PA-MUR)
- Right-sized memory at lowest family cost point (vs ATMEGA644PV-10MU)
Design Notes
When migrating from ATmega16/32 to the ATMEGA164P family, do not carry over the 32.768 kHz crystal selection unmodified. Per Microchip application note AVR505, the low-frequency crystal oscillator of the ATmega164P/324P/644P is optimized for very low power consumption and has reduced crystal driver strength compared with ATmega16/32. Crystal load capacitance and equivalent series resistance (ESR) must therefore be re-evaluated and re-selected to guarantee reliable RTC startup across the full +125 C automotive temperature range.
The 44-VQFN (7x7) package includes an exposed pad that must be soldered to a solid ground pour on the PCB. Use a via array (at least a 3x3 grid of ~0.3 mm vias) under the pad to tie it to internal ground planes, providing both the primary ground connection and a thermal path. The 0.5 mm lead pitch requires standard QFN reflow profiling; avoid hand soldering for production units. Keep the crystal as close as possible to the XTAL pins with short ground-guarded traces for jitter-sensitive USART timing.
Operating at 16 MHz requires the upper supply voltage class (5 V nominal per distributor listings); if the system runs at 3.3 V, verify the frequency-versus-voltage derating curve in the manufacturer datasheet before selecting the clock source. picoPower sleep modes make average current dominated by the wake/sleep duty cycle - choose the deepest acceptable mode (power-down for external-interrupt-woken tasks, power-save when the RTC must keep running) and disable unused peripheral clocks in the power-reduction registers before entering sleep.
The ATMEGA164P-B15MZ is an automotive AEC-Q100 part, so do not substitute industrial ATMEGA164P-20MUR stock into an automotive-validated BOM without a formal change review - the -20 parts lack the same temperature qualification even though they are faster (20 MHz). Conversely, for new non-automotive designs, Microchip positions the ATMEGA164PA generation as the recommended path, since the P-revision part carries a 'Newer Device Available' notice. Verify ISP programming voltage and bootloader compatibility when switching between P and PA silicon.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance stated in distributor listings (AllAboutCircuits: 'ROHS'; DigiKey product page). Automotive AEC-Q100 qualification stated in Hotenda and Mouser listings. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in provided data.
