ATMEGA164PA-MU - 8-bit AVR MCU 20MHz 16KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA164PA-MU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.09 | $4.09 |
| 10 | $3.68 | $36.80 |
| 100 | $3.18 | $318.00 |
| 500 | $2.86 | $1,430.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
ATMEGA164PA-MU Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and programmable peripherals into one IC, sitting at the heart of embedded systems. Within the MCU hierarchy, the ATmega family belongs to Microchip (formerly Atmel) AVR architecture, an 8-bit RISC line known for executing most instructions in a single clock cycle, delivering throughput close to 1 MIPS per MHz and letting designers balance power consumption against processing speed.
Key features of the ATMEGA164PA include picoPower low-power technology for battery applications, read-while-write flash for safe in-system self-programming, and a rich peripheral set: three flexible timer/counters with compare modes and PWM, two USARTs, a byte-oriented Two-Wire Interface (TWI/I2C), and an 8-channel 10-bit ADC. The supply voltage spans 2.7 V to 5.5 V, supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems.
Architecturally, the AVR core uses 32 general purpose working registers directly connected to the ALU, eliminating intermediate register access and enabling the 133-instruction set, most of which execute in one cycle. The advanced interrupt controller and nested structure support deterministic real-time behavior important for industrial control loops.
Typical applications include industrial automation and sensor nodes, consumer appliances, battery-powered meters, and hobby/embedded designs requiring Arduino-compatible development. The two USARTs suit multi-channel communication; the 10-bit ADC fits analog sensor front ends.
Design consideration: the 44-VQFN 7x7 mm package exposes a thermal pad on the underside for improved heat spreading and grounding; maximize via stitching under the pad and place 100 nF decoupling capacitors at each VCC pin within 2 mm.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, with data verified as of 2026-09-16.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA164PA-MU — 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 ATMEGA164PA-MU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Flash Memory, Package, ADC, Core Architecture, I/O Lines.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA164PA-MNR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA164P-20MUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA164A-MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.01 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA324PA-MU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA644A-MU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA1284P-MUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →ATMEGA164PA-MU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) ISP Flash |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| General Purpose I/O Lines | 32 |
| Timers/Counters | 3 (with compare modes and PWM) |
| USART Channels | 2 |
| Two-Wire Interface (I2C) | Yes, byte-oriented TWI |
| ADC | 8-channel, 10-bit |
| Instructions | 133, most single-cycle |
| Low Power Technology | picoPower |
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programmability | In-System Programmable (ISP), read-while-write |
ATMEGA164PA-MU 44-vqfn (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA164PA-MU (44-vqfn (7x7 mm) 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 ATMEGA164PA-MU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA164PA-MU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and Control, Battery-Powered Metering and Sensor Nodes, Embedded Communication Interfaces, Consumer Appliances and White Goods, Hobbyist and Arduino-Compatible Development, Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics (Non-Safety).
Industrial Automation and Control
The ATMEGA164PA-MU fits industrial control nodes because its AVR RISC core executes most of its 133 instructions in a single cycle at up to 20 MHz, giving deterministic response for control loops, while three timer/counters with compare modes and PWM drive actuators and motor control stages directly in hardware. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples up to eight analog sensors without external front-end ICs, and the byte-oriented TWI bus reads external I2C expanders or RTCs. Its 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply tolerates noisy industrial rails, and the 44-VQFN 7x7 mm package keeps the controller footprint compact on dense IO boards. Two USARTs allow simultaneous PLC-communication and debug-console channels, and read-while-write flash supports field firmware updates without halting operation.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Metering and Sensor Nodes
Battery-powered meters benefit directly from the picoPower technology of the ATMEGA164PA-MU, which drastically cuts consumption in power-down and power-save sleep states; the on-chip real-time counter keeps a time base alive while sleeping, waking the core on scheduled ADC samples or watchdog events. Running from a 2.7 V rail, the device operates directly from two alkaline cells or a single Li-SOCl2 cell with minimal dropout, and the 10-bit ADC plus internal reference digitizes cell voltage and load-sensor signals. With 16 KB flash and 1 KB SRAM, a full metrology and communication stack fits comfortably, while the 512 B EEPROM stores calibration coefficients across power cycles without external nonvolatile memory. The low-leakage 44-VQFN package also limits board-level standby drain in the meter enclosure.
Recommended
Embedded Communication Interfaces
Protocol-bridge designs exploit the two independent USARTs of the ATMEGA164PA-MU, enabling simultaneous links such as RS-485 field-bus on one channel and a diagnostic UART on the other, while the byte-oriented TWI interface talks to I2C peripherals like EEPROMs, RTCs, or sensors at up to 400 kHz. Because the AVR core completes most instructions in one clock cycle at 20 MHz, interrupt-driven UART service achieves low and predictable latency, important for MODUART- and ASCII-protocol devices. The 16 KB flash holds multi-protocol stacks with room for OTA-style update code using read-while-write self-programming, and the 1 KB SRAM buffers packet payloads. The 5 V-tolerant operating range matches industrial RS-485 transceiver logic levels without level shifting.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances and White Goods
In appliances such as coffee machines, fans, and small pumps, the ATMEGA164PA-MU provides the required control features in one low-cost IC: hardware PWM from three timer/counters drives TRIAC firing or motor bridges, the 10-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors and user potentiometers on eight multiplexed channels, and TWI connects capacitive-touch or display controllers. The 5 V supply range integrates directly with mains-derived linear supplies common in white goods, and the VQFN-44 package withstands the vibration and thermal cycling of appliance environments better than through-hole alternatives when properly reflowed. At 20 MHz the core handles menu-driven UIs and safety interlocks concurrently, while ISP flash allows late-stage firmware personalization on the production line.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Arduino-Compatible Development
The ATmega164PA is supported by community Arduino board-definition packages such as MightyCore, giving makers access to the familiar digitalWrite, analogRead, and Serial APIs on a chip with more flash and a second USART than the classic ATmega328P. The 32 GPIO lines suit projects needing many parallel outputs such as LED matrices or keypads, the 8-channel ADC reads multiple analog inputs without multiplexer shields, and hardware PWM covers three simultaneous channels for RGB lighting or motor control. The 2.7 V to 5.5 V range lets the same board run from a 3.7 V lithium cell. Programming is via the standard 6-pin ICSP header with any AVR ISP programmer, and the DIP-style ATmega164A variants allow socket-based prototyping before moving to this VQFN production part.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive comfort functions such as seat-control modules, lighting logic, and climate flaps, the ATMEGA164PA-MU offers a robust 5 V core tolerant of load-dump-filtered rails when paired with a transorb and series protection, PWM outputs for lamp dimming and servo drive, and the 10-bit ADC for position feedback from potentiometer-based sensors. The 20 MHz performance handles LIN-style UART communication on one USART while the second USART logs diagnostics, and TWI links to in-module EEPROM for trim data. The compact 44-VQFN 7x7 mm package suits tightly enclosed actuator housings, and picoPower sleep modes keep key-off battery drain within typical quiescent budgets. Designers should confirm qualification requirements, as this standard-grade part is not AEC-Q100 certified.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA164PA-MU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA164PA-MNR | ATMEGA164A-MU | ATMEGA324PA-MU | ATMEGA1284P-MUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) | 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 |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 128 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB | 16 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB | 4 KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| picoPower Technology | Yes | Yes | No (standard 164A) | Yes | Yes |
| GPIO / Peripherals | 32 GPIO, 3 timers, 2 USART, TWI, 8-ch 10-bit ADC | Identical | Identical | Identical | Identical |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- picoPower sleep technology (vs ATMEGA164A-MU)
- Pin-compatible memory scalability (vs ATMEGA1284P-MUR)
- Two USART channels (vs ATmega328P)
Design Notes
The 44-VQFN 7x7 mm package hides its solder joints under the perimeter leads, so first-article inspection requires X-ray or angled imaging. Design the land pattern per the Microchip QFN footprint recommendation: perimeter pads extended 0.3-0.5 mm outward for fillet formation, and a central thermal pad sized to the exposed die paddle. Connect the thermal pad to a ground pour through a 5x5 via array (0.3 mm vias) to ensure a low-impedance ground and improved heat spreading - important because QFN packages rely on the pad for both electrical ground and thermal dissipation.
Decouple every VCC/AVCC pin pair with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of the pin, plus one 4.7-10 uF bulk capacitor near the device. AVCC must be connected to VCC even if the ADC is unused, per the datasheet; tie it through a low-pass LC filter (10 uH + 100 nF) when ADC noise matters. Keep the reset line pulled up with 10 kΩ and consider adding a reset supervisor or brown-out detection fuse setting (BOD level 2.7 V or 4.3 V) so flash corruption cannot occur during brown-out events on 5 V systems.
Do not exceed 20 MHz below 4.5 V - the AVR frequency-versus-voltage derating curve in the datasheet limits safe operation at reduced supply, and overclocking outside it causes intermittent failures that are hard to diagnose. JTAG shares pins PC2-PC5 with GPIO: if the JTAGEN fuse is left programmed, those four I/O lines will not work as GPIO, a very common surprise on the ATmega164PA. Also note PA revision differences: picoPower sleep currents apply only when unused peripherals and the analog comparator are explicitly disabled in software.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant standard production part from Microchip Technology. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations available via Microchip's quality portal - not stated in provided data.
