ATMEGA165PA-AUR - 16KB Flash 8-Bit AVR MCU 64-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA165PA-AUR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.1 | $2.10 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.65 | $825.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.54 | $1,540.00 |
ATMEGA165PA-AUR Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor in the broader microcontroller unit (MCU) family that integrates CPU, nonvolatile program memory, SRAM data memory, peripherals, and I/O on a single die. Within the power-management hierarchy of embedded systems, MCUs such as the ATmega165PA sit at the control layer, executing firmware that manages sensors, displays, communication links, and actuators.
Key features include the Advanced RISC Architecture with 133 powerful instructions, most executing in a single clock cycle; 32 general-purpose working registers; read-while-write Flash for self-programming; and the picoPower technology that reduces power consumption in sleep modes. These attributes make the device well suited to low-power, code-space-constrained designs that still need substantial peripheral capability.
On the technical side, the ATmega165PA provides a rich peripheral set typical of the ATmega165A/PA/325A/PA/3250A/PA/645A/P/6450A/P family covered by the Microchip (Atmel) 8285 datasheet, including 8/16-bit timers, USART, SPI, and analog-to-digital conversion channels routed to the 54 I/O ports. In-circuit debugging and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) are supported via MPLAB Snap through two I/O pins and the reset line.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation nodes, LCD-instrumentation front ends, and portable or battery-powered devices where the picoPower sleep modes extend operating life.
A key design consideration: the PA suffix denotes the picoPower variant - firmware power-management registers differ from the non-picoPower ATmega165P, so verify sleep-mode configuration when migrating. Always pair a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor at each VCC/GND pin pair.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA165PA-AUR 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 ATMEGA165PA-AUR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Instruction Set, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA165PA-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA165A-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.47 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA165P-16ANR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA169PA-AUR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA169A-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.98 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA165PA-AUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Data Bus Width | 8 Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) ISP Flash |
| EEPROM Size | 512 B |
| SRAM Size | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Lines | 54 general purpose I/O |
| Instruction Set | 133 powerful instructions, most single-cycle |
| Working Registers | 32 general purpose registers |
| Low Power Technology | picoPower |
| Package | 64-TQFP, 14 x 14 mm, 1 mm height |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull Wing) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Programming / Debug | ICSP and in-circuit debug via MPLAB Snap |
| Lifecycle Stage | ACTIVE |
ATMEGA165PA-AUR 64-tqfp, 14 x 14 mm, 1 mm height Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA165PA-AUR (64-tqfp, 14 x 14 mm, 1 mm height 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 ATMEGA165PA-AUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA165PA-AUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Automation Nodes, Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation, LCD-Based Instrumentation Front Ends, Sensor Nodes and IoT Edge Devices, Embedded Systems Education and Prototyping, Motor Control and Appliance Subsystems.
Industrial Control and Automation Nodes
The ATMEGA165PA-AUR fits industrial control nodes because its 54 general-purpose I/O lines and 16 MHz 8-bit RISC core handle digital I/O expansion, relay sequencing, and sensor polling in a single 64-TQFP device. Its 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range tolerates noisy 5 V industrial rails, while the industrial temperature grade covers factory-floor ambients. In a typical node, the MCU reads discrete inputs, drives outputs through the Port D buffers' symmetrical sink/source capability, and reports over USART. The 16 KB ISP Flash with read-while-write support permits field firmware updates over the communication link without stopping the control loop, reducing maintenance downtime in deployed automation equipment.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation
The picoPower technology on the ATMEGA165PA-AUR is the decisive factor for battery-powered instruments: sleep-mode currents are significantly lower than the non-picoPower ATmega165A, extending operating life in duty-cycled designs. The 2.7 V minimum supply allows direct operation from two alkaline cells or a single Li-ion cell without a boost converter, and the 16 MHz capability lets the design burst to full speed only when needed. With 1 KB SRAM for data buffering and 512 B EEPROM for calibration constants that survive power loss, the device supports portable meters, loggers, and handheld testers. The 64-TQFP industrial-grade package withstands handling and temperature extremes typical of field instruments.
Recommended
LCD-Based Instrumentation Front Ends
For instruments requiring segment LCDs, the pin-compatible ATMEGA169PA-AUR variant shares the ATmega165PA's 64-TQFP footprint but adds an on-chip LCD controller/driver, eliminating an external LCD driver IC and its wiring. The ATMEGA165PA-AUR itself is well suited as the processing element where a graphic module is used instead: 54 I/O lines drive a parallel LCD interface plus keypad matrix, while the USART and SPI peripherals handle host communication. According to the 8285 family datasheet, Port D output buffers have symmetrical drive with high sink and source capability, useful for backlight and indicator control. Designers can reuse one PCB across LCD and non-LCD product variants using this footprint.
Recommended
Sensor Nodes and IoT Edge Devices
The ATMEGA165PA-AUR serves wired sensor nodes and simple IoT edge devices where the 8-channel-port analog and digital capability reduces component count. Analog sensor signals are handled by the device's ADC channels on Port A, while SPI and USART interfaces connect to transceivers or external converters. PicoPower sleep modes matter here: a node that sleeps most of the time and wakes to sample can run for months or years on primary cells. The 16 KB Flash accommodates sensor calibration, protocol stacks, and a bootloader for over-the-wire firmware updates. The industrial temperature rating supports unconditioned environments such as building utility spaces and outdoor enclosures with passive thermal management.
Recommended
Embedded Systems Education and Prototyping
The ATMEGA165PA-AUR is a strong choice for embedded-systems coursework and prototyping because the AVR architecture is well documented, supported by the free AVR toolchain in MPLAB, and programmable with low-cost MPLAB Snap hardware. According to Microchip, MPLAB Snap connects via High-Speed USB 2.0 and uses two I/O pins plus reset for in-circuit debugging and ICSP, so students can flash and debug on the target board without sockets. The 133-instruction mostly single-cycle RISC core teaches pipelining and register-based operation with 32 working registers visible in the debugger. The 64-TQFP requires a breakout or custom board, which itself teaches PCB layout skills; DIP-packaged ATmega siblings ease the first step.
Recommended
Motor Control and Appliance Subsystems
In appliances and small motor-driven subsystems, the ATMEGA165PA-AUR generates PWM on its timer outputs and sequences relays or driver stages through the high-drive Port D buffers, whose symmetrical sink and source characteristics are documented in the 8285 family datasheet. The 16 MHz core executes closed-loop control loops with deterministic single-cycle instruction timing, and 54 I/O lines cover user interfaces, limit switches, and status indicators on one die. The 2.7 V to 5.5 V range simplifies interfacing with 5 V driver logic, and the industrial temperature grade suits enclosed, heat-generating appliance environments. The 512 B EEPROM stores fault counters and usage statistics across power cycles for service diagnostics.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA165PA-AUR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA165PA-AU | ATMEGA165A-AU | ATMEGA165P-16ANR | ATMEGA169PA-AUR | ATMEGA169A-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) ISP Flash | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| EEPROM / SRAM | 512 B / 1 KB | 512 B / 1 KB | 512 B / 1 KB | 512 B / 1 KB | 512 B / 1 KB | 512 B / 1 KB |
| picoPower Technology | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| General-Purpose I/O Lines | 54 | 54 | 54 | 54 | Fewer (LCD-dedicated pins) | Fewer (LCD-dedicated pins) |
| On-Chip LCD Controller | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz (16AN speed grade) | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 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 | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Delivery Format | Tape & Reel (R suffix) | Tray | Tray | Tape & Reel (NR suffix) | Tape & Reel | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- picoPower low-power technology (vs ATMEGA165A-AU)
- 54 fully general-purpose I/O lines (vs ATMEGA169PA-AUR)
- Active lifecycle with broad distributor stock (vs ATMEGA165P-16ANR)
Design Notes
The 64-TQFP (14 x 14 mm, 1 mm height) footprint requires a land pattern per the Microchip package drawing; use 0.5 mm pitch routing rules with thermal relief vias only where needed. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor at each VCC/GND pin pair, as close to the pins as possible, plus a bulk 10 uF capacitor near the supply entry. Keep the RESET trace short and reserve the SPI pins (SCK, MISO, MOSI) plus RESET on a 2x3 ICSP header so MPLAB Snap can program and debug without board rework.
Because the supply range is 2.7 V to 5.5 V, verify the maximum clock frequency permitted at your minimum supply rail: AVR devices restrict full-speed 16 MHz operation to the higher end of the voltage range (the classic ATmega 0.9*V/f slope constraint - consult the frequency-vs-voltage graph in the 8285 family datasheet). Running 16 MHz from a 2.7 V rail is outside the guaranteed safe operating region, so either raise the rail or reduce f_CPU. If battery life dominates, exploit picoPower sleep modes and disable unused peripheral clocks via the power-reduction registers.
Do not assume the ATmega165A (non-picoPower) and ATmega165PA (picoPower) behave identically in sleep: the PA part has different power-management register behavior and lower sleep currents, so firmware written for the 165A should have its sleep-mode configuration re-validated. Also note the 165PA offers 54 I/O lines while the related ATmega169 variants dedicate some pins to an LCD controller - designs reusing a common 64-TQFP footprint across both must route port functions accordingly. Finally, third-party datasheet mirrors may be outdated; always design against the latest Microchip document 8285 revision.
Compliance Information
Verified web data does not include explicit RoHS/REACH statements for this MPN. The FindIC listing mentions 'GREEN, T&R' packaging which generally indicates green/RoHS-compliant production, but formal compliance must be confirmed via Microchip's official product page or certificate search.
