ATMEGA168-15AZ - 8-Bit AVR MCU 16KB Flash 16MHz TQFP-32 | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA168-15AZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.81 | $2.81 |
| 10 | $2.67 | $26.70 |
| 100 | $2.48 | $248.00 |
| 500 | $2.31 | $1,155.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
ATMEGA168-15AZ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that contains a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals on a single chip, sitting within the broader hierarchy of embedded processors (MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC). The AVR family uses an enhanced RISC architecture in which most of its 133 powerful instructions execute in a single clock cycle, achieving throughput approaching 1 MIPS per MHz and letting designers optimize power consumption against processing speed.
Key features of the ATMEGA168-15AZ include 16KB of self-programmable Flash program memory, AVR enhanced RISC processing, on-chip connectivity peripherals including I2C, SPI, and UART/USART, and system-level features such as brown-out detection, power-on reset, and PWM capability. The '15' speed grade supports operation at up to 16MHz, and the 'Z' temperature suffix supports ambient temperatures up to 125 degrees C, making this part suitable for harsh environments.
Technically, the device is a low-power CMOS 8-bit MCU based on the AVR enhanced RISC architecture. Single-cycle instruction execution, combined with in-system self-programmable Flash, allows firmware updates on the assembled PCB via the SPI-based In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) interface, which uses two device I/O pins plus the reset line. The ATmega48/88/168 family shares this architecture and pinout, giving designers a memory-scaling path from 4KB to 16KB on the same footprint.
Typical applications include automotive body and comfort modules (leveraging the AEC-Q100 qualification and 125C rating), industrial sensor nodes and motor control, and consumer embedded systems requiring a low-cost, low-power 8-bit controller with standard serial connectivity.
A key design consideration: run the 16MHz grade at 5V for full-speed timing margin; at lower supply voltages, consult the maximum-frequency-versus-VCC curve in the manufacturer datasheet before fixing the crystal value. Always enable brown-out detection in automotive designs to guarantee safe reset during supply transients.
This page synthesizes verified distributor data, drop-in alternatives within the same ATmega48/88/164/165/168 TQFP-32 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Pricing shown is as of 2026-09-16.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA168-15AZ — 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 ATMEGA168-15AZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Supply Voltage Range, Instruction Set, Throughput.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA168PA-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA328P-AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA88-15AZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA165A-AU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA164PA-AUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA168-15AZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | AVR |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Data Bus Width | 8 Bit |
| Flash Program Memory | 16KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM |
| Instruction Set | 133 powerful instructions, most single-cycle (AVR RISC) |
| Throughput | Up to 1 MIPS per MHz |
| Operating Temperature | Up to +125C |
| Qualification | Automotive, AEC-Q100 |
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming via SPI) |
ATMEGA168-15AZ 32-tqfp (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA168-15AZ (32-tqfp (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 ATMEGA168-15AZ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA168-15AZ is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body and Comfort Modules, Industrial Sensor Nodes and Data Loggers, Embedded Motor Control and PWM Actuation, Consumer Embedded Products and IoT End Nodes, Battery-Powered Portable Instruments, Building Automation and HVAC Controls.
Automotive Body and Comfort Modules
The ATMEGA168-15AZ fits automotive body electronics such as door modules, seat controllers, lighting switches, and window-lift units because it combines AEC-Q100 qualification with a 125C-rated 'Z' temperature grade and a wide 2.7V to 5.5V supply range that tolerates automotive load-dump-adjacent rails when paired with upstream protection. Its I2C, SPI, and UART/USART peripherals connect LIN transceivers, switches, and sensors, while PWM outputs drive lamps and small motors directly. Designers typically clock it from a crystal or the internal RC oscillator and enable the brown-out detector to ride out cranking transients. The 16KB self-programmable Flash leaves room for bootloaders enabling field firmware updates over the vehicle's diagnostic or LIN link without unsoldering the MCU, an important serviceability benefit in automotive production.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes and Data Loggers
In factory and process environments, the ATMEGA168-15AZ serves as the processing core of analog sensor nodes, 4-20mA transmitters, and event data loggers. Its AVR RISC core delivers roughly 16 MIPS at 16MHz, sufficient for filtering and scaling ADC samples from thermistors, pressure bridges, and potentiometers connected to the on-chip ADC input pins. The UART/USART links to RS-485 or Modbus converters, I2C addresses EEPROM and real-time clocks, and SPI interfaces external precision ADCs. The 125C rating suits panel-mount enclosures near motors and drives, and brown-out detection plus power-on reset guarantees deterministic startup after browned-out supply events common on industrial floors. Its 16KB Flash stores protocol stacks and calibration tables, while in-system programmability lets technicians update firmware through the existing UART without desoldering the device.
Recommended
Embedded Motor Control and PWM Actuation
The ATMEGA168-15AZ's hardware PWM peripherals and 16MHz core make it effective for small DC motor control, fan speed regulation, servo actuation, and stepper sequencing in appliances, HVAC dampers, and hobby-scale robotics. PWM outputs drive MOSFET half-bridges or gate drivers with kHz-range carrier frequencies, while the AVR's single-cycle instruction execution keeps current-loop and commutation software responsive. The 5V operation pairs naturally with logic-level power MOSFETs, and the 2.7V to 5.5V supply range supports battery-powered tools. Brown-out detection prevents PWM glitches during supply sag, a critical safety behavior in motor drives. With 16KB Flash, engineers implement sensorless back-EMF algorithms plus a communication interface simultaneously. In-system programming via the SPI ICSP pins enables on-board firmware iteration during motor tuning without moving the PCB to a programmer fixture.
Recommended
Consumer Embedded Products and IoT End Nodes
For consumer products such as kitchen appliances, remote controls, toys, thermostats, and simple IoT end nodes, the ATMEGA168-15AZ offers a low-cost, low-power 8-bit solution with familiar AVR tooling. Running from 2.7V to 5.5V, it operates from two alkaline cells or a 5V USB-derived rail, and its low-power CMOS process supports sleep modes for battery-conscious designs. UART, I2C, and SPI peripherals interface temperature/humidity sensors, OLED displays, and RF modules, while GPIO handles buttons, LEDs, and buzzers. The ATmega48/88/168 family architecture gives manufacturers a cost-optimization path: shrink firmware to fit the 4KB or 8KB family members on the identical PCB footprint when cost-down revisions arrive. The Arduino-compatible software ecosystem also shortens development cycles for consumer teams without dedicated embedded toolchain budgets.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instruments
Handheld meters, portable testers, and measurement instruments benefit from the ATMEGA168-15AZ's combination of a 2.7V low-end supply limit, low-power CMOS design, and 125C tolerance for demanding usage environments. The wide VCC range lets the same firmware run across battery discharge curves from fresh cells to near-depletion, while power-management software uses sleep modes and the brown-out detector to manage shutdown gracefully as voltage decays. Its ADC input pins read battery voltage and user controls; SPI connects high-resolution converter front ends; the UART logs results to a PC. At 16MHz, display refresh and filtering tasks complete quickly before returning to sleep, extending battery life. The 16KB Flash accommodates multi-language UI strings and calibration routines, and ICSP in-system programming allows manufacturing-floor firmware finalization after board assembly and test.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC Controls
The ATMEGA168-15AZ suits thermostats, zone valve controllers, damper actuators, and occupancy-based HVAC control boards, where its 125C capability covers hot rooftop and mechanical-room installations and its automotive-grade screening improves field reliability. PWM outputs proportionally drive valve and damper actuators, while I2C connects temperature, humidity, and CO2 sensors, and the UART interfaces RS-485 building networks. The 5V-tolerant supply architecture integrates with conventional control-transformer derived rails, and brown-out detection ensures safe actuator states during utility power dips. AEC-Q100 qualification supports the extended-life expectations of installed building equipment, where a 10-15 year service life is typical. The 16KB self-programmable Flash allows demand-response or schedule firmware updates in the field through the serial link, avoiding truck rolls for feature changes or seasonal control-law revisions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA168-15AZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA168PA-AU | ATmega328P-AU | ATMEGA88-15AZ | ATMEGA165A-AU | ATMEGA164PA-AUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same | 32-TQFP (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16KB | 16KB | 32KB | 8KB | 16KB | 16KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16MHz | 20MHz | 20MHz | 16MHz | 16MHz | 20MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 2.7V to 5.5V | 2.7V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V |
| Core Architecture | AVR 8-bit RISC, 133 instructions, ~1 MIPS/MHz | AVR 8-bit RISC (picoPower) | AVR 8-bit RISC (picoPower) | AVR 8-bit RISC | AVR 8-bit RISC | AVR 8-bit RISC (picoPower) |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM; I2C/SPI/UART | Same class: BOD, POR, PWM, I2C/SPI/UART | Same class: BOD, POR, PWM, I2C/SPI/UART | BOD, POR, PWM, I2C/SPI/UART | BOD, POR, PWM, I2C/SPI/USART | BOD, POR, PWM, I2C/SPI/2x USART |
| Automotive / Temp Rating | AEC-Q100, up to +125C | Standard grade, up to +85C | Standard grade, up to +85C | Automotive, up to +125C | Standard grade, up to +85C | Industrial, up to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive AEC-Q100 qualification with 125C rating (vs ATMEGA168PA-AU)
- Footprint-compatible upgrade path to 32KB (vs ATmega328P-AU)
- 2x the Flash of the same-package ATMEGA88-15AZ (vs ATMEGA88-15AZ)
Design Notes
Respect the frequency-versus-VCC relationship: although the 16MHz speed grade permits a 16MHz clock, the AVR family limits maximum frequency at reduced supply voltage. At 5V the full 16MHz is available; at 3.3V, verify the derating curve in the Microchip ATmega48/88/168 family datasheet before fixing the crystal. Decouple each VCC/AVCC pin pair with 100nF ceramics placed within 5mm of the pins, and tie AVCC to VCC through a low-pass filter (e.g., 10 ohm series resistor plus 100nF) when ADC accuracy matters. Enable the brown-out detector at an appropriate threshold for your rail so firmware resets cleanly during supply sag.
Reserve the ICSP signals (MOSI, MISO, SCK, RESET) on a standard 2x3 header for in-system programming; per Microchip, ICSP uses two I/O pins plus the reset line. Keep series resistors on these lines if they drive heavy loads, so the programmer can override peripheral loads. Add a 10k pull-up on RESET and consider a reset button with a small series capacitor for manual reset. For the TQFP-32 (7x7 mm, 0.8mm pitch), specify the land pattern per the package drawing in the family datasheet and verify paste aperture for the exposed center region to avoid tombstoning of fine-pitch corners during reflow.
Do not migrate code blindly across the ATmega48/88/168 family: register maps and fuse defaults differ between tiers, and the picoPower (PA) revisions change sleep-mode behavior. Confirm that the '15' speed grade (16MHz max) rather than a '10' or '20' grade matches your crystal before production. Also, secondary aggregator pages for this part show conflicting clock figures (8MHz vs 16MHz); always trust the suffix-based speed grade on the physical device marking and the official Microchip family datasheet. If a design later needs more memory, the ATmega328 footprint-compatible upgrade is the standard path.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 automotive qualification and 125C temperature grade confirmed from distributor data (Atmel-micro.com, FindIC). RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not stated in provided data - verify on the Microchip product page before procurement.
