ATMEGA168-15MZ - 8-Bit AVR MCU 16MHz 16KB Flash 32-QFN | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA168-15MZ β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.8 | $1.80 |
| 10 | $1.72 | $17.20 |
| 100 | $1.58 | $158.00 |
| 500 | $1.44 | $720.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.31 | $1,310.00 |
ATMEGA168-15MZ Overview
An AVR 8-bit microcontroller is a reduced-instruction-set (RISC) processor that executes most of its 133 powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, achieving throughput approaching 1 MIPS per MHz. Within the power management and embedded-control hierarchy, it sits as the complete system-on-chip level: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> electronic control unit, integrating CPU, program Flash, SRAM, EEPROM, timers, and peripherals on one die.
Key differentiating features include the AVR advanced RISC architecture with single-cycle execution, 16KB of self-programmable Flash for field firmware updates, operation from a 2.7V to 5.5V supply (per digchip specification data), and the thermally enhanced 32-VFQFN exposed-pad package that supports soldered mechanical attachment in harsh environments. The 125C maximum operating temperature qualifies this grade for under-hood and industrial high-temperature placement where commercial 85C parts cannot survive.
Architecturally, the ATmega168 family pairs the AVR core with Harvard-organization memories: separate Flash program space, SRAM data space, and EEPROM for non-volatile parameters, allowing concurrent access and deterministic single-cycle instruction fetch. Peripherals such as the 8-bit and 16-bit timers, 10-bit ADC, USART, SPI, and two-wire interface (I2C) share the same register-driven control model used across the ATmega48/88/168 family, simplifying code porting between family members.
Typical applications include automotive body and comfort control modules, industrial sensor nodes operating at elevated ambient temperature, motor control and lighting systems, and general-purpose embedded controllers requiring in-field reprogramming.
When designing with this device, respect the 2.7V to 5.5V supply range and decouple VCC/AVCC pins with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed directly at the exposed-pad QFN; the exposed pad must be soldered to a grounded land pattern for both thermal and electrical integrity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives within the same 32-QFN footprint, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA168-15MZ 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 ATMEGA168-15MZ (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Supply Voltage Range, Communication Interfaces, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA168-15MD
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.29 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA168PA-MU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA328P-MU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA88-15MZ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA48-15AZ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA168V-10MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA168-15MZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Data Bus Width | 8 Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) Flash |
| Program Memory Type | In-System Programmable Flash |
| Instruction Set | 133 powerful instructions, most single-cycle |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package Type | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) with exposed pad |
| Package Dimensions | 5 x 5 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Throughput | Up to 1 MIPS per MHz |
| Family | ATmega48/88/168 (AVR ATmega) |
| Automotive Grade | Yes (per FindIC: Automotive) |
| Lifecycle Stage | ACTIVE |
ATMEGA168-15MZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PD3 β Port D bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | PD4 β Port D bit 4 (digital I/O, XCK/T0) |
| Pin 3 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 4 | VCC β Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 6 | VCC β Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | PB6 β Port B bit 6 (XTAL1/TOSC1) |
| Pin 8 | PB7 β Port B bit 7 (XTAL2/TOSC2) |
| Pin 9 | PD5 β Port D bit 5 (T1, PWM) |
| Pin 10 | PD6 β Port D bit 6 (AIN0, PWM) |
| Pin 11 | PD7 β Port D bit 7 (AIN1) |
| Pin 12 | PB0 β Port B bit 0 (XCK/TO, ICP1) |
| Pin 13 | PB1 β Port B bit 1 (OC1A, PWM) |
| Pin 14 | PB2 β Port B bit 2 (SS/OC1B, PWM) |
| Pin 15 | PB3 β Port B bit 3 (MOSI/OC2, PWM) |
| Pin 16 | PB4 β Port B bit 4 (MISO) |
| Pin 17 | PB5 β Port B bit 5 (SCK) |
| Pin 18 | AVCC β ADC supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | ADC6 β ADC input channel 6 (TQFP/QFN only) |
| Pin 20 | AREF β ADC analog reference |
| Pin 21 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 22 | ADC7 β ADC input channel 7 (TQFP/QFN only) |
| Pin 23 | PC0 β Port C bit 0 (ADC0) |
| Pin 24 | PC1 β Port C bit 1 (ADC1) |
| Pin 25 | PC2 β Port C bit 2 (ADC2) |
| Pin 26 | PC3 β Port C bit 3 (ADC3) |
| Pin 27 | PC4 β Port C bit 4 (ADC4/SDA) |
| Pin 28 | PC5 β Port C bit 5 (ADC5/SCL) |
| Pin 29 | PC6 β Port C bit 6 (RESET) |
| Pin 30 | PD0 β Port D bit 0 (RXD) |
| Pin 31 | PD1 β Port D bit 1 (TXD) |
| Pin 32 | PD2 β Port D bit 2 (INT0) |
Typical Applications
ATMEGA168-15MZ is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body and Comfort Control, Industrial Sensor Nodes, Motor Control and Lighting Systems, Embedded Controllers with Field Firmware Updates, Battery-Powered Instruments, IoT and Smart Home Edge Nodes.
Automotive Body and Comfort Control
The ATMEGA168-15MZ fits automotive body-control subfunctions because its MZ grade is rated -40C to +125C, matching under-dash and near-engine ambient profiles where commercial 85C parts fail. Per FindIC, the device is classified as automotive-grade, and DigiKey lists it as an AVR ATmega microcontroller IC in the 32-QFN (5x5) package. Its 16KB In-System Programmable Flash supports field firmware updates for lamp sequencing, wiper logic, or window lift routines, while single-cycle execution of the 133-instruction AVR set yields deterministic timing for actuator control. Use the 10-bit ADC inputs for switch and potentiometer sensing, timer PWM outputs for lamp dimming, and the USART or LIN-compatible framing in software for module diagnostics. The exposed-pad QFN provides robust soldered attachment under vibration.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes
Industrial sensor nodes benefit from the ATMEGA168-15MZ's combination of 125C ambient tolerance and low-power AVR architecture. Nodes mounted near motors, furnaces, or power electronics routinely see ambient above 85C; the MZ temperature rating of -40C to +125C (per Mouser) keeps the MCU inside its safe operating area without additional cooling. The 2.7V to 5.5V supply range (per digchip) allows direct operation from 3.3V or 5V rails, and the 10-bit ADC digitizes thermocouple-conditioned or ratiometric sensor outputs. The 16KB Flash stores calibration tables and communication stacks for Modbus-over-UART or SPI-linked front ends. Throughput near 1 MIPS per MHz lets designers run slow clocks to cut power while preserving adequate sample rates, and in-system programming enables calibration firmware updates on the production line.
Recommended
Motor Control and Lighting Systems
Small motor and lighting controllers use the ATMEGA168-15MZ's timer PWM outputs and 16 MHz clock to generate precise drive waveforms for DC fans, pumps, and LED strings. The 125C rating suits luminaires and motor housings where ambient heat concentrates, and the 32-QFN 5x5 mm footprint keeps controller area minimal on dense driver boards. The AVR's single-cycle instructions provide fast interrupt latency for commutation or fault-handling ISRs, while the 10-bit ADC reads back current-sense shunt voltages for closed-loop limiting. The 16KB Flash holds speed tables, dimming curves, and protection state machines with headroom for future feature additions. Designers should route PWM switching away from the ADC reference pins and decouple AVCC separately to preserve converter accuracy at high PWM repetition rates.
Recommended
Embedded Controllers with Field Firmware Updates
Any controller requiring in-field reprogramming should consider the ATMEGA168-15MZ: its 16KB Flash is explicitly In-System Programmable, so firmware can be updated over the USART, SPI, or a bootloaded interface without removing the device from the PCB. This suits deployed equipment such as access-control panels, vending logic, metering front ends, and service tools, where physical access is costly. The AVR self-programming mechanism dedicates a bootloader section of Flash, letting application code coexist with update firmware in the single 16KB array. With throughput of roughly 16 MIPS at 16 MHz, the device comfortably runs application logic and communication parsing concurrently. The -40C to +125C range extends deployment into outdoor and industrial enclosures, and the durable 32-VFQFN exposed-pad attachment resists thermal cycling during repeated service updates.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instruments
Portable and battery-powered instruments exploit the AVR architecture's power-versus-speed scaling: the ATMEGA168-15MZ achieves throughputs approaching 1 MIPS per MHz, so designers can clock the device at 1-4 MHz from a 3V coin cell while retaining real-time responsiveness, or exploit the family's software-selectable sleep modes between measurements. The 2.7V supply floor (per digchip data) supports direct two-cell or Li-primary operation without a boost converter. The 10-bit ADC samples sensor channels, timers drive display multiplexing, and the two-wire interface connects low-power peripherals. The 16KB Flash stores multi-year calibration and logging routines. Note that this MZ grade trades sleep current for 125C tolerance; for battery designs where sleep current dominates, the picoPower ATMEGA168PA-MU in the identical footprint is the recommended variant.
Recommended
IoT and Smart Home Edge Nodes
Smart-home edge nodes - occupancy sensors, valve controllers, thermostat expansion boards - use the ATMEGA168-15MZ as a low-cost deterministic front end paired with a radio module. The MCU handles button debouncing, ADC sensing, and actuator drive while offloading network stacks to a companion transceiver over UART or SPI. Its 16 MHz capability provides fast response to local events, the 16KB Flash supports OTA-received firmware staging in cooperation with the radio, and the -40C to +125C rating tolerates attic, garage, and HVAC-duct installations that exceed consumer-grade limits. The compact 5x5 mm QFN fits edge-node PCBs and ceiling-mount enclosures. Designers should reserve one timer for network keep-alive timing and use the EEPROM-class non-volatile storage for node identity and calibration constants.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA168-15MZ β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA168-15MD | ATMEGA168PA-MU | ATMEGA328P-MU | ATMEGA88-15MZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) exposed pad | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Flash | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 8 KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Operating Temperature (Max) | +125C | +85C | +85C | +85C | +125C |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Low-Power Technology | Standard ATmega168 die | Standard | picoPower | picoPower | Standard |
Key Differentiators
- 125C high-temperature grade in the same footprint (vs ATMEGA168-15MD)
- Larger Flash headroom at identical footprint (vs ATMEGA88-15MZ)
- Low-voltage capable successors exist (vs ATMEGA168PA-MU)
Design Notes
The 32-VFQFN exposed pad is not optional: it must be soldered to a grounded land pattern on the PCB. In production this requires a solder-paste stencil with roughly 50-70% pad coverage divided into multiple small apertures to prevent pad floating, plus an array of thermal vias to the ground plane for heat spreading and return-current integrity. Skipping the exposed-pad connection leaves the device mechanically under-attached (QFN leads alone have low stand-off strength) and degrades ground return for the ADC and USART. Verify reflow profile against Microchip's moisture-sensitivity guidance for the package.
Decouple VCC (pins 4 and 6) and AVCC (pin 18) independently: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor within 2-3 mm of each pin, plus one bulk 4.7-10 uF capacitor near the part. AVCC must be connected to VCC through a low-pass filter (for example a 10 uH inductor or ferrite bead plus 100 nF) when the ADC is used, since digital switching noise on AVCC directly degrades 10-bit conversion accuracy. Keep AREF (pin 20) decoupled with 100 nF and never drive it while the internal reference is selected.
For 125C-ambient deployments, budget junction temperature explicitly. Estimated: with the 32-QFN 5x5 mm exposed-pad package and a typical theta_JA in the range of roughly 40-50 C/W on a nominal 4-layer board (exact value depends on board copper - confirm with the Microchip thermal data), even 100 mA of total I/O and core current at 5 V dissipates about 0.5 W, raising the junction roughly 20-25 C above ambient; at 125C ambient this leaves modest margin, so minimize continuous I/O sourcing/sinking near the top of the range and consider a copper pour under the exposed pad.
Do not confuse the 32-QFN (5x5) pinout with the 32-pin TQFP variant: while the port functions are identical, physical pin positions differ between packages, so always verify against the datasheet pin configuration for the MLF/QFN drawing before releasing the footprint. Also note PC6 (pin 29) is RESET, not a general-purpose I/O unless the RESET fuse is reprogrammed to I/O - doing so disables in-system programming via that pin, a frequent one-way mistake. Program the RSTDISBL fuse only after an external header-based recovery path is confirmed.
Compliance Information
FindIC describes the device as 'Automotive' grade and lists a 3.3V/5V operating profile, but explicit RoHS/REACH/AEC-Q100 qualification statements were not present in the verified web data. Verify compliance status on the official Microchip product page before automotive release.
