ATMEGA169P-15AT - 16KB Flash AVR 8-bit MCU, 64TQFP | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA169P-15AT β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.6 | $5.60 |
| 10 | $5.05 | $50.50 |
| 100 | $4.45 | $445.00 |
| 500 | $4 | $2,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.6 | $3,600.00 |
ATMEGA169P-15AT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory (Flash for program storage, SRAM for data, EEPROM for non-volatile parameters) and peripherals (timers, ADC, serial interfaces) on a single chip. Within the power-management-free small-embedded hierarchy, the ATmega169P sits in the AVR ATmega family: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The AVR RISC core executes most of its 133 powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, giving roughly 1 MIPS per MHz of clock speed.
Key features include a JTAG interface for on-chip-debug (IEEE boundary scan and programming), self-programming Flash enabling bootloader-based firmware updates, and picoPower-class low-power operation inherited from the P-version silicon revision. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC supports analog sensing directly without an external converter, and multiple timers with PWM outputs drive motor, backlight, and actuator control.
Technically, the Harvard-architecture AVR core fetches instructions from Flash and data from SRAM in the same cycle, and hardware multiplier-free instruction set keeps interrupt latency deterministic. The 15 in ATMEGA169P-15AT denotes the 16 MHz speed grade; the device is fully functional across the full 2.7 V to 5.5 V industrial voltage range.
Typical applications include battery-powered handheld instruments, LCD-driven user interfaces (the ATmega169 family pairs naturally with segment-LCD stacks), industrial sensor nodes using the 10-bit ADC, and legacy AVR systems needing a JTAG-debuggable upgrade.
Design consideration: keep the decoupling network (100 nF per supply pin plus bulk capacitance) close to the TQFP-64 power pairs, and route the JTAG header early in layout to preserve on-chip-debug access.
This page synthesizes distributor stock data, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA169P-15AT 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 ATMEGA169P-15AT (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Instructions, Flash Program Memory, LCD Controller, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA169PA-AN
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA169V-8AN
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA169P-15AT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | AVR 8-bit enhanced RISC |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Flash Program Memory | 16 KB (In-System Programmable, self-programming) |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| Max Clock Speed | 16 MHz |
| Throughput | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 8-channel, 10-bit |
| Debug Interface | JTAG (on-chip-debug) |
| General-Purpose I/O | 53 |
| Instructions | 133 (most single-cycle) |
| Package | 64-TQFP (14 x 14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Series | AVR ATmega |
| Life Cycle Stage | Active |
ATMEGA169P-15AT 64-tqfp (14 x 14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA169P-15AT (64-tqfp (14 x 14 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 ATMEGA169P-15AT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA169P-15AT is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Handheld Instruments, Segment-LCD User Interfaces, Industrial Sensor Nodes, Legacy AVR System Maintenance and Upgrades, Embedded Training and Prototyping, Smart Home and IoT Peripheral Controllers.
Battery-Powered Handheld Instruments
The ATMEGA169P-15AT suits portable instruments because its AVR core delivers up to 16 MIPS at 16 MHz while the P-revision silicon minimizes active and sleep current across the 2.7 V to 5.5 V range. A two-cell alkaline stack (nominally 3 V) directly powers the MCU, and the 8-channel 10-bit ADC digitizes battery voltage, user controls, and sensor inputs without an external converter, conserving board area and BOM cost. In use, firmware runs from self-programming 16 KB Flash, enabling field firmware updates through a bootloader over UART. Putting the core into idle or power-down between 100 ms measurement ticks cuts average current to microamp-class levels, extending battery life from months to years. The trade-off: clock speed must be managed at the lowest supply voltages per the speed-versus-voltage curves in the datasheet to preserve timing margin.
Recommended
Segment-LCD User Interfaces
The ATmega169 family is a classic pairing with segment-LCD stacks in appliance panels, meters, and thermostat front-ends, and the ATMEGA169P-15AT's 53 GPIO lines provide ample drive for keys, LEDs, and backlight control alongside the LCD assembly. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC reads potentiometers, NTC thermistors, or capacitive touch levels, while multiple timers generate PWM for backlight dimming and buzzer tones. At 16 MHz the core refreshes multiplexed LCD segments and debounces key matrices with generous timing headroom, and the 1 KB SRAM holds display buffers comfortably. Running from a regulated 3.3 V or 5 V rail, the TQFP-64 footprint allows one PCB to serve multiple UI tiers by populating different ATmega variants. JTAG access during development shortens UI firmware bring-up substantially compared with SPI-only programming.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes
In factory monitoring and process-control nodes, the ATMEGA169P-15AT converts up to eight analog channels (4-20 mA-derived voltages, thermocouple conditioning outputs, humidity sensors) through its 10-bit ADC while executing filtering and threshold logic locally on the AVR RISC core. The 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range tolerates unregulated industrial rails after simple protection, and the 512 B EEPROM stores calibration constants that survive power cycles. Timers generate PWM for actuator or alarm outputs, and UART/SPI connect the node to RS-485 transceivers or wireless modules. The JTAG interface enables on-chip-debug during commissioning, and self-programming Flash supports remote firmware field updates. Designers should budget for industrial temperature requirements and verify supply transient immunity with local bulk capacitance near the TQFP-64 power pins.
Recommended
Legacy AVR System Maintenance and Upgrades
Many installed ATmega169-based products, including the well-known AVR Butterfly evaluation platform, still require spare controllers for service and repair. The ATMEGA169P-15AT is the direct continuation of the Atmel-generation part, with the P-revision providing improved power characteristics over the original ATmega169 while keeping the identical 16 KB Flash / 1 KB SRAM / 512 B EEPROM memory map and 64-TQFP pinout. Service shops can drop the part onto existing boards, reprogram through JTAG or ISP, and restore full functionality without PCB changes. The picoPower revision also reduces standby current in repaired units, a measurable service-level improvement. For long-term supply planning, qualifying the ATMEGA169PA-AN as a second source protects against future availability gaps of the P-revision.
Recommended
Embedded Training and Prototyping
Universities and embedded-systems courses frequently use ATmega-class parts because the AVR architecture is transparent, single-cycle for most of its 133 instructions, and fully debuggable via JTAG. The ATMEGA169P-15AT is particularly instructive: students can observe on-chip-debug registers, program the 10-bit ADC for lab measurements, and exercise bootloader-based self-programming of the 16 KB Flash. The 64-TQFP package exposes 53 GPIO on breakout boards, supporting keypad, display, and motor-lab exercises from one chip, and the 2.7 V to 5.5 V range permits safe operation from bench supplies or USB power. Because instruction execution is roughly 1 MIPS per MHz, timing exercises give predictable results. Labs should fit JTAG headers on all training boards to keep the on-chip-debug workflow available throughout the curriculum.
Recommended
Smart Home and IoT Peripheral Controllers
In smart-home nodes such as door-lock controllers, window actuators, and IR remote hubs, the ATMEGA169P-15AT runs the control loop while a separate radio module handles connectivity, linked over UART or SPI from the AVR's peripheral set. The 10-bit ADC reads door-position potentiometers and supply supervision, 53 GPIO drive motor bridges and tamper switches, and 512 B EEPROM persists configuration and rolling-code tables. Idle-mode scheduling between wake events keeps average draw compatible with battery or energy-harvesting supplies, an important trait of the P-revision picoPower silicon. At 16 MHz, protocol stacks for proprietary 868 MHz or IR links execute with timing margin. Designers must level-match the 5 V-tolerant AVR domain against 3.3 V radio modules or power the whole node at 3.3 V, which the supply range fully supports.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA169P-15AT β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA169PA-AN | ATMEGA169V-8AN | ATMEGA168-20AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) | 64-TQFP - same footprint | 64-TQFP - same footprint | 32-TQFP - NOT footprint-compatible |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB ISP | 16 KB ISP | 16 KB ISP | 16 KB ISP |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Max Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 20 MHz (check speed-grade suffix) | 8 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (V-grades) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| GPIO Count | 53 | 53 | 53 | 23 (smaller package) |
| JTAG Debug | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (debugWIRE via RESET) |
| Power Class | picoPower (P revision) | picoPower (PA revision, lower current) | low-voltage optimized | picoPower class |
Key Differentiators
- JTAG on-chip-debug included (vs ATMEGA168-20AU)
- Higher I/O density for panel and sensing loads (vs ATMEGA168-20AU)
- picoPower silicon revision with field-updatable Flash (vs ATMEGA169V-8AN)
Design Notes
Provide one 100 nF ceramic capacitor per VCC/GND pair of the 64-TQFP plus at least one 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near the supply entry, keeping loop inductance low for ADC accuracy. Estimated: at 5 V and full 16 MHz operation, active current is on the order of 10-15 mA class (verify exact figure in the datasheet electrical-characteristics table); total dissipation remains well under 100 mW, so no heatsinking is required. If AVcc feeds the 10-bit ADC, connect it to VCC through a low-pass LC network and keep analog ground returns star-connected to the ADC ground pin.
Place the JTAG header (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO plus Vref and GND) on the board even if production firmware later disables the interface - retrofitting debug access to a 64-TQFP is impractical. Route the oscillator traces short and guard them from switching signals to preserve clock stability. The 14x14 mm TQFP-64 footprint has 0.5 mm pitch leads: specify a solder-paste stencil with reduced aperture ratio or use a full-nozzle reflow profile to prevent bridging on this legacy package.
Do not assume the 16 MHz grade runs at 16 MHz across the entire 2.7 V to 5.5 V window without consulting the speed-versus-voltage curve in the manufacturer datasheet - low-voltage designs may need the V speed grade or a reduced clock. Second, if the JTAGD fuse is cleared (JTAG enabled), pins PC2-PC5 are unavailable as GPIO; designs needing those pins must disable JTAG in firmware/fuses deliberately. Third, when migrating to the ATMEGA169PA, recompile rather than relink old hex files, as the PA header changes current-consumption constants and some register defaults.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in the provided verified web data; consult the Microchip product page or datasheet for RoHS/REACH certificates.