ATMEGA1280-16CU - 8-bit AVR MCU 128KB Flash 16MHz CBGA-100 | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA1280-16CU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16.87 | $16.87 |
| 10 | $15.9 | $159.00 |
| 100 | $14.75 | $1,475.00 |
| 500 | $13.6 | $6,800.00 |
| 1,000 | $12.9 | $12,900.00 |
ATMEGA1280-16CU Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor that executes most instructions in a single clock cycle. Within the power management and embedded-control hierarchy, microcontrollers such as the ATmega1280 integrate processor core, program memory, data memory, timers, serial interfaces, and analog peripherals on a single die, replacing multi-chip MCU solutions and reducing board area and BOM cost.
Key features include the advanced AVR RISC core with 133 powerful instructions (most single-cycle), 32 general-purpose working registers, up to 16 MIPS throughput at 16 MHz, and hardware multiplier. The 128KB self-programmable Flash supports field firmware updates, while 4KB EEPROM retains calibration and configuration data through power cycles.
Technical depth: the ATmega1280 family shares its die and peripherals with ATmega640/1281/2560/2561, offering four flexible 16-bit timer/counters, two 8-bit timers, an 8/16-channel 10-bit ADC, four USARTs, master/slave SPI, a byte-oriented 2-wire serial interface (TWI/I2C-compatible), a programmable watchdog timer with separate on-chip oscillator, an on-chip analog comparator, and an output compare modulator. In-System Programming and In-Circuit debugging are implemented via the SPI pins and reset line.
Typical applications include Arduino Mega-class prototyping boards, industrial automation controllers, motor and LED control panels, data loggers, and instrumentation front ends that need abundant I/O and multiple hardware serial ports.
Design consideration: the CBGA (ball grid array) package demands precise PCB land-pattern design, controlled reflow profiling, and cannot be hand-soldered; X-ray or optical inspection is recommended for production. The -16CU speed grade requires a stable 4.5V-5.5V supply at the full 16 MHz clock.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA1280-16CU 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 ATMEGA1280-16CU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Mounting Type, Serial Interfaces, USART.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA2560-16CU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA1280V-8CU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA640-16CU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA1280-16CU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Flash Memory | 128KB (64K x 16) In-System Programmable |
| SRAM | 8KB |
| EEPROM | 4KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| General Purpose I/O Lines | 86 |
| ADC | 8/16-channel, 10-bit |
| USART | 4 (ATmega1280 configuration) |
| Serial Interfaces | 4x USART, SPI (Master/Slave), 2-wire serial (TWI) |
| Instructions | 133 powerful instructions, most single-cycle |
| Watchdog Timer | Programmable, separate on-chip oscillator |
| Package | 100-CBGA (9x9 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA reflow) |
| Lifecycle Stage | ACTIVE |
ATMEGA1280-16CU 100-cbga (9x9 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA1280-16CU (100-cbga (9x9 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 ATMEGA1280-16CU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA1280-16CU is suitable for 6 applications: Arduino Mega Prototyping Boards, Industrial Automation Controllers, Data Acquisition and Logging Systems, LED Display and Lighting Controllers, Instrumentation Front Ends, Embedded Motor and Relay Control.
Arduino Mega Prototyping Boards
The ATMEGA1280-16CU is the exact die behind the original Arduino Mega, which exposed 54 digital I/O pins, 16 analog inputs, and 4 hardware UARTs at 16 MHz. Its abundant GPIO (86 lines on the bare IC) and 128KB Flash let hobbyists and engineers port large sketches without memory pressure, while the 4KB EEPROM stores persistent settings. The 10-bit ADC covers sensor front ends, and hardware SPI/TWI interface with shields. Prototypers should note the CBGA package requires reflow assembly, so developer boards use the TQFP variant while the CBGA serves compact production versions of the same design.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Controllers
In industrial control panels, the ATMEGA1280-16CU's four USARTs independently drive Modbus RTU links, HMI panels, and printer/label interfaces simultaneously, eliminating software UART overhead. The 2.7V-5.5V supply tolerance rides through noisy 5V rails, and the programmable watchdog timer with its separate on-chip oscillator recovers the system from firmware lockups even if the main clock fails - a key reliability feature for unattended equipment. The 128KB Flash supports protocol stacks plus OTA field updates via self-programming. Designers should route the ADC reference separately from the noisy digital supply to preserve 10-bit conversion accuracy near motor drives.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Logging Systems
The ATMEGA1280-16CU fits multi-channel data loggers: its 10-bit ADC with 8 or 16 multiplexed channels digitizes distributed sensors, while 8KB SRAM buffers samples and the 4KB EEPROM preserves calibration constants and logger configuration across power cycles. A hardware SPI port streams buffered data to SD-card or Flash storage at multi-hundred-kilobyte rates, and a second USART outputs real-time telemetry. The 16 MHz clock sustains roughly 15k samples/second at 10-bit resolution with overhead. For precision measurements, use the internal 2.56V bandgap reference or an external precision reference and average conversions to suppress noise.
Recommended
LED Display and Lighting Controllers
With 86 GPIO lines, the ATMEGA1280-16CU can directly drive large multiplexed LED matrix or segmented displays without port expanders, while four 16-bit-capable timer/PWM resources generate flicker-free dimming across multiple channels. The output compare modulator offloads high-frequency PWM generation from the CPU, keeping timing jitter out of the visible band. Designers commonly cascade the hardware SPI port to external constant-current LED drivers (TLC5940-class) for architectural and signage lighting. Because the 16 MHz grade needs 4.5V-5.5V, drive LED rails at 5V and level-shift any 3.3V communication peripherals appropriately.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front Ends
Bench and portable instruments benefit from the ATmega1280's blend of analog and digital integration: the 10-bit ADC with internal bandgap reference performs go/no-go measurements, the analog comparator supports zero-cross and threshold detection without CPU polling, and the TWI (I2C) bus manages front-panel potentiometers, displays, and calibration EEPROMs. Four USARTs connect to PCs, thermal printers, and auxiliary modules concurrently. Firmware occupies a fraction of the 128KB Flash, leaving room for lookup tables and self-test routines. For sub-millivolt resolution, pair the MCU with an external 16-24-bit delta-sigma ADC over SPI rather than relying on the internal 10-bit converter.
Recommended
Embedded Motor and Relay Control
The ATMEGA1280-16CU sequences motors, valves, and relays in machinery controllers: multiple hardware PWM channels drive H-bridge and gate-driver inputs, while the watchdog timer guarantees safe shutdown of outputs if firmware hangs - critical for actuator safety. Its five-volt I/O directly interfaces optocouplers and relay-driver transistors, and 86 GPIO lines accommodate limit switches, encoders, and button matrices simultaneously. The 16 MHz core executes PID loops for several axes with headroom. Designers should add freewheeling diodes on relay coils, keep gate-driver return paths away from the ADC ground, and use the input-capture timer for encoder speed measurement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA1280-16CU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA2560-16CU | ATMEGA1280V-8CU | ATMEGA640-16CU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-CBGA (9x9 mm) | 100-CBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-CBGA (9x9 mm) - same | 100-CBGA (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel legacy) | Microchip Technology (Atmel legacy) |
| Flash Memory | 128KB | 256KB | 128KB | 64KB |
| SRAM | 8KB | 8KB | 8KB | 8KB |
| EEPROM | 4KB | 4KB | 4KB | 4KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Ball-grid-array footprint in 9x9 mm (vs ATMEGA1280-16AU)
- Double program memory upgrade path in same footprint (vs ATMEGA640-16CU)
- Full-speed 16 MHz operation (vs ATMEGA1280V-8CU)
Design Notes
The 100-CBGA (9x9 mm) demands a precision land pattern per the Microchip mechanical drawing (typically 0.8 mm ball pitch for this family). Use solder-mask-defined or non-solder-mask-defined pads exactly as specified, stencil apertures at 90-100% of pad area with laser-cut stainless stencils, and a reflow profile matched to SAC305 paste. BGA joints cannot be visually inspected - schedule X-ray sampling for first articles. Avoid vias in pads unless filled and planarized (VIPPO) to prevent solder wicking voids.
Although the datasheet supply range is 2.7V-5.5V, the '-16' speed grade only meets 16 MHz timing at the top of the range (4.5V-5.5V per family speed/voltage curves). Decouple every VCC/AVCC ball with 100nF ceramics placed within 2-3 mm of the ball via, plus bulk 10uF near the regulator. Tie AVCC to VCC through an RC filter (10 ohm + 100nF) when ADC accuracy matters, and use the internal 2.56V bandgap or an external reference on AREF for stable conversions.
Do not attempt hand soldering or hot-air rework of the CBGA package - ball collapse requires profiled reflow; repair needs a BGA rework station. Another frequent pitfall: firmware written for TQFP ATMEGA1280-16AU ports directly, but verify JTAG/ISP ball assignments on the CBGA pinout before laying out test points. Finally, if migrating code to ATMEGA2560-16CU, update linker scripts and bootloader page sizes since Flash page count differs.
Compliance Information
Compliance status was not stated in the verified web data; confirm on the official Microchip ATmega1280 product page or its environmental datasheet before design-in.
