ATMEGA162-16PC - 16MHz AVR 16KB Flash 40-DIP MCU | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA162-16PC β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.88 | $28.80 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.25 | $1,125.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.95 | $1,950.00 |
ATMEGA162-16PC Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a complete self-contained computing system on a single chip, combining an enhanced RISC processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals such as UARTs, SPI, timers, and ADCs. Within the embedded systems hierarchy, it sits as the system-level controller in the microcontroller category, above bare processor cores and below multi-chip embedded boards, and belongs to the AVR ATmega family originally developed by Atmel and now manufactured by Microchip Technology.
Key features of the ATMEGA162 include the AVR advanced RISC architecture with 133 powerful instructions, most of which execute in a single clock cycle, yielding near 1 MIPS per MHz efficiency. The device provides two full-duplex UART/USART ports, an SPI interface, an external bus interface (EBI/EMI) for memory and peripheral expansion, a JTAG interface for on-chip debugging and boundary scan, and three timers including 16-bit capability. The dual UART is a differentiating feature within the 40-pin ATmega class.
Architecturally, the ATmega162 uses a Harvard-structure CMOS 8-bit core with 32 general-purpose working registers directly connected to the ALU, allowing two independent register accesses in one instruction. In-system programmable Flash enables firmware updates without removing the chip, while the JTAG port supports boundary-scan testing and in-circuit debugging via tools such as the MPLAB SNAP.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, legacy-equipment maintenance and retrofits, dual-channel serial communication nodes, motor control boards, and educational through-hole prototyping where the 40-pin DIP footprint and 5V operation are required.
A key design consideration: this is a 5V-class part rated for a 4.5V to 5.5V supply at 16 MHz, so level shifting is required when interfacing with 3.3V logic. At 16 MHz, verify Flash write cycles across the full temperature range per the datasheet derating guidance.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA162-16PC 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 ATMEGA162-16PC (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Timers, Package, Core Architecture, EEPROM, JTAG Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA162-16PI
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA162L-8PC
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA161-16PI
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA8535-16PC
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA16-16PC
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$4.48 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA162-16PC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Clock Speed | 16 MHz |
| Max Throughput | 16 MIPS (1 MIPS per MHz) |
| Flash Program Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (5V class at 16 MHz) |
| I/O Pins | 35 programmable I/O lines |
| Timers | Two 8-bit, one 16-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x UART/USART, SPI, TWI (I2C-compatible) |
| External Bus Interface | EBI/EMI supported |
| Debug Interface | JTAG (on-chip debug and boundary scan) |
| In-System Programming | Yes (ISP Flash) |
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600 in, 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Life Cycle Stage | ACTIVE |
| Data Bus Width | 8 Bit |
ATMEGA162-16PC 40-pdip (0.600 in, 15.24 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA162-16PC (40-pdip (0.600 in, 15.24 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 ATMEGA162-16PC.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA162-16PC is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Dual-Channel Serial Communication Gateways, Legacy Equipment Repair and Retrofit, Through-Hole Prototyping and Education, External Memory Expansion Systems, Motor and Timer-Based Control Boards.
Industrial Control Panels
The ATMEGA162-16PC fits industrial control and automation panels where a rugged 5V through-hole MCU with generous I/O is required. Its 35 programmable I/O lines, 16 KB ISP Flash, and 1 MIPS-per-MHz AVR core at 16 MHz provide real-time deterministic control for relay sequencing, keypad scanning, and status indication. The external bus interface (EBI/EMI) allows expansion to external SRAM or memory-mapped displays, and the JTAG port enables field diagnostics with tools such as the MPLAB SNAP. The 40-pin PDIP package is socketed easily, simplifying in-service replacement on legacy industrial boards, and the commercial 0C to +70C rating covers standard cabinet environments.
Recommended
Dual-Channel Serial Communication Gateways
With two independent full-duplex UART/USARTs, the ATMEGA162-16PC is purpose-built for protocol conversion between two serial systems, such as bridging a RS-232 field device to a RS-485 network at 16 MHz. Each UART can run at different baud rates concurrently, and the 1 KB SRAM buffers framing and payload data while the 16 KB Flash holds both protocol stacks. The SPI interface adds a third high-speed channel for local peripherals or datalogging. Compared with single-UART ATmega parts, it eliminates software bit-banging, improving timing accuracy and interrupt latency headroom in deterministic serial gateway designs.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Repair and Retrofit
The ATmega162 is 100 percent pin compatible with the ATmega161 per the Microchip datasheet, making the ATMEGA162-16PC a direct retrofit for boards originally designed around the older die. The 40-pin PDIP footprint, 5V supply, and through-hole mounting match the construction era of 1990s and 2000s industrial, medical, and test equipment. In-system programmable Flash allows firmware updates through the existing JTAG or ICSP header without desoldering, and the life cycle status remains ACTIVE per distributor data, so service organizations can still procure fresh, RoHS-relevant stock rather than reclaimed components for legacy board population.
Recommended
Through-Hole Prototyping and Education
The 0.600 inch 40-pin PDIP package seats directly into standard DIP sockets, breadboard adapters, and university microcontroller trainer boards, making the ATMEGA162-16PC ideal for teaching AVR architecture and rapid prototyping. Students can access 35 I/O lines, dual UARTs for PC-to-device and device-to-device serial labs, SPI for peripheral experiments, and JTAG for guided on-chip debugging with the MPLAB SNAP. The 5V supply tolerates student wiring errors better than 3.3V MCUs, and the 16 MIPS throughput at 16 MHz executes the 133-instruction AVR set fast enough for real-time classroom demos without external clock circuitry beyond a crystal.
Recommended
External Memory Expansion Systems
The ATMEGA162-16PC integrates an external bus interface (EBI/EMI) that multiplexes Port A as an 8-bit data bus and Port C as an address bus, letting the design attach external SRAM, FIFOs, or memory-mapped peripherals beyond the internal 1 KB SRAM. At 16 MHz the bus sustains fast access cycles suitable for datalogging buffers and display frame memory, while the 16 KB on-chip Flash keeps program code resident internally. This makes it a strong fit for data acquisition front ends and character/graphics display controllers where internal RAM alone is insufficient but a full 32-bit processor is unnecessary.
Recommended
Motor and Timer-Based Control Boards
The ATmega162's timer suite - two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer with PWM and input-capture capabilities - supports DC motor speed control, servo positioning, and frequency measurement tasks at 16 MHz resolution. The 16-bit timer input capture enables precise period measurement of encoder or sensor pulses, while PWM outputs drive H-bridge or transistor stages through the 35 I/O lines. Dual UARTs allow a motor controller to report telemetry on one serial link while accepting setpoint commands on another. The 5V through-hole package simplifies integration into discrete power driver boards common in small automation retrofits.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA162-16PC β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA162-16PI | ATMEGA162L-8PC | ATMEGA161-16PI | ATMEGA8535-16PC | ATMEGA16-16PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600 in, 15.24 mm) | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 bytes | 1 KB |
| UART Count | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Supply Voltage Class | 5V (4.5 V to 5.5 V at 16 MHz) | 5V class | Low-voltage (L) class | 5V class | 5V class | 5V class |
| Pin Compatibility with ATMEGA162 | Reference device | Identical (same die) | Identical (same die) | 100% pin compatible per datasheet; fuse bits differ | Same DIP-40 AVR family; peripheral muxing differs | Same DIP-40 AVR family; peripheral muxing differs |
Key Differentiators
- Dual full-duplex UARTs (vs ATMEGA16-16PC)
- Full pin compatibility with ATmega161 for retrofit (vs ATMEGA161-16PI)
- Twice the Flash of the ATmega8535 in the same package (vs ATMEGA8535-16PC)
Design Notes
The ATMEGA162-16PC is a 5V-class device: at the full 16 MHz grade the supply must stay within the datasheet 5V operating window (4.5 V to 5.5 V). Decouple VCC pins with 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed as close as possible to each supply pin, plus 4.7 uF to 10 uF of bulk capacitance per board. Do not power from 3.3 V rails, and use level shifters (or resistor dividers for unidirectional lines) when interfacing with 3.3 V peripherals.
When substituting across the ATmega161/ATmega162 boundary, remember the Microchip datasheet explicitly warns that fuse bit locations and electrical characteristics differ between the two devices even though they are 100 percent pin compatible. Re-verify fuse settings (clock source, JTAG enable, boot configuration) in your programmer before flashing a replacement part, or the board may fail to clock or lock out ISP. Also recompile firmware per target die rather than copying hex files between family members.
On through-hole DIP-40 layouts, keep the crystal within 1-2 cm of XTAL pins with 18-22 pF load capacitors to ground, and route the two UART lines away from the crystal and switching loads to protect serial signal integrity at high baud rates. If using the external bus interface, treat Port A/Port C bus traces as a short local bus - keep lengths matched and add series resistors (22-100 ohm) to control ringing on ribbon-cable expansions.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in the provided web data. Verify RoHS/REACH/lead-free status on the official Microchip ATMEGA162 product page before procurement.
