ATMEGA162-16PU - 8-Bit AVR MCU 16MHz 16KB Flash DIP-40 | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA162-16PU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.47 | $4.47 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.68 | $368.00 |
| 500 | $3.35 | $1,675.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.1 | $3,100.00 |
ATMEGA162-16PU Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained computing device that integrates a processor core, memory, and programmable peripherals on a single die. Within the MCU hierarchy, the ATmega162 belongs to the AVR family of enhanced RISC controllers, sitting above simple 8-pin MCUs and below the larger ATmega128-class devices, and functioning as the central processing element of a power-management or embedded-control system.
Key differentiating specifications include the advanced RISC architecture with 133 powerful instructions, most executing in a single clock cycle; 32 general-purpose working registers directly connected to the ALU; a 16 KB self-programmable Flash memory with 10,000 write/erase cycles; and an IEEE-style boundary-scan JTAG interface for on-chip debugging and programming. The dual-USART capability is rare in this memory class and enables two independent serial links without software multiplexing.
Architecturally, the AVR core uses a Harvard structure with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. In-system programmability over SPI means firmware can be updated after board assembly without a socketed device. Idle, power-save, and power-down sleep modes reduce average current in battery-operated designs.
Typical applications include legacy industrial control boards, test and measurement fixtures, communication bridges using the dual USART, and hobbyist/educational platforms, where the through-hole DIP-40 package simplifies hand assembly, socketed replacement, and prototype rework.
Design-wise, note that the 16 MHz top speed requires a 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply; below 4.5 V the safe maximum clock drops, so check the frequency-versus-voltage curve before running at reduced supply levels.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, Mouser, LCSC and Octopart, drop-in replacement options, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA162-16PU 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 ATMEGA162-16PU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Core Architecture, Debug Interface, Flash Program Memory, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA162-16PI
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA162-16PC
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA16A-PU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA16-16PI
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.72 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA32A-PU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA162-16PU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | AVR RISC |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) Flash |
| SRAM Size | 1 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 512 B |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Throughput | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
| Number of Instructions | 133 |
| I/O Pins | 35 |
| USART | 2 |
| Debug Interface | JTAG (on-chip debugging) |
| Package | 40-PDIP |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C |
| Life Cycle Stage | Active |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATMEGA162-16PU 40-pdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA162-16PU (40-pdip 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 ATMEGA162-16PU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA162-16PU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Boards, Dual-Channel Serial Communication Bridges, Test and Measurement Fixtures, Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Platforms, Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Repair, Battery-Powered Data Loggers.
Industrial Control Boards
The ATMEGA162-16PU fits legacy and current industrial control boards where deterministic 8-bit control, relay-level I/O count, and long-term availability matter. Its 35 I/O pins drive relays, optocouplers, and status indicators directly with 20 mA-class sink/source capability, while the 16 MHz core (16 MIPS) executes most instructions in a single cycle for tight timing loops. The 512 B EEPROM stores calibration constants across power cycles, and the 1 KB SRAM handles local buffering. The DIP-40 through-hole package supports socketed field replacement, minimizing mean-time-to-repair on production floors, and the -40C to +85C industrial-grade 16PI variant shares the footprint for harsher environments.
Recommended
Dual-Channel Serial Communication Bridges
The ATMEGA162-16PU is one of the few AVR MCUs in its class with two independent USARTs, making it a natural protocol bridge between, for example, an RS-485 field bus and an RS-232 maintenance port, or between two asynchronous links at different baud rates. Each USART has its own baud-rate generator, so translation between mismatched line rates is handled in hardware with only software buffering in the 1 KB SRAM. Operating at 16 MHz supports standard baud rates well above 115200 with low error per the datasheet UBRR tables. The SPI and TWI interfaces add peripheral expansion for EEPROMs, RTCs, and displays on the same design.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Fixtures
Bench fixtures and production test jigs benefit from the ATMEGA162-16PU's JTAG on-chip debugging, which allows step-through of fixture firmware during development without added debug chips. The 16 MHz timer/counter resources generate PWM stimulus and measure pulse widths, while the EEPROM preserves pass/fail counters and calibration data. The through-hole DIP-40 package tolerates repeated insertion into fixture sockets and is easy to replace when firmware-branched variants are needed for different product revisions. The 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply range lets the controller run from the same 5 V rail as legacy TTL test circuitry without a dedicated regulator.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Platforms
The ATMEGA162-16PU is ideal for education and hobby projects because the 0.1-inch DIP-40 package plugs directly into breadboards and standard IC sockets, requires no hot-air or reflow equipment, and survives repeated reprogramming. In-system programming over SPI needs only a low-cost AVR ISP programmer and a six-pin header. The AVR core's 133 single-cycle instructions and widely documented toolchain (AVR-GCC, Microchip Studio) provide an accessible learning curve, while the dual USART, JTAG debugging, and TWI/SPI peripherals offer enough depth for advanced coursework such as embedded networking and debugger fundamentals.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Many discontinued industrial and consumer products used ATmega-class 40-pin DIP controllers; the ATMEGA162-16PU serves as a servicing solution where boards were designed around a socketed DIP AVR footprint. Because the ATMEGA162-16PI, ATMEGA162-16PC, and ATmega16/16A devices share the same 40-PDIP pinout, repair technicians can stock one footprint and select by firmware and temperature requirements. The JTAG port permits reprogramming and diagnostics on installed boards with a JTAG cable, and the in-system SPI programmer updates firmware without desoldering - critical when the original MCU firmware image must be reflashed during repair.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Loggers
For battery-operated logging nodes, the ATMEGA162-16PU combines useful compute with conservative power behavior: sleep modes (idle, power-save, power-down) cut quiescent draw between logging events, and the AVR core reaches 16 MIPS per 16 MHz so work can be completed quickly at elevated clocks, then the device returned to deep sleep. Data is retained in the 512 B EEPROM across battery swaps, and SPI/UART links offload records to external flash or a radio module. The 2.7 V floor permits direct operation from three alkaline cells (about 4.5 V) with margin, though clock frequency must be derated as the battery discharges per the datasheet voltage-frequency curve.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA162-16PU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA162-16PI | ATMEGA162-16PC | ATMEGA16A-PU | ATMEGA16-16PI | ATMEGA32A-PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-PDIP (DIP-40) | 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 Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| USART Count | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| JTAG Debug | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Dual independent USARTs (vs ATMEGA16A-PU)
- JTAG on-chip debugging (vs ATMEGA32A-PU)
- Widest temperature-grade coverage on identical socket (vs ATMEGA162-16PI)
Design Notes
Observe the frequency-versus-voltage derating: the 16 MHz rating of the ATMEGA162-16PU applies at 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At lower supply voltages the maximum safe clock frequency decreases, and running 16 MHz below the allowed voltage can cause marginal or failed execution. If your system runs from a 3.3 V rail, either reduce the clock or select a low-voltage V-grade variant. Decouple VCC and AVCC with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within a few millimeters of pins 10 and 30, and tie AVCC to VCC through a low-pass LC filter in noisy analog designs.
Route an unbroken ground plane under the MCU and keep the two ground pins tied to it with short traces. Provide a standard 6-pin (2x3) ISP header wired to PB5 (MOSI), PB6 (MISO), PB7 (SCK), RESET, VCC, and GND so firmware can be updated in-circuit; keep series resistors on ISP-shared I/O if those pins drive heavy loads. If the JTAG interface is used, reserve PC2-PC5 (TCK/TMS/TDO/TDI) exclusively and control enablement via the JTAGEN fuse - reusing them as GPIO while JTAGEN is fused on is a common field-failure cause.
Do not swap firmware between ATmega162 and ATmega16/16A devices without review: the ATmega162's second USART and its register map differ, so code compiled for one may misbehave on the other even though the 40-PDIP socket fits both. Also confirm EEPROM endurance budget - the 512 B EEPROM is rated for a limited number of write/erase cycles, so avoid logging data to EEPROM at high frequency; use external SPI EEPROM/flash for wear-intensive storage. For socketed field deployment, avoid contamination on DIP pins and use keyed sockets to prevent reversed insertion.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per distributor listings (DigiKey/Mouser/LCSC) for the current Microchip ATMEGA162-16PU. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in retrieved data - confirm via Microchip product compliance documentation.
