ATMEGA164P-15MZ - 8-bit AVR MCU 16KB Flash 44-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA164P-15MZ β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13.59 | $13.59 |
| 10 | $12.91 | $129.10 |
| 100 | $11.55 | $1,155.00 |
| 500 | $10.19 | $5,095.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.83 | $8,830.00 |
ATMEGA164P-15MZ Overview
A microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals such as timers, UARTs, and ADCs into one IC. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, this device belongs to the AVR ATmega family -> 8-bit RISC microcontrollers -> microcontroller units (MCUs) -> integrated circuits. MCUs are the programmable heart of embedded systems, executing control, sensing, and communication tasks across industrial and consumer electronics.
Key features include the picoPower technology platform for low sleep-mode consumption, 16KB self-programmable Flash with read-while-write support, a 16MHz AVR RISC core executing most instructions in a single clock cycle, and JTAG for on-chip debugging and boundary scan. The 44-VQFN package saves board area versus the TQFP variant while the exposed pad improves thermal and ground performance.
Architecturally, the AVR Harvard-structure core uses 32 general-purpose working registers directly connected to the ALU, allowing one-cycle instruction execution. Peripherals include an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, USART, SPI, two-wire interface (I2C), three timers (two 8-bit, one 16-bit with PWM), analog comparator, and an internal RC oscillator. In-system programmability via SPI (ICSP) enables field firmware updates without removing the device.
Typical applications include industrial automation control nodes, consumer appliance controllers, and motor control or lighting systems where a mid-density 8-bit MCU with rich analog and communication peripherals reduces bill-of-materials count. The 125-degree C grade suits harsh industrial environments.
Design consideration: select clock sources conservatively - the internal 8MHz RC oscillator saves external components, but the '-15' speed grade indicates a maximum 16MHz rating, so verify crystal and VCC combinations against the datasheet frequency-versus-voltage curves before finalizing designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single decision-ready reference.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA164P-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 ATMEGA164P-15MZ (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Flash Memory, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA164A-MU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.01 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA164PA-MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA16-16MU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA644P-20MU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA324P-20MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA164P-15MZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Speed (Max Frequency) | 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16), ISP, read-while-write |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| GPIO Count | 32 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Communication Interfaces | USART, SPI, I2C (TWI) |
| Timers | Two 8-bit, one 16-bit (PWM capable) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Debug / Programming | JTAG, SPI (ICSP in-system programming) |
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Technology Feature | picoPower low-power technology |
| Series | AVR ATmega |
ATMEGA164P-15MZ 44-vqfn (7x7 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA164P-15MZ (44-vqfn (7x7 mm) with exposed pad 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 ATMEGA164P-15MZ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA164P-15MZ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Control Nodes, Battery-Powered Metering and Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Motor Control and Lighting Systems, Embedded Debug and Educational Platforms, Automotive-Adjacent Body and Comfort Electronics.
Industrial Automation Control Nodes
The ATMEGA164P-15MZ fits industrial control nodes that need deterministic 8-bit control, rich analog inputs, and -40C to +125C temperature tolerance. Its 10-bit, 8-channel ADC digitizes sensor inputs such as pressure, level and potentiometer feedback directly, while the USART, SPI and TWI interfaces link to displays, actuators, and higher-level PLCs. The 16MHz single-cycle AVR core handles interrupt-driven sequencing with predictable latency, and the 16KB Flash with read-while-write supports in-field firmware updates over the production line. In a typical node the MCU reads sensors, runs a PID loop on the 16-bit timer, and reports status via Modbus-style UART frames; the 125C grade permits mounting inside enclosures near motors where consumer-grade MCUs would derate or fail.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Metering and Sensor Nodes
picoPower technology makes the ATMEGA164P-15MZ well suited to battery-operated meters and wireless sensor nodes, where the majority of lifetime energy comes from sleep states. The device provides idle, power-down and power-save modes with watchdog-timer wake-up, letting designers duty-cycle the 16MHz core and keep average current in the microamp range per the datasheet power tables. The internal 8MHz RC oscillator removes crystal cost in low-precision timing roles, the 512B EEPROM stores calibration constants through power cycles, and the 10-bit ADC samples load-current shunts for energy metering. A typical duty cycle - wake, sample, compute, transmit over UART radio, sleep - fits comfortably within the 16KB program memory including a lightweight protocol stack.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
Appliance control boards - washers, cooktops, fans, small HVAC units - are a classic fit for the ATMEGA164P-15MZ. The 32 GPIO lines drive seven-segment displays, relays and triac firing circuits directly, while the 8-bit timers generate PWM for motor speed and heater power control. The TWI (I2C) interface reads capacitive-touch or temperature-sensor front panels, and the analog comparator plus ADC implement zero-cross detection and over-temperature protection without external components. The 44-VQFN's 7x7 mm footprint fits the dense single-sided layouts typical of appliance PCBs, and the 125C rating tolerates the hot interior of cooking or drying appliances. In-field firmware updates via SPI ICSP let manufacturers add features after certification.
Recommended
Motor Control and Lighting Systems
For DC fan, pump and LED lighting control, the ATMEGA164P-15MZ supplies three timers including a 16-bit unit with hardware PWM outputs able to drive MOSFET gate stages for phase control or brightness dimming. The 10-bit ADC reads back current via a shunt for closed-loop regulation, and the analog comparator provides fast over-current trip. The 16MHz core executes commutation and PI control loops with adequate margin, while the 44-VQFN exposed pad grounds power-return current with low inductance. Because the part is rated to 125C ambient, it can sit near ballasts and drivers where derating is otherwise required. Designers should gate PWM at zero-cross and add RC filtering on ADC inputs to reject switching noise from the driver stage.
Recommended
Embedded Debug and Educational Platforms
JTAG on-chip debugging makes the ATMEGA164P-15MZ attractive for development boards, lab trainers, and educational microcontroller platforms. Unlike smaller AVRs limited to debugWIRE, the JTAG port supports full breakpoints, watchpoints and boundary scan on the 44-VQFN, while SPI ICSP allows rapid programming through the standard 8-pin SIL header described by Microchip for MPLAB SNAP connectivity. The 16KB Flash is large enough for structured C projects with state machines and a small command interpreter, and 32 GPIO plus ADC channels give students exposure to peripherals used in industry. The same board design can accept pin-compatible ATmega324P/644P parts for advanced coursework, protecting the hardware investment as project complexity grows.
Recommended
Automotive-Adjacent Body and Comfort Electronics
While the standard ATMEGA164P-15MZ is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its -40C to +125C rating and picoPower sleep modes make it suitable for non-safety automotive-adjacent equipment such as agricultural vehicle accessories, fleet telematics add-ons, marine gauges and off-highway machinery panels. The 10-bit ADC reads potentiometer and NTC inputs, the USART links to GPS or cellular modules, and the EEPROM retains odometer or configuration data across power loss. Linear voltage regulation and load-dump-rated protection around the MCU allow survival in 12V/24V vehicle electrical systems. Designs that later require formal automotive qualification can migrate to the ATMEGA164P B-grade automotive variant, which shares the AVR ATmega architecture and the same 16MHz 16KB configuration.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA164P-15MZ β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA164A-MU | ATMEGA164PA-MU | ATMEGA16-16MU | ATMEGA644P-20MU | ATMEGA324P-20MU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) exposed pad | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-QFN - same footprint | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel legacy) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel legacy) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB (no RWW) | 64 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| Max Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 16 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| picoPower Low-Power Technology | Yes | No (standard A die) | Yes (PA low-power die) | No | Yes (P version) | Yes (P version) |
| JTAG Debug | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- picoPower technology for battery applications (vs ATMEGA16-16MU)
- Read-while-write Flash for field updates (vs ATMEGA16-16MU)
- Direct upgrade path within one footprint (vs ATMEGA644P-20MU)
- Lower operating voltage margin vs A-revision variants (vs ATMEGA164A-MU)
Design Notes
The 44-VQFN exposed pad on the ATMEGA164P-15MZ is the primary ground connection and must be soldered to a stitched ground array - use a 3x3 or larger via fan-out under the pad to the internal ground plane. QFN perimeter pads are hidden after reflow, so plan AOI or X-ray inspection in production. Define the footprint per the Microchip package drawing with slightly elongated pads (0.3 mm paste-to-pad reduction) to prevent solder bridging on the 0.5 mm pitch, and add fiducials near the chip for pick-and-place accuracy.
Do not disable the RESET pin or SPIEN fuse during early firmware development on the ATMEGA164P-15MZ - doing so can permanently lock out SPI programming and require a parallel high-voltage programmer. When using JTAG, remember that JTAG-enable is fuse-controlled and the JTAG pins (PC2-PC5) double as GPIO only after disabling JTAGEN. Power AVCC even if the ADC is unused, and keep the -15 speed grade in mind: at 5V the 16MHz maximum applies; do not assume the 20MHz rating of A/PA variants in the same socket.
Estimated: with VCC = 5.0V and typical active current around 10-12mA (datasheet ballpark for AVR ATmega at 16MHz), supply decoupling should include a 100nF ceramic within 3 mm of each VCC/AVCC pin plus a 10uF bulk capacitor per board section. The exposed pad and AVCC must share a clean analog ground island for ADC accuracy below 2 LSB of noise. For battery designs exploiting picoPower sleep modes, isolate any high-side loads from VCC so leakage through peripherals does not defeat power-down current savings.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not stated in the retrieved web data. The device is the standard industrial grade, not the AEC-Q100 automotive B-variant (automotive part is ATMEGA164P-B15MZ per ETEI comparison data). Verify RoHS/REACH via Microchip's official environmental page before procurement.
