ATMEGA168-15MT1 - 8-bit AVR MCU 16KB Flash 16MHz QFN-32 | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA168-15MT1 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.87 | $4.87 |
| 10 | $4.62 | $46.20 |
| 100 | $4.38 | $438.00 |
| 500 | $4.15 | $2,075.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.95 | $3,950.00 |
ATMEGA168-15MT1 Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that contains a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals on a single chip. Within the power management and embedded control hierarchy, the ATmega168 sits in the mid-range AVR family between the ATmega48/88 (same pinout, less Flash) and the ATmega328 (same pinout, more Flash), executing powerful instructions in a single clock cycle to achieve throughputs approaching 1 MIPS per MHz.
Key features include an advanced RISC architecture with 133 mostly single-cycle instructions, 16KB of self-programmable Flash with a 4KB-per-block boot section, 8 general-purpose I/O characteristics enabling byte access, and in-system programming via SPI for field updates. The 32-QFN exposed-pad package offers a low-profile (approximately 0.9-1.0 mm), thermally efficient surface-mount footprint suitable for space-constrained designs.
Architecturally, the ATmega48/88/168 family is a low-power CMOS design based on the AVR enhanced RISC core, with Harvard-architecture separate program and data buses. The single-cycle ALU permits optimized power consumption versus processing speed, and the boot-loader capability enables firmware upgrades through any interface without an external programmer.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, industrial sensor nodes, LED lighting controllers, and hobby/Arduino-compatible embedded platforms; the MiniCore Arduino hardware package explicitly supports the ATmega168 family.
A key design consideration: verify the exact speed grade and package pinout against the official Microchip ATmega168 datasheet before PCB layout, since distributor listings occasionally cite differing clock speeds (16MHz per DigiKey) for the -15 grade.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, stock data, same-footprint family alternatives, and drop-in replacement guidance not consolidated on the manufacturer's own product page.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA168-15MT1 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 ATMEGA168-15MT1 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Instruction Set, Maximum Clock Frequency, Package, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA168A-MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA168PA-15MZ
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.26 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA168-15MUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA328P-MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA88-15MT2
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA168PA-AU
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA168-15MT1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| Instruction Set | 133 powerful instructions, most single-cycle |
| Throughput | Up to 1 MIPS per MHz |
| Package Type | 32-QFN (5x5 mm), VFQFN with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +105C |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T1 suffix) |
| Boot Loader Section | Yes, self-programmable Flash |
| Programming Interface | In-System Programmable via SPI |
| Manufacturer Family | AVR ATmega (ATmega48/88/168 family) |
ATMEGA168-15MT1 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PD3 β Port D bit 3 (OC2B/INT1) |
| Pin 2 | PD4 β Port D bit 4 (XCK/T0) |
| Pin 3 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 4 | VCC β Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 6 | VCC β Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 7 | PB6 β Port B bit 6 (XTAL1/TOSC1) |
| Pin 8 | PB7 β Port B bit 7 (XTAL2/TOSC2) |
| Pin 9 | PD5 β Port D bit 5 (OC0B/T1) |
| Pin 10 | PD6 β Port D bit 6 (OC0A/AIN0) |
| Pin 11 | PD7 β Port D bit 7 (AIN1) |
| Pin 12 | PB0 β Port B bit 0 (ICP1/CLKO) |
| Pin 13 | PB1 β Port B bit 1 (OC1A) |
| Pin 14 | PB2 β Port B bit 2 (SS/OC1B) |
| Pin 15 | PB3 β Port B bit 3 (MOSI/OC2A) |
| Pin 16 | PB4 β Port B bit 4 (MISO) |
| Pin 17 | PB5 β Port B bit 5 (SCK) |
| Pin 18 | AVCC β ADC supply voltage |
| Pin 19 | ADC6 β ADC input channel 6 |
| Pin 20 | AREF β ADC analog reference |
| Pin 21 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 22 | ADC7 β ADC input channel 7 |
| Pin 23 | PC0 β Port C bit 0 (ADC0) |
| Pin 24 | PC1 β Port C bit 1 (ADC1) |
| Pin 25 | PC2 β Port C bit 2 (ADC2) |
| Pin 26 | PC3 β Port C bit 3 (ADC3) |
| Pin 27 | PC4 β Port C bit 4 (ADC4/SDA) |
| Pin 28 | PC5 β Port C bit 5 (ADC5/SCL) |
| Pin 29 | PC6 β Port C bit 6 (/RESET) |
| Pin 30 | PD0 β Port D bit 0 (RXD) |
| Pin 31 | PD1 β Port D bit 1 (TXD) |
| Pin 32 | PD2 β Port D bit 2 (INT0) |
Typical Applications
ATMEGA168-15MT1 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Arduino-Compatible Embedded Platforms, Battery-Powered Portable Devices, Legacy BOM Maintenance and Repair.
Industrial Sensor Nodes
The ATMEGA168-15MT1 fits industrial sensor acquisition nodes because its AVR core delivers approximately 1 MIPS per MHz and its 2.7V to 5.5V supply range tolerates noisy factory rails without precision regulation. Its 16KB self-programmable Flash allows field firmware updates over the SPI in-system programming interface, which is valuable for deployed equipment that cannot be physically reprogrammed. Mounted on a QFN-32 footprint with the exposed thermal pad soldered to ground pours, the device handles continuous 24/7 duty in enclosed industrial enclosures, while the industrial temperature rating supports control cabinets that routinely reach elevated ambient temperatures.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Appliance control boards (washers, coffee machines, small HVAC controllers) frequently use ATmega168-class MCUs because the single-cycle AVR instruction set handles key-scan, display multiplexing, and relay driving in a compact code footprint. The ATMEGA168-15MT1's 16KB Flash accommodates typical appliance control firmware plus a boot loader, and the 32-QFN (5x5 mm) package reduces PCB area versus DIP/TQFP alternatives, enabling two-layer low-cost boards. The 2.7V to 5.5V supply range supports both 3.3V logic coexistence and direct 5V operation, simplifying interface with triacs, buzzers, and seven-segment drivers commonly found in appliance designs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
In LED lighting applications, the ATMEGA168-15MT1 generates PWM dimming control using its hardware timers, with the AVR core executing timer-overflow service routines within a single clock cycle at 16MHz. The QFN-32 exposed-pad package dissipates driver-logic heat into the PCB copper, and the -15 speed grade allows conservative clocking (8MHz internal oscillator) for low-EMI operation required near LED driver switching circuitry. Its in-system programmable Flash enables color-temperature and dimming-curve personalization during final product test, and the 2.7V to 5.5V operating range interfaces cleanly with standard 5V LED driver enable inputs.
Recommended
Arduino-Compatible Embedded Platforms
The ATmega168 is explicitly supported by the MiniCore Arduino hardware package (GitHub, MCUdude), which targets ATmega8, 48, 88, 168, 328, and 328PB devices. The ATMEGA168-15MT1 in QFN-32 suits small production Arduino-compatible boards where DIP sockets are undesirable: the 16KB Flash holds the Arduino boot loader plus a meaningful application sketch, and SPI ISP programming supports initial boot loader flashing. Designers should provide a 100nF decoupling capacitor at each VCC pad and a 10k RESET pull-up, and should note the QFN package requires reflow or hot-air assembly rather than breadboard prototyping.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Devices
For battery-operated products, the ATMEGA168 family's AVR architecture optimizes power consumption versus processing speed: the system can clock down to reduce active current and the ATmega168 supports idle and power-down sleep modes. The ATMEGA168-15MT1's QFN-32 footprint suits compact wearables and handheld instruments, while the 2.7V floor permits direct two-cell alkaline or single Li-ion operation through a small LDO. Firmware in the 16KB self-programmable Flash can implement duty-cycled acquisition loops. For maximum battery life, designers should evaluate the pin-compatible ATMEGA168PA-15MZ, whose picoPower technology substantially reduces power-down current relative to the original die.
Recommended
Legacy BOM Maintenance and Repair
The ATMEGA168-15MT1 is a frequent requirement for maintaining legacy products whose firmware was qualified on the original ATmega168 die. Because Microchip (via Rochester Electronics channels, as listed on DigiKey Marketplace) continues to supply this exact MPN, repair depots can preserve exact BOM equivalence without requalification. The device's QFN-32 footprint and industrial tape-and-reel packing support automated rework lines performing hot-air replacement on assembled boards. Engineers should archive the official ATmega168 datasheet and errata alongside the purchased stock, and validate any second-source broker inventory for authentic, date-code-consistent parts before committing to field repairs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA168-15MT1 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA168A-MU | ATMEGA168PA-15MZ | ATMEGA328P-MU | ATMEGA88-15MT2 | ATMEGA168PA-AU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) exposed pad | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | TQFP-32 - verify suffix |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 16 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Low-Power Technology | Standard ATmega168 die | Improved revision | picoPower | picoPower | Standard ATmega88 die | picoPower |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatibility | Reference (32-QFN ATmega168 pinout) | Pin-to-pin compatible | Pin-to-pin compatible | Pin-to-pin compatible | Pin-to-pin compatible | Same pin function map, TQFP body |
Key Differentiators
- Exact legacy die availability (vs ATMEGA168A-MU)
- 16KB Flash at mid-tier cost (vs ATMEGA88-15MT2)
- Lower unit price than 328P-class parts (vs ATMEGA328P-MU)
- Trade-off: higher minimum supply voltage (vs ATMEGA168PA-15MZ)
Design Notes
The QFN-32 exposed pad is not optional: solder it to a grounded copper pour with a 4-9 via thermal array. The pad is the primary ground and heat-dissipation path for the die; leaving it unsoldered increases junction temperature and degrades ground integrity for the ADC. Place 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 2mm of both VCC pads (pins 4 and 6) and connect AVCC (pin 18) to VCC through an LC filter when ADC accuracy matters. Follow the Microchip AVR hardware design application notes for QFN land-pattern geometry (paste-in-pad vias need capped or low-voiding processes).
Distributor listings occasionally cite differing clock speeds for the -15 grade (16MHz per DigiKey/Mouser); the suffix encodes the speed/temp grade, so confirm the maximum frequency versus supply voltage curve in the official ATmega168 datasheet before finalizing the clock source. Also verify RESET (pin 29/PC6) configuration: it must be pulled up 10k for ISP programming and cannot be repurposed as GPIO unless external reset is not required. Finally, do not clock the -15 grade above its rated frequency at 3.3V without consulting the voltage-derating curve.
Estimated: at 5V and 16MHz, an ATmega168-class device draws roughly 5-10mA active (verify exact figure in the datasheet electrical characteristics section), so a 100mA-class regulator is sufficient for the MCU alone; budget additional margin for LED or relay loads. Use separate analog and digital ground returns joined at one point near the exposed pad, and filter AVCC with a 10uH inductor plus 100nF capacitor when ADC accuracy below a few LSB is required. For sleep-current-sensitive designs, evaluate the pin-compatible picoPower ATMEGA168PA-15MZ instead.
Compliance Information
Standard active-production Microchip part; distributor listings indicate RoHS-compliant lead-free finish. Formal REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations should be requested from Microchip's product compliance portal.
