ATMEGA168A-CCU - 8-Bit AVR MCU, 16KB Flash, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA168A-CCU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.28 | $228.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.84 | $1,840.00 |
ATMEGA168A-CCU Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a member of the broader voltage-regulator-free embedded processing hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. AVR devices use an Advanced RISC architecture in which most of the 133 powerful instructions execute in a single clock cycle, allowing one MIPS per MHz of clock frequency. This makes the ATmega family a staple for cost-sensitive embedded control in the same category as PIC, STM8, and other 8-bit MCU families.
Key features of the ATMEGA168A-CCU include Read-While-Write capable Flash for self-programming, 23 general purpose I/O lines, 32 general purpose working registers, and a Real Time Counter (RTC). The device integrates three flexible Timer/Counters with compare modes and PWM channels, one programmable USART for serial communication, and one byte-oriented 2-wire serial interface (I2C/TWI) plus SPI for connectivity.
The supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V supports both 3.3V and 5V logic systems, giving designers flexibility in mixed-voltage designs. In-System Programming (ISP) via the SPI interface and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP), supported by tools such as the MPLAB SNAP debugger with an 8-pin SIL connector, allows firmware updates without removing the device from the PCB.
Typical applications include industrial sensors and actuator control, consumer appliance control boards, battery-powered portable instrumentation, and hobby/embedded prototyping platforms. The compact 4x4 mm UFBGA ball grid array makes the part attractive for space-constrained portable designs where QFP footprint is too large.
Design consideration: UFBGA packages require precise PCB pad geometry and reflow soldering processes; the BGA balls cannot be hand-soldered or visually inspected like QFP leads, so verify land patterns against the manufacturer datasheet before layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA168A-CCU 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 ATMEGA168A-CCU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Timers, Working Registers.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA168A-CCUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA168PA-CCU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.29 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA88PA-CCU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA328P-CCU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA168A-CCU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | AVR |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Architecture | Advanced RISC, 133 instructions, most single-cycle |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) In-System Programmable |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| General Purpose I/O | 23 lines |
| Working Registers | 32 general purpose registers |
| Connectivity | I2C (2-wire), SPI, UART/USART |
| Timers | 3 Timer/Counters with compare modes and PWM |
| Real Time Counter | Yes (RTC) |
| Programming Interface | ISP via SPI, ICSP supported by MPLAB SNAP |
| Package | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Life Cycle Stage | Active |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
ATMEGA168A-CCU 32-ufbga (4x4 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA168A-CCU (32-ufbga (4x4 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 ATMEGA168A-CCU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA168A-CCU is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor and Actuator Control, Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Embedded Prototyping and Education, Networked Sensor Nodes, Motor and PWM Control Subsystems.
Industrial Sensor and Actuator Control
The ATMEGA168A-CCU fits industrial control nodes because its 2.7V to 5.5V supply range tolerates noisy 5V rail fluctuations, and its SPI and I2C interfaces connect directly to ADCs, EEPROMs, and sensor ICs. The three Timer/Counters with PWM channels drive actuators, valves, and small motors with hardware timing independent of software jitter, while the USART provides a robust link to PLC or SCADA gateways. The 16KB Flash with Read-While-Write support allows field firmware updates via ICSP without removing the compact 32-UFBGA device from the PCB. Engineers should allocate one timer for a watchdog-style task scheduler and reserve the 512B EEPROM for calibration constants that survive power cycles.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Instruments
The 2.7V minimum supply lets the ATMEGA168A-CCU run directly from two alkaline cells or a single Li-ion cell through the discharge curve, eliminating a boost converter in low-cost portable instruments. Its 23 GPIO lines handle keypads, indicator LEDs, and sensor enables, while the Real Time Counter maintains timekeeping during sleep intervals. The 1KB SRAM accommodates buffering for display updates and sensor averaging. Designers targeting the longest battery life should evaluate the picoPower P-series variant ATMEGA168PA-CCU in the same 32-UFBGA footprint, which reduces sleep current further; the 4x4 mm BGA also minimizes board area in handheld enclosures where every square millimeter counts.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
Appliance control boards benefit from the ATMEGA168A-CCU's combination of modest cost, 20MHz processing headroom, and rich on-chip peripherals: the USART communicates with user-interface boards, SPI drives configuration memory, and hardware PWM controls fans, heaters, or motor drivers without CPU intervention. The 133-instruction RISC core executing mostly in single cycles delivers deterministic response to encoder and button inputs. Because the device is Active in lifecycle status across five distributors, production continuity is good, but the UFBGA package requires a reflow-capable contract manufacturer rather than hand assembly. The 512B EEPROM stores user settings and fault logs that persist across power interruptions, a common appliance requirement.
Recommended
Embedded Prototyping and Education
The ATmega168 family is the silicon behind many educational and maker platforms, and the ATMEGA168A-CCU suits advanced prototyping where board area is constrained. In-System Programming via SPI and ICSP through an 8-pin SIL connector, as documented by Microchip for the MPLAB SNAP tool, uses just two I/O pins plus reset, so students and engineers can reflash boards repeatedly without special sockets. The AVR toolchain (AVR-GCC, MPLAB X) is free and well documented, and the family datasheet covering ATmega48A/88A/168A provides a single learning path with scalable memory options. The 32-UFBGA package itself teaches fine-pitch BGA layout skills that transfer to modern 0.4mm-pitch ball grid array designs.
Recommended
Networked Sensor Nodes
For wired sensor nodes the ATMEGA168A-CCU offers one hardware USART, SPI, and a byte-oriented 2-wire (I2C/TWI) interface on one chip, allowing a single MCU to bridge sensor data (via I2C from temperature or pressure ICs) to a higher-level bus (via USART to RS-485 transceivers). The 8-bit core at 20MHz comfortably handles protocol framing, CRC checks, and sensor averaging for low-rate telemetry. The RTC supports time-stamped logging into the 1KB SRAM ring buffer, and the 16KB Flash leaves headroom for bootloader-based field updates. The 2.7V to 5.5V range allows the node to share a common 5V industrial supply with sensors, simplifying power distribution across the network.
Recommended
Motor and PWM Control Subsystems
The ATMEGA168A-CCU's three flexible Timer/Counters with compare modes and PWM outputs make it a compact controller for DC fan, brushed-motor, and LED dimming subsystems. Hardware PWM generation continues during sleep and is immune to software latency, enabling constant-speed fan loops closed through a tachometer input on a GPIO interrupt pin. At 20MHz, PWM resolution up to 16-bit (slow modes) or fast 8-bit PWM at hundreds of kilohertz is achievable, covering both silent fan control and small SMPS assist duties. The 32-UFBGA package's small 4x4 mm footprint lets the controller sit directly on the motor driver board, shortening gate-drive traces and improving EMI behavior compared with a remote MCU.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA168A-CCU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA168A-CCUR | ATMEGA168PA-CCU | ATMEGA88PA-CCU | ATMEGA328P-CCU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) - same | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) - same | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) - same | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB | 32 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B | 1 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (picoPower) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (picoPower) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (picoPower) |
| Low-Power Technology | Standard AVR A-series | Standard AVR A-series | picoPower (P-series) | picoPower (P-series) | picoPower (P-series) |
Key Differentiators
- Compact 4x4 mm UFBGA footprint (vs ATMEGA168A-AU (32-TQFP))
- Family memory scalability on one pinout concept (vs ATMEGA328P-CCU)
- Lower cost than picoPower P-series at standard power budgets (vs ATMEGA168PA-CCU)
Design Notes
The 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) package uses fine-pitch solder balls that cannot be hand-soldered or visually inspected. Define the PCB land pattern exactly per the Microchip datasheet (typically NSMD pads), use solder-mask-defined or non-solder-mask-defined pads consistently, and specify a reflow profile appropriate for lead-free SAC alloys. Plan X-ray or electrical test coverage at the contract manufacturer, since ball-level defects under the BGA are invisible to AOI.
The device operates from 2.7V to 5.5V. When running at the full 20MHz, verify that the supply stays within the datasheet's safe operating area across temperature; if the design uses 3.3V, confirm the maximum permitted clock frequency at that voltage per the datasheet frequency-vs-voltage curve before committing to 20MHz. Decouple each supply ball with low-ESR ceramic capacitors placed as close to the BGA as the via fanout allows, typically 100nF plus 4.7-10uF bulk.
Route the ISP/ICSP signals (SPI: MOSI, MISO, SCK plus RESET) to a standard 8-pin SIL programming header per Microchip's MPLAB SNAP connection scheme, which uses two device I/O pins and the reset line. Omitting this header forces board-level rework for firmware updates. Also reserve the 512B EEPROM usage in software so field calibration data and the bootloader area (if used) do not overlap in Flash.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in the provided verified web data; confirm RoHS/REACH status on the official Microchip product page or certificate of conformance.
