ATMEGA169A-MCHR - 16KB Flash AVR MCU 64-QFN | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA169A-MCHR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.9 | $1.90 |
| 10 | $1.75 | $17.50 |
| 100 | $1.55 | $155.00 |
| 500 | $1.48 | $740.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.4011 | $1,401.10 |
ATMEGA169A-MCHR Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor in the broader hierarchy of embedded MCU -> microcontroller unit -> system-on-chip semiconductor. AVR MCUs execute most instructions in a single clock cycle, achieving up to 1 MIPS per MHz, which lets designers trade clock speed against power in battery-operated embedded systems.
Key features include 16KB of in-system-programmable Flash with read-while-write support, 512B of on-chip EEPROM for non-volatile parameter storage, 1KB of internal SRAM, 54 general-purpose I/O lines on the 64-pin package, and 32 general-purpose working registers directly connected to the ALU. The advanced RISC core implements 133 powerful instructions, most executing in one clock cycle.
The ATMEGA169A belongs to the Atmel/Microchip ATmega family covering 16/32/64KB Flash variants (ATmega169A/329A/3290A/649A/6490A) in common packages, enabling firmware-compatible scaling. The CMOS process delivers low active and idle power, and the supply range of 1.8V to 5.5V supports both 3.3V and 5V systems. On-chip peripherals typically include an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, SPI, USART, two-wire interface, timers with PWM, and an LCD controller on LCD variants of the family.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, consumer appliance user interfaces, LCD-based metering displays, and battery-powered instrumentation, where the combination of Flash density, EEPROM, and rich GPIO in a compact 7x7 mm QFN suits space-constrained designs.
When designing with the ATMEGA169A-MCHR, verify the supply voltage against the desired maximum clock frequency, as derating applies at lower voltages, and place 100nF decoupling capacitors directly at each VCC/AVCC pin pair with a solid exposed-pad ground connection.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing (as of 2026-09-16), drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA169A-MCHR 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 ATMEGA169A-MCHR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Maximum Clock Frequency, Flash Memory, General Purpose I/O, Packaging, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA169PA-MCHR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$2.58 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA169A-MU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA329A-MCHR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA3290A-MCHR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA649A-MCHR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA6490A-MCHR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA169A-MCHR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB ISP Flash |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| General Purpose I/O | 54 lines |
| Instructions | 133 instructions, most single-cycle |
| Working Registers | 32 x 8-bit |
| Package | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Program Memory Type | Flash (In-System Programmable, read-while-write) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T/R) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active |
ATMEGA169A-MCHR 64-qfn (7x7 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA169A-MCHR (64-qfn (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 ATMEGA169A-MCHR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA169A-MCHR is suitable for 6 applications: Segment LCD User Interfaces, Industrial Control Panels, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Consumer Appliance Control, Embedded Sensing Nodes, Legacy AVR System Maintenance.
Segment LCD User Interfaces
The ATmega169 family was developed specifically for segment-LCD human-machine interfaces, and the ATMEGA169A-MCHR fits this role with 54 GPIO lines, 16KB Flash for menu logic and fonts, and 512B EEPROM for storing user settings and calibration data. In a typical implementation the MCU drives the LCD directly or through the family's LCD controller capability while scanning a keypad matrix on spare GPIO, all within the compact 7x7 mm QFN footprint suited to slim panel boards. Operating from a 3V coin cell or 2x AA supply (1.8V-5.5V range) with the AVR's single-cycle instruction execution, the device keeps active current low and can enter sleep between interactions. Designers should budget Flash carefully, as font tables and multilanguage strings consume the 16KB quickly; migration to the pin-compatible ATMEGA329A/649A provides headroom without PCB changes.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panels
In industrial control panels the ATMEGA169A-MCHR serves as the main logic controller, where its 5V-tolerant 1.8V-5.5V supply range allows direct connection to legacy 5V sensor and relay-drive rails common in factory equipment. The 54 GPIO lines interface switches, optocoupled inputs, LEDs, and status displays, while timers with PWM outputs handle actuator control. The 16KB ISP Flash supports field firmware updates through in-system programming without desoldering, valuable for installed-base maintenance, and the 512B EEPROM retains configuration and run-hour counters across power cycles. The AVR core's deterministic single-cycle instruction execution simplifies timing-critical polling loops compared to pipelined cores. Designers should provide robust input protection (series resistors and TVS diodes) and observe the frequency-versus-voltage derating curve when running near 20MHz.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
Battery-powered meters and handheld instruments benefit from the ATMEGA169A-MCHR's combination of wide supply range and low-power CMOS AVR core. Operating from 1.8V allows two-cell alkaline or single-cell lithium coin configurations, while the ability to clock down to 32kHz-level frequencies with the AVR's 1 MIPS/MHz efficiency keeps energy per task minimal. The 1KB SRAM handles data logging buffers, and the 512B EEPROM stores calibration constants that must survive battery replacement. For this application the pin-compatible picoPower variant ATMEGA169PA-MCHR is often preferred, as its improved sleep currents extend battery life measurably in standby-dominated duty cycles. The 10-bit analog front end (per family peripherals) supports sensor measurement when decoupled AVCC and a quiet reference are provided on the PCB.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
White-goods and small-appliance controllers use the ATMEGA169A-MCHR as a cost-effective main MCU, where its sub-$1.50 volume pricing (as of 2026-09-16), integrated Flash/EEPROM, and 54 GPIO consolidate relay control, button scanning, buzzer drive, and indicator LEDs into one chip. The 16KB Flash accommodates state machines, delay tables, and fault-logging routines, while in-system programming lets contract manufacturers flash firmware at end of line, reducing inventory of pre-programmed parts. The 64-QFN exposed-pad package provides good thermal and ground performance on single-sided cost-optimized PCBs. Supply robustness across 1.8V-5.5V tolerates unregulated transformer-derived rails after rectification. Standard AVR development toolchains (AVR/GCC, MPLAB X with AVR support) reduce firmware development cost for appliance OEMs.
Recommended
Embedded Sensing Nodes
Distributed sensing nodes in building automation and environmental monitoring employ the ATMEGA169A-MCHR to digitize sensor signals, filter them in firmware, and report over UART/SPI links. The AVR's 133-instruction single-cycle RISC core executes PID-style filtering efficiently at modest clocks, saving power, while 1KB SRAM supports sliding-window averaging and packet buffers. The 512B EEPROM stores node addressing and calibration offsets assigned during installation. Its wide 1.8V-5.5V supply range permits direct powering from various bus topologies. The 64-pin QFN provides enough GPIO to service multiple sensor channels plus a local display, consolidating node electronics. For wireless variants, pair the MCU with an external RF module over USART; the deterministic core simplifies protocol bit-banging when hardware peripherals are already allocated.
Recommended
Legacy AVR System Maintenance
Many installed products built around ATmega169/329/649 family MCUs require ongoing spare-part supply, and the ATMEGA169A-MCHR fills that role as an active-lifecycle, tape-and-reel device still stocked at LCSC, Mouser, and Rochester Electronics as of 2026-09-16. Because the family shares one datasheet (ATmega169A/PA/329A/PA/3290A/PA/649A/P/6490A/P), engineers maintaining mixed fleets can stock one QFN package code and use pin-compatible ATMEGA329A or 649A parts to substitute for multiple legacy SKUs, adjusting only firmware for Flash-size differences. The ISP capability allows reflashing recovered or reworked boards without dedicated gang programmers. Procurement teams should verify authenticity through authorized channels such as Rochester Electronics, which specializes in continued supply for mature Atmel/Microchip devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA169A-MCHR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA169PA-MCHR | ATMEGA329A-MCHR | ATMEGA649A-MCHR | ATMEGA6490A-MCHR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) EP | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) EP - same | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) EP - same | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) EP - same | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) EP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 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 | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| picoPower Low-Power Technology | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Cost-optimized 16KB entry point of the family (vs ATMEGA329A-MCHR)
- picoPower upgrade path without redesign (vs ATMEGA169PA-MCHR)
- Active lifecycle with multi-distributor stock (vs ATMEGA6490A-MCHR)
Design Notes
Operate the ATMEGA169A-MCHR at 5V for full 20MHz operation; at 3.3V consult the official datasheet frequency-versus-voltage derating curve before selecting the system clock. Decouple each VCC pin with 100nF ceramic capacitors placed within 2mm of the pin, connect AVCC to VCC through an LC filter (10uH inductor or ferrite bead plus 100nF/10uF) for ADC accuracy, and tie the exposed pad to a solid ground plane for both grounding and thermal relief.
The 64-QFN (7x7 mm) exposed-pad package requires the PCB land pattern to include a matching thermal via array (typically 4x4 or 5x5 vias of 0.3mm diameter) under the exposed pad, filled or tented per your assembly process, to ensure reliable solder joints and low ground inductance. Follow the Microchip QFN land-pattern application note; insufficient paste on the center pad causes floating or tombstoning of the package during reflow.
Do not exceed 16KB of compiled code without a migration plan: applications with font tables, logging, or multi-language strings frequently outgrow Flash, forcing a late switch to ATMEGA329A/649A. While those parts are pin-compatible in QFN, LCD controller and pin-mux differences exist across the 3290/6490 variants - verify against the family datasheet before committing the footprint. Also reserve ISP header access (SPI pins plus RESET) on the PCB for field firmware updates.
For designs using the ADC or any analog comparator, partition the PCB so analog sensor routing stays away from fast GPIO switching and crystal lines. Use a star or solid ground reference under the analog section, keep the crystal within 5mm of the XTAL pins with guard ground, and add series termination on long USART/SPI lines crossing the board to limit reflections. Estimated: 10cm of ungterminated 5V digital trace at 20MHz edge rates is generally acceptable on FR-4, but verify signal integrity for bus-length designs beyond that.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in the provided web data; consult the Microchip product page or official Environmental/REACH documentation for ATMEGA169A-MCHR.
