ATMEGA169P-16AUR - 8-bit AVR MCU 16KB Flash 16MHz | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA169P-16AUR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.92 | $5.92 |
| 10 | $5.45 | $54.50 |
| 100 | $4.98 | $498.00 |
| 500 | $4.52 | $2,260.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
ATMEGA169P-16AUR Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on one die. Within the embedded-systems hierarchy, the ATmega family sits in the AVR MCU category of the broader microcontroller and power-management IC landscape, competing with 8-bit families such as PIC and 8051 derivatives.
Key features include up to 16 MIPS throughput at 16 MHz (approximately 1 MIPS per MHz), 131 powerful instructions mostly executed in a single clock cycle, 32 general-purpose working registers, full static operation, and read-while-write self-programming flash with boot-loader support. The integrated LCD controller with internal contrast control distinguishes this family from generic ATmega parts, driving up to 4x25 segmented LCDs without external drivers.
Technically, the device uses the AVR Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 13-bit program counter addressing 8K word locations, three flexible timers with PWM channels, USART, SPI, and an analog comparator. JTAG enables boundary-scan, on-chip debugging, and in-system programming.
Typical applications include utility metering with LCD displays, battery-powered instruments, industrial control panels, and consumer appliances where a segmented LCD plus 10-bit ADC sampling is needed in one low-cost MCU.
Design consideration: run the part at 5 V to reach the full 16 MHz rating; below 3 V the maximum safe clock frequency decreases, so consult the frequency-versus-voltage curve in the manufacturer datasheet before lowering the supply rail.
This page adds distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes beyond what the manufacturer datasheet provides. Pricing shown is as of 2026-09-16.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA169P-16AUR 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 ATMEGA169P-16AUR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Instructions, Throughput, EEPROM Size, LCD Controller, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA169PA-AUR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA169P-15AT
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.6 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA169V-8AUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA169PV-8AUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$4.16 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA329P-16AUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA169P-16AUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Speed | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 16 KB (8K x 16) Flash |
| SRAM Size | 1 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 512 B |
| Instructions | 131 (mostly single-cycle) |
| Throughput | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC Channels | 8-channel, 10-bit |
| LCD Controller | On-chip, up to 4x25 segments, internal contrast control |
| Timers | 3 timers with PWM |
| Communication Interfaces | USART, SPI, TWI |
| Debug/Program Interface | JTAG (on-chip debug, boundary scan, ISP) |
| Package | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Fully Green per family data) |
ATMEGA169P-16AUR 64-tqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA169P-16AUR (64-tqfp (14x14 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 ATMEGA169P-16AUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA169P-16AUR is suitable for 6 applications: Utility and Energy Metering, Battery-Powered Portable Instruments, Industrial Control Panels, Consumer Appliance Displays, Automotive Accessory and Body Electronics, Development, Prototyping, and Education.
Utility and Energy Metering
Electricity, water, and heat meters require simultaneous analog measurement and a segmented LCD readout - exactly the ATMEGA169P-16AUR's core combination. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples current and voltage sense inputs with up to 15 kSPS-class throughput, while the integrated 4x25-segment LCD controller with internal contrast control drives the display without an external driver IC, cutting BOM cost and board area. Operating from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, the MCU runs directly from a mains-derived 5 V rail or a battery-backed supply, and the AVR core's 16 MIPS at 16 MHz handles energy-accumulation math comfortably. The self-programming 16 KB flash enables field firmware updates for tariff changes via a boot loader.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instruments
Handheld instruments benefit from the ATmega169P family's low-power AVR architecture: fully static operation allows clock gating, the idle and power-down sleep modes cut average draw, and the ATMEGA169PA successor adds picoPower sleep currents for multi-year battery life. In this part, the 10-bit ADC reads sensor channels (temperature, pressure, user calibration) while the on-chip LCD controller renders readings on a 4x25 segmented display. The 2.7 V floor matches two-cell alkaline or single Li-ion rails with a simple LDO. Designers should derate the clock below 16 MHz when the supply approaches 3 V, per the frequency-voltage curve, trading throughput for maximum battery margin.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panels
Industrial panels need rugged, wide-temperature control: the ATMEGA169P-16AUR is rated -40C to +85C with 5 V industrial noise margins. Three flexible timers generate PWM for heater, fan, or valve control; the USART links to RS-485 transceivers for Modbus-style field buses; and SPI/TWI interface to external ADCs, EEPROM, and RTCs. The 16 KB self-programming flash supports boot-loader-based firmware maintenance without removing the device from the panel, and JTAG allows in-system reprogramming during production and boundary-scan test of assembled boards, reducing manufacturing test cost for panel builders.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Displays
Washing machines, ovens, and climate controls pair a segmented LCD with touch buttons and relay outputs - a classic fit for the ATMEGA169P-16AUR. The LCD controller drives up to 100 segments (4x25) with internal contrast control that compensates display bias across supply and temperature variation, while ADC channels read NTC temperature sensors and user potentiometers. Timers supply PWM for buzzer, heater, and motor control, and the 16 MIPS core executes control loops with margin. Single-chip integration of MCU, ADC, and LCD driver reduces the bill of materials to the MCU plus passives and relays, which is decisive in cost-driven appliance platforms.
Recommended
Automotive Accessory and Body Electronics
Non-safety automotive accessories such as climate panels, mirror controllers, and display modules can leverage the ATmega169P's industrial temperature rating and 5 V supply tolerance with load-dump-protected front ends. The LCD controller drives gauge segments and icons; the 10-bit ADC reads position potentiometers and battery-sense dividers; PWM outputs drive backlight and motor drivers. Although this industrial-grade part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, it is widely used in accessories where full automotive qualification is not contractually required. For qualified designs, evaluate Microchip's automotive AVR derivatives instead and verify qualification status in the current product data.
Recommended
Development, Prototyping, and Education
The ATmega169P-16AUR is an excellent teaching and prototyping platform: the AVR instruction set of 131 mostly single-cycle instructions is simple to learn in assembly or C via avr-gcc, and the JTAG interface provides full on-chip debugging with hardware breakpoints - rare at this price point for 8-bit MCUs. Boot-loader support in the self-programming flash lets students load firmware over UART without a programmer. Reference designs around the LCD-AVR family, including Butterfly-style evaluation boards, demonstrate LCD, ADC, USART, and timer peripherals in one kit. The 64-TQFP package suits both hand-soldered adapter boards and professional two-layer prototypes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA169P-16AUR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA169PA-AUR | ATMEGA169P-15AT | ATMEGA169V-8AUR | ATMEGA329P-16AUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (14x14 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 20 MHz | 15 MHz | 8 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 2 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 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 | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| LCD Controller | Yes, 4x25 segments | Yes, 4x25 segments | Yes, 4x25 segments | Yes, 4x25 segments | Yes, 4x25 segments |
| Power Technology | Standard low-power | picoPower (lowest sleep current) | Standard low-power | Low-voltage grade | Standard low-power |
Key Differentiators
- Single-chip LCD + ADC integration (vs ATMEGA329P-16AUR)
- Higher clock headroom than V-grade siblings (vs ATMEGA169V-8AUR)
- Lower power path exists on the same die family (vs ATMEGA169PA-AUR)
Design Notes
Match the clock speed to the supply voltage. The ATMEGA169P-16AUR is rated to 16 MHz at 5 V (2.7 V to 5.5 V range), but the safe maximum frequency is derated at lower VCC per the frequency-versus-voltage curve in the ATmega169P/PA datasheet. Running 16 MHz from a 3.3 V rail violates the derating and risks marginal timing. Decouple each VCC and AVCC pin with 100 nF ceramics placed within a few millimeters of the pins, and tie AVCC to VCC through a low-pass filter (ferrite plus 100 nF plus 10 uF) when using the ADC for clean conversions.
Keep the LCD controller's charge-pump and segment-drive traces away from the ADC inputs and the crystal. The on-chip LCD controller toggles up to 25 segment lines continuously, which can couple display refresh noise into analog measurements; guard ADC traces with ground and place RC anti-alias filters (for example 1 k plus 10 nF) at sensor inputs. Use the internal contrast control rather than an external contrast potentiometer divider on shared analog rails to avoid injecting ripple into AVCC. Route the JTAG header on the board even if unused - it enables boundary-scan production test.
Set the CKOPT and clock-source fuses correctly for the crystal frequency before first programming - wrong fuses are the most common cause of a 'dead' ATmega board, though recovery via external clock remains possible on this JTAG-equipped family. Also remember the P-type flash is self-programming with boot lock bits: enable boot-loader protection only after verifying the boot section, or you can lock out field updates. For battery designs, prefer migrating to ATMEGA169PA-AUR, whose picoPower modes dramatically reduce sleep current on the same footprint.
Compliance Information
Family data describes the part as Fully Green and RoHS compliant. No AEC-Q100 automotive qualification for the industrial-grade ATMEGA169P. Formal REACH and conflict-minerals declarations should be requested from Microchip.