ATMEGA169P-16MCHR - 8-bit AVR MCU 16KB Flash 16MHz | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA169P-16MCHR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 10 | $3.46 | $34.60 |
| 100 | $3.08 | $308.00 |
| 500 | $2.74 | $1,370.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
ATMEGA169P-16MCHR Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication interfaces on one die. Within the power-management and embedded-systems hierarchy, the ATmega family sits in the general-purpose 8-bit MCU class, where AVR RISC devices execute most instructions in a single clock cycle, achieving near 1 MIPS per MHz performance and letting designers trade processing speed against power consumption.
Key features of the ATMEGA169P-16MCHR include an 8-channel 10-bit ADC for analog sensing, a built-in segment LCD driver that distinguishes the ATmega169 family from the ATmega165/328 families, a JTAG interface for on-chip debugging and boundary-scan, and self-programming Flash supporting in-system boot loader designs. The P-suffix PicoPower-style improvements deliver lower power consumption than the original ATmega169.
Architecturally, the AVR core uses a Harvard structure with separate program and data buses, 32 general-purpose working registers directly connected to the ALU, allowing one-cycle instruction execution. Throughputs approaching 1 MIPS per MHz enable operation at low clock frequencies for battery-powered designs.
Typical applications include LCD-based utility meters and energy gauges, industrial control panels, handheld battery-operated instruments, and consumer appliances where an integrated LCD controller reduces bill-of-materials cost.
Design consideration: supply voltage for the -16 speed grade spans 3.3V/5V operation per datasheet; verify brown-out detector settings and avoid exceeding 16 MHz above the rated voltage range.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, design notes, and application guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA169P-16MCHR 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-16MCHR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, RoHS Status, Throughput.
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ATMEGA169PA-16MCHR
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β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA169-16MCHR
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ATMEGA169P-16MCHR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Flash Program Memory | 16 KB (8K x 16) |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| ADC | 8-channel, 10-bit |
| LCD Driver | Integrated segment LCD controller |
| Debug Interface | JTAG (on-chip-debug and boundary scan) |
| Package | 64-QFN (7x7 mm), exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Range | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (R suffix) |
| Throughput | Up to 1 MIPS per MHz |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant (per distributor listing) |
| Part Status | Active (newer device ATMEGA169PA available) |
| Architecture Class | 8-bit Microcontrollers - MCU |
ATMEGA169P-16MCHR 64-qfn (7x7 mm), exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA169P-16MCHR (64-qfn (7x7 mm), 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 ATMEGA169P-16MCHR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA169P-16MCHR is suitable for 6 applications: Utility Meters and Energy Gauges, Industrial Control Panels, Handheld Battery Instruments, Consumer Appliances with LCD, Automotive Body and Comfort Modules (Non-Safety), Embedded Development and Education.
Utility Meters and Energy Gauges
The ATMEGA169P-16MCHR fits utility metering because its integrated segment LCD driver removes the need for a separate LCD controller, while the 8-channel 10-bit ADC samples current and voltage sense inputs for energy calculation. Running the AVR core at reduced clock frequencies exploits the 1 MIPS per MHz throughput to cut average current in battery- or mains-derived supplies. In a typical meter, the MCU multiplexes the LCD at configured duty/bias, sleeps in power-down between ADC conversions, and uses the 512 B EEPROM to store cumulative readings across power cycles. The 16 KB self-programming Flash supports field firmware updates via a boot loader.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panels
In industrial control panels, the ATMEGA169P-16MCHR combines local LCD status display, push-button interfacing through GPIO, and analog monitoring via the 10-bit ADC in a single 64-QFN device rated for industrial temperatures of -40C to +85C. The JTAG interface enables in-field firmware debugging and boundary-scan production test, reducing bring-up time on panel assemblies. The 16 MHz AVR core executes control loops and communication tasks while the LCD driver shows setpoints and alarms. Self-programming Flash allows parameter updates without replacing the MCU, and the 1 KB SRAM buffers logging data between EEPROM write cycles.
Recommended
Handheld Battery Instruments
Battery-operated handheld instruments benefit from the ATMEGA169P-16MCHR because the PicoPower-class P variant lowers sleep and active currents compared with the original ATmega169, extending battery life in portable products. The integrated LCD provides user feedback without an external driver, the 10-bit ADC reads sensor bridges and potentiometers across 8 channels, and the JTAG port accelerates development iterations. Designers clock the AVR from the internal RC oscillator at low frequency during idle measurement and step to 16 MHz for computation bursts, exploiting the architecture's linear MIPS-per-MHz scaling to optimize the energy-per-task budget.
Recommended
Consumer Appliances with LCD
Appliances such as coffee machines, cooktops, and climate controllers use the ATMEGA169P-16MCHR to merge touch/encoder input handling, temperature sensing on the 8-channel ADC, and a multiplexed LCD segment display in one MCU, reducing bill-of-materials cost versus separate display drivers. The 16 KB Flash accommodates appliance control state machines and fault-logging routines, while the 512 B EEPROM persists user settings through power loss. The exposed-pad 64-QFN package improves thermal and ground performance on single-board appliance controllers, and RoHS-compliant construction meets consumer environmental regulations in major markets.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Modules (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive comfort functions such as seat controllers and mirror adjusters, the ATMEGA169P-16MCHR's industrial temperature rating and robust AVR core handle motor drive sequencing and switch decoding, while its LCD driver supports dashboard-style segment indicators. The JTAG boundary-scan capability aids production line interconnect testing of populated modules, and the 10-bit ADC reads position potentiometers on up to 8 channels. Note that this standard part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive-grade requirements select the applicable Microchip automotive-qualified variants and verify qualification status against the latest Microchip documentation before design release.
Recommended
Embedded Development and Education
The ATMEGA169P-16MCHR is well suited to development platforms and education kits because the AVR architecture is documented extensively by Microchip application notes, and the JTAG on-chip-debug interface allows step-through debugging with standard AVR JTAG tools. Legacy STK500/STK505-style boards demonstrated the ATmega169's LCD on the STK505 daughterboard, making it a natural teaching part for embedded LCD interfacing, ADC sampling, and boot loader development. The self-programming 16 KB Flash lets students implement in-application programming exercises without external programmers beyond initial JTAG flashing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA169P-16MCHR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA169PA-16MCHR | ATMEGA169P-16MCH | ATMEGA169-16MCHR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-QFN (7x7 mm), exposed pad | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) - same | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) - same | 64-QFN (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel legacy) |
| Flash Memory | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB | 16 KB |
| SRAM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Max Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| LCD Driver | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| JTAG Debug | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Consumption | P-variant (improved over ATmega169) | PA-variant (lowest, PicoPower-class) | P-variant (same as this product) | Original ATmega169 (highest) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active (ATMEGA169PA recommended for new designs) | Active - preferred | Active | Legacy / not recommended |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated segment LCD driver (vs ATMEGA168PB-MU)
- JTAG on-chip-debug and boundary scan (vs ATMEGA169-16MCHR (shared feature) vs ATmega328-class parts)
- P-variant power improvement (vs ATMEGA169-16MCHR)
- Supply availability trade-off (vs ATMEGA169PA-16MCHR)
Design Notes
The 64-QFN (7x7 mm) package has an exposed die pad that must be soldered to a grounded copper area on the PCB. Define an aperture-matched thermal pad with an array of small vias (0.3 mm drill) to the ground plane for reliable solder wetting and thermal performance. Use no-clean or water-wash compatible paste printing with 80-90% coverage on the center pad to voiding risk under the die. Per Microchip's AVR hardware design notes, place 100 nF decoupling capacitors at each VCC/AVCC pin pair within 2 mm of the pads.
LCD segment pins are multiplexed with digital I/O and ADC channels; if the LCD controller is enabled, those pins are unavailable for other functions, so budget pin assignments in the datasheet pin configuration section before routing. Also verify the JTAGEN fuse state: JTAG enabled occupies four port pins, and disabling JTAG irreversibly (via lock-bits plus fuse) frees them but blocks further boundary-scan test. Migration note: application note AVR506 documents minor modifications when moving designs from the original ATmega169 to the ATMEGA169P.
The ATMEGA169P-16MCHR operates from 3.3V/5V rails at up to 16 MHz. Estimated: active current scales roughly linearly with clock frequency (1 MIPS per MHz architecture), so running at 8 MHz halves processing current versus 16 MHz for the same task, though task time doubles. Use the power-down sleep mode between ADC conversions in battery designs and gate the LCD only during display updates. For new low-power designs, prefer the ATMEGA169PA-16MCHR, which Microchip qualifies with the same production tests per app note AVR529.
Keep the ADC reference (AVCC or internal bandgap) clean by adding an RC filter (e.g., 10 nF on AREF with a series 100 ohm resistor when using external reference) and separating analog ground returns from LCD drive currents, which are dynamically switched and can inject noise into the 10-bit converter. Route LCD segment traces away from the ADC input traces and crystal lines; LCD bias generation produces small but regular transients visible in ADC readings if grounds are shared.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per distributor listings (DigiKey/datasheets.com describe the part as 64-pin QFN EP T/R in RoHS microcontroller category). Formal REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations should be confirmed via Microchip's official compliance portal.
