ATMEGA48-15MT - 8-bit AVR MCU 4KB Flash 16MHz QFN-32 | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA48-15MT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.1 | $1.10 |
| 10 | $1.02 | $10.20 |
| 100 | $0.96 | $96.00 |
| 500 | $0.9 | $450.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.85 | $850.00 |
ATMEGA48-15MT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is an integrated circuit that executes program instructions stored in on-chip Flash memory, processing data 8 bits at a time. Within the power-management and embedded-control hierarchy, the ATmega48 sits in the AVR ATmega family below the ATmega88 and ATmega168, which offer larger Flash and SRAM in the same pinout.
Key features include the AVR enhanced RISC core executing most instructions in a single clock cycle for throughput approaching 1 MIPS per MHz, 4KB (2K x 16) self-programmable Flash, 512B SRAM, and 256B EEPROM. Peripheral set includes two 8-bit timers, one 16-bit timer, a 10-bit ADC, USI, and UART, plus 23 programmable I/O lines.
The Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, combined with single-cycle instruction execution, lets designers trade clock speed against power consumption precisely. In-System Programmable Flash allows firmware updates after PCB assembly, and the enhanced power-save modes support battery-operated nodes.
Typical applications include automotive body electronics and sensor interfaces, industrial control and HVAC systems, and consumer appliance control boards. The -15MT speed grade and 85C industrial/automotive temperature range suit under-dash and enclosed equipment.
Design consideration: with 4KB Flash, leave headroom for a bootloader, or program via ISP/debugWIRE and use the pin-compatible ATmega88/168 if code grows.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA48-15MT — 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 ATMEGA48-15MT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Flash Memory, Package, ADC, Communication Interfaces, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA48A-MU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA48PA-MU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA48P-20MU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA48PA-15MZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA48V-10MU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA48-15MT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Flash Memory | 4KB (2K x 16) In-System Programmable |
| SRAM | 512B |
| EEPROM | 256B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 16MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) with exposed pad (32M1-A) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| I/O Lines | 23 programmable I/O |
| Timers | Two 8-bit, one 16-bit |
| ADC | 10-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, USI (SPI/I2C compatible) |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC-Q100 qualified |
| MIPS Performance | Up to 16 MIPS (1 MIPS per MHz) |
| Programming | ISP (In-System Programmable), debugWIRE |
ATMEGA48-15MT 32-qfn (5x5 mm) with exposed pad (32m1-a) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA48-15MT (32-qfn (5x5 mm) with exposed pad (32m1-a) 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 ATMEGA48-15MT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA48-15MT is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Nodes and Monitoring, HVAC and Building Automation Control, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Battery-Powered Portable Devices, LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers.
Automotive Body Electronics
The ATMEGA48-15MT fits automotive body electronics because it is AEC-Q100 qualified, operates from -40C to +85C, and provides 23 I/O lines with a 10-bit ADC for reading switches, potentiometers, and NTC temperature sensors in door modules, seat controllers, and lighting nodes. Its 2.7V-5.5V supply range tolerates regulated 5V automotive rails during load-dump-derived transients on the secondary side. In-circuit, the device typically runs from a 5V LDO or buck regulator, using its two 8-bit timers for PWM-driven LED dimming and lamp diagnostics. The single-cycle AVR core at 16MHz delivers 16 MIPS, ample for LIN-style polling loops implemented in firmware over the UART. The 256B EEPROM stores calibration and fault-counter data across power cycles, and debugWIRE permits in-vehicle reprogramming through the reset line without removing the module.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Nodes and Monitoring
For industrial sensor acquisition nodes, the ATMEGA48-15MT combines a 10-bit ADC, 4KB self-programmable Flash, and 512B SRAM in a compact 5x5 mm QFN, making it well suited for temperature, pressure, and level transmitters that must fit small housings. The 16MHz clock provides 16 MIPS for digital filtering and linearization math, while the UART links to RS-485 transceivers for Modbus RTU networks. Its 2.7V-5.5V input range allows direct operation from 3.3V or 5V instrument rails. Power-save modes with the asynchronous timer keep sleep current low between periodic wake-ups in battery-backed field transmitters. The 256B EEPROM preserves sensor trim coefficients without external nonvolatile memory, and the USI implements SPI or I2C to connect auxiliary DACs or displays. The AEC-Q100 qualification also gives industrial customers an automotive-grade reliability margin.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation Control
The ATMEGA48-15MT serves HVAC controllers, damper actuators, and thermostat boards well because its three timers generate multiple PWM channels for blower and valve control while the 10-bit ADC samples NTC thermistors and setpoint potentiometers. The 16MHz/16 MIPS capability is sufficient for PI loop closure at practical control rates, and the 2.7V-5.5V supply accommodates 3.3V logic or 5V legacy designs. Within building automation, the UART typically interfaces an optically isolated RS-485 transceiver for BACnet-MS/TP style networks, while remaining I/O drives relays and status LEDs. The QFN 5x5 mm package conserves PCB area in wall-mounted thermostats, and the exposed pad aids heat dissipation when driving inductive loads through external drivers. EEPROM retains setpoint schedules through power outages, and ISP enables field firmware updates.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
Consumer appliances such as coffee machines, small fans, rice cookers, and vacuum chargers use the ATMEGA48-15MT as the main control MCU because it integrates the timers, ADC, and USI needed for user-interface scanning, sensor feedback, and triac or relay actuation in one 5x5 mm QFN package. At 16MHz the core provides headroom for button debounce, buzzer melodies, and ADC oversampling for NTC temperature reading, while the 2.7V-5.5V range supports single 3.3V or 5V supplies. The 256B EEPROM stores user preferences and cycle counters, and the self-programmable Flash allows a small bootloader for production-line firmware updates via the UART. Its low cost at roughly $1 per unit (LCSC, 2026-09-18) suits high-volume appliances, and AEC-Q100 qualification provides extra reliability margin against household thermal cycling and humidity.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Devices
In battery-operated products such as handheld meters, remote controls, and wearable sensor pods, the ATMEGA48-15MT balances performance and energy use with its AVR power-save, ADC noise reduction, and idle modes. Waking from power-save on timer or external interrupt, the device performs an ADC conversion, updates logic, and returns to sleep, stretching battery life in duty-cycled designs. The 2.7V supply floor matches two-cell alkaline or single lithium-cell operation with a low-dropout regulator, and the 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage for low-battery indication. The compact 32-QFN 5x5 mm package suits small enclosures, and the exposed pad simplifies grounding on two-layer boards. Note that for designs below 2.7V, the ATMEGA48A-MU or PA variant extends operation down to 1.8V in the identical footprint, making migration zero-cost on the PCB.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Dimming Controllers
LED driver and lighting control boards benefit from the ATMEGA48-15MT's multiple PWM outputs: the two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer provide several independent PWM channels with 8-bit to 16-bit resolution for dimming white, RGB, or tunable-white fixtures. At 16MHz, the core executes color-mixing math and UART DMX-style or DALI-style protocol handling in firmware. The 10-bit ADC can monitor LED current via a sense resistor or read an ambient light sensor for closed-loop brightness regulation. Operating from a 5V rail with 2.7V-5.5V tolerance, it interfaces MOSFET gate drivers directly on its I/O pins. The QFN 5x5 mm footprint fits LED driver PCBs inside tight luminaire housings, and the -40C to +85C industrial range plus AEC-Q100 qualification covers both outdoor luminaires and automotive interior lighting modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA48-15MT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA48A-MU | ATMEGA48PA-MU | ATMEGA48P-20MU | ATMEGA48PA-15MZ | ATMEGA48V-10MU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) MLF | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same | 32-QFN (5x5 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 4KB | 4KB | 4KB | 4KB | 4KB | 4KB |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 16MHz | 20MHz | 20MHz | 20MHz | 16MHz | 10MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V |
| SRAM / EEPROM | 512B / 256B | 512B / 256B | 512B / 256B | 512B / 256B | 512B / 256B | 512B / 256B |
| Low-Power Technology | Standard AVR power management | Standard AVR | picoPower | picoPower | picoPower | Standard AVR |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive AEC-Q100 qualification at entry-level price (vs ATMEGA48A-MU)
- Cost advantage over memory-upgraded family members (vs ATMEGA328P-MU)
- Voltage-range limitation versus successors (vs ATMEGA48A-MU)
Design Notes
The 32-QFN (5x5 mm) MLF package has an exposed die pad on the bottom that MUST be soldered to the ground plane. On a two-layer board, create a grid of vias (typically 4-9) under the pad to tie it to the ground layer; an unsoldered pad severely degrades ground integrity and thermal performance, raising junction temperature during 16MHz operation at 5V. Decouple both VCC pins and AVCC with 100nF ceramic capacitors placed within 2mm of the pins, plus a 4.7-10uF bulk capacitor near the supply entry.
The PC6 pin doubles as active-low RESET and general I/O. If PC6 is configured as I/O via the RSTDISBL fuse and the fuse is subsequently lost or misprogrammed, in-circuit ISP and debugWIRE are disabled and the part can only be recovered with a high-voltage parallel programmer - a costly mistake in production. Also remember debugWIRE shares the reset pin: fuse DWEN must be disabled for normal RESET operation with an external reset circuit.
Clock speed versus supply voltage is derated: 16MHz operation is specified at the high end of the 2.7V-5.5V range, while at 2.7V the safe maximum frequency is lower per the Atmel speed-grade curves. If your board runs 16MHz from a 3.3V rail, verify the safe operating frequency against the datasheet maximum-frequency-vs-VCC graph, or use the ATMEGA48A-MU variant which relaxes this constraint. For battery designs needing deep sleep, the ATMEGA48PA-MU picoPower variant cuts sleep current substantially in the same footprint.
Connect AVCC to VCC through a low-pass filter (10uH inductor or ferrite bead plus 100nF) when ADC accuracy matters, and keep analog traces away from the UART and PWM switching lines. Use the internal noise canceler or average 4-16 samples in firmware to improve effective ADC resolution. AREF should be decoupled with 100nF to GND; never connect a capacitor when using an external reference driven from a low-impedance source without checking the datasheet guidance.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualification and automotive series membership confirmed by DigiKey and atmel-micro.com listings. The related ATmega48-15AZ is stated in the datasheet preamble to have been verified per AEC-Q100. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not stated in provided web data - verify on the Microchip product page.
