ATMEGA48A-CCU - 8-bit AVR MCU 4KB Flash 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA48A-CCU β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.95 | $1.95 |
| 10 | $1.75 | $17.50 |
| 100 | $1.52 | $152.00 |
| 500 | $1.3 | $650.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.12 | $1,120.00 |
ATMEGA48A-CCU Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip processor that performs one-byte-wide data operations and integrates CPU, memory, and peripherals on one die. The AVR ATmega family sits within Microchip's broader 8-bit MCU portfolio alongside the PIC family; MCUs in turn belong to the semiconductor class of embedded processors. AVR devices use a Harvard architecture with 32 general-purpose working registers directly connected to the ALU, allowing most of the 131 instructions to execute in a single clock cycle.
Key features of the ATMEGA48A-CCU include 23 general-purpose I/O lines, three flexible timer/counters with compare modes, an 8-channel 10-bit ADC with internal bandgap reference, and both SPI and TWI (I2C-compatible) serial interfaces. A programmable Watchdog Timer with separate on-chip oscillator and a six-stage power-saving sleep portfolio (Idle, ADC Noise Reduction, Power-save, Power-down, Standby, Extended Standby) support low-power battery designs.
Architecturally, the device offers true read-while-write Flash operation for self-programming and firmware updates, hardware multiplier for fast arithmetic, and debugWIRE on-chip debugging through the RESET pin - a single-wire interface that requires no extra debug pins. Flash endurance is rated at 10,000 write/erase cycles with 20-year data retention at 85C.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, sensor nodes, small human-interface controllers, battery-powered measurement devices, and industrial control submodules where the 4x4 mm ball-grid footprint saves PCB area compared with TQFP or DIP package variants of the same die.
Design consideration: the UFBGA package requires fine-pitch PCB assembly (0.45 mm ball pitch) and X-ray-capable reflow inspection; most evaluation and socket-based development is easier with the TQFP QFN variants of the same family.
This page adds distributor availability context, drop-in family alternatives, and practical design notes beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA48A-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 ATMEGA48A-CCU (same form factor and footprint) β differing in EEPROM, Package, SRAM, Core Architecture, Flash Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA88A-CCU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA168A-CCU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$1.84 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA48A-CCUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA48PA-CCU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA48PB-CCU
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA88PB-CCU
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA48A-CCU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | AVR 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 4 KB (2K x 16) In-System Programmable |
| SRAM | 512 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| General Purpose I/O | 23 lines |
| Timers/Counters | 3 (two 8-bit, one 16-bit) with compare modes |
| ADC | 8-channel 10-bit with internal bandgap reference |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI, TWI (I2C-compatible), USART |
| Debug Interface | debugWIRE on-chip debug via RESET pin |
| Sleep Modes | 6 (Idle, ADC Noise Reduction, Power-save, Power-down, Standby, Extended Standby) |
| Watchdog Timer | Programmable with separate on-chip oscillator |
| Flash Endurance | 10,000 write/erase cycles |
| Package | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm, 0.45 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instructions | 131 instructions, most single-cycle |
| Lifecycle Status | Active |
ATMEGA48A-CCU 32-ufbga (4x4 mm, 0.45 mm pitch) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA48A-CCU (32-ufbga (4x4 mm, 0.45 mm pitch) 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 ATMEGA48A-CCU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA48A-CCU is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Human Interface Devices, Industrial Subsystem Controllers, Portable Measurement Devices, Smart Home / IoT Endpoint Modules.
Consumer Appliance Control
The ATMEGA48A-CCU suits consumer appliance controllers such as coffee makers, thermostats, and small white-goods boards where cost, code size under 4KB, and board area are all constrained. Its 23 I/O lines drive LEDs, relays, and membrane keys directly, while the 10-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors and potentiometers without an external converter. The 20 MHz core executes single-cycle instructions, so simple control loops and button debouncing run comfortably within one main loop. The 4x4 mm UFBGA footprint lets the MCU sit under or beside the display on compact PCBs. Power-down sleep mode with watchdog wake keeps standby consumption negligible in always-plugged products, and the 1.8V-5.5V range tolerates unregulated low-cost power supplies.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
For battery-powered sensor nodes, the ATMEGA48A-CCU combines six power-saving sleep modes - notably Power-down with watchdog-timed wake - with a 1.8V minimum supply, allowing direct operation from two alkaline cells. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC digitizes analog sensor outputs such as light, humidity, or voltage-divider sensors using the internal bandgap reference for ratiometric accuracy. Firmware under 4KB typically covers sampling, filtering, and SPI or TWI transmission to a radio or EEPROM. The tiny 4x4 mm UFBGA package minimizes node volume for wearables and distributed sensing. Because the ADC Noise Reduction sleep mode suppresses core noise during conversions, precise single-shot measurements are achievable without averaging, further reducing energy per sample.
Recommended
Human Interface Devices
The ATMEGA48A-CCU fits human-interface applications - keypads, rotary encoders, small LCD segments, and indicator panels - thanks to its 23 GPIO lines, pin-change interrupts on every port, and hardware TWI (I2C) for driving display controllers. The 20 MHz single-cycle core executes fast scan loops for matrix keypads with hardware debouncing in software, while three timer/counters generate PWM for LED backlight dimming or buzzer tones. The 256B EEPROM stores calibration, brightness settings, and user preferences across power cycles. Its 4x4 mm UFBGA package integrates under the keypad PCB, and debugWIRE debugging through the RESET pin lets developers set breakpoints on the assembled board without consuming dedicated debug pins or extra connectors.
Recommended
Industrial Subsystem Controllers
In industrial equipment, the ATMEGA48A-CCU works as a distributed subsystem controller for fan sequencing, door interlocks, telemetry stamping, and simple actuator control. The programmable Watchdog Timer with its own independent on-chip oscillator provides autonomous recovery from firmware lockups - a common requirement in unattended machinery. Its USART connects to RS-485 transceivers for multi-drop networks, while the 10-bit ADC monitors supply rails and thermistors for fault detection. The 1.8V-5.5V supply tolerance absorbs brownouts on noisy factory floors, and true read-while-write Flash supports field firmware updates over the serial link without halting monitoring duties. The compact UFBGA package also suits DIN-rail-mounted daughterboards where PCB area is at a premium.
Recommended
Portable Measurement Devices
Handheld meters, environmental probes, and portable test fixtures benefit from the ATMEGA48A-CCU's blend of low voltage, low power, and integrated analog. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC with internal 1.1V-style bandgap reference measures battery voltage and sensor signals ratiometrically, and the ADC Noise Reduction sleep mode improves conversion accuracy by halting core clocking during sampling. The 512B SRAM is sufficient for rolling averages and calibration tables, while the 256B EEPROM retains user calibration between battery changes. Timer/PWM outputs drive buzzer alerts and backlight control. The 4x4 mm, 0.45 mm-pitch UFBGA keeps the PCB small enough for pen-style form factors, and the 1.8V floor allows use with a single lithium coin cell plus regulator margin.
Recommended
Smart Home / IoT Endpoint Modules
The ATMEGA48A-CCU serves as the application MCU in smart-home endpoints - switch modules, PIR sensor heads, and curtain controllers - paired with external radio modules over SPI or USART. Its six sleep modes keep quiescent drain low between wake events triggered by pin-change interrupts, and the watchdog provides periodic heartbeat reporting from Power-save mode. The 10-bit ADC reads local sensors, and TWI interfaces with EEPROM or display drivers. Because 4KB Flash accommodates compact packet-handling firmware for simple endpoints, system cost stays minimal. The 4x4 mm UFBGA footprint is small enough to embed in wall-plate and retrofit modules where the entire electronics must fit behind existing mechanical fittings, supporting dense smart-home deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA48A-CCU β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA88A-CCU | ATMEGA168A-CCU | ATMEGA48A-CCUR | ATMEGA48PB-CCU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm, 0.45 mm pitch) | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) - same | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) - same | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) - same | 32-UFBGA (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 4 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 4 KB | 4 KB |
| SRAM | 512 B | 1 KB | 1 KB | 512 B | 512 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 512 B | 512 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| 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 |
| Lifecycle Position | Active (legacy A-generation) | Active (legacy A-generation) | Active (legacy A-generation) | Active (same die, tape-and-reel) | Active (current PB generation, longer lifecycle) |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest family package for board density (vs ATMEGA48A-AU (32-TQFP))
- Lowest-cost entry point of the megaAVR UFBGA family (vs ATMEGA88A-CCU)
- Upgrade path without PCB respin (vs ATMEGA168A-CCU)
Design Notes
The 32-UFBGA (0.45 mm pitch) footprint requires microvia or fine-line PCB technology - typical pad design uses 0.25-0.30 mm pads with solder-mask-defined or NSMD lands per IPC-7093 BGA design guidance concepts, but verify exact land dimensions against the manufacturer datasheet packaging chapter. Plan an array of small vias under the ball field for ground/power planes. Expose SPI (MOSI/MISO/SCK), RESET, VCC, and GND balls to test pads for ISP programming and debugWIRE, since BGA balls are not probeable after assembly.
Decouple each VCC/AVCC ball pair with 100 nF ceramics placed as close to the balls as possible, plus a bulk 10 uF near the supply entry. AVR devices also benefit from a series inductor or ferrite between VCC and AVCC with local decoupling on AVCC to keep ADC noise low. Note that maximum 20 MHz operation is guaranteed only at the upper supply range; if running at 3.3V, check the frequency-versus-voltage derating curve in the datasheet before fixing the system clock.
debugWIRE shares the RESET pin: once DWEN is fused, ISP programming is disabled until debugWIRE is disabled in Microchip Studio - a common field-service trap. Also, the CKOUT and clock-fuse settings can leave the device in an unresponsive state if an external clock is selected without one present; keep a rescue plan using a 12V parallel-programming-capable tool or design test points accordingly. Migrating firmware from ATmega48 to PB variants requires checking modified pin functionality documented by Microchip.
Compliance Information
Verified web data notes a GREEN plastic package description (third-party datasheet summary), suggesting RoHS/lead-free construction, but explicit compliance statements were not found in the provided data; verify on Microchip's official product page.
