ATMEGA64L-8MI - 8-bit AVR MCU, 64KB Flash, 8MHz QFN-64 | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA64L-8MI ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $7.16 | $71.60 |
| 100 | $6.36 | $636.00 |
| 500 | $5.73 | $2,865.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.17 | $5,170.00 |
ATMEGA64L-8MI Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals into one chip, forming the lowest level of the embedded-systems hierarchy (MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor). The AVR ATmega family from Microchip (formerly Atmel) is one of the most widely deployed 8-bit MCU architectures, famous for its RISC core, single-cycle instruction execution, and extensive open-source toolchain support through avr-gcc, AVR Studio, and the Arduino ecosystem.
Key features of the ATMEGA64L-8MI include the Advanced RISC architecture with 130 powerful instructions, most of which execute in a single clock cycle, plus 32 general-purpose working registers. The low-voltage L suffix permits operation down to 2.7V, while the 8MHz speed grade balances performance against power consumption. On-chip peripherals include 8-channel 10-bit ADC, I2C (TWI), SPI, and UART/USART interfaces, plus PWM timers for motor and LED control.
Technically, the Harvard-architecture AVR core fetches instructions and data over separate buses, achieving up to 16 MIPS throughput at 16MHz and 8 MIPS at the 8MHz rating of this part. The self-programming Flash enables field firmware updates via bootloaders, and the JTAG boundary-scan and debug capability simplifies board bring-up and production testing.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, building automation nodes, sensor data acquisition systems, and battery-powered instrumentation where 3.3V operation and moderate performance are sufficient.
Design consideration: at 8MHz the device fits the low-power 2.7V-5.5V envelope, but peripherals such as the ADC reference and brown-out detector must be configured in fuse bits, which are factory-programmed - verify them before first power-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, design notes, and parameter comparisons not found in a single manufacturer datasheet, as of 2026-09-18.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA64L-8MI — 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 ATMEGA64L-8MI (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Instruction Set, Package, Operating Temperature, SRAM Size, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA64L-8ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA64L-8MU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA64L-8MC
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA64L-8MQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$7.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA64A-MUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA64A-MUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA64-16MI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA64L-8MI Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Max Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 64 KB (32K x 16) |
| SRAM | 4 KB |
| EEPROM | 2 KB |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.3 V / 5 V (L grade: 2.7 V to 5.5 V) |
| Interfaces | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Debug Interface | JTAG for on-chip-debug |
| Instruction Set | 130 instructions, mostly single-cycle |
| General Purpose Registers | 32 |
| Throughput | Up to 16 MIPS at 16 MHz (8 MIPS at 8 MHz) |
| Package | 64-QFN / VQFN with exposed pad (9 x 9 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, M grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
ATMEGA64L-8MI 64-qfn / vqfn with exposed pad (9 x 9 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA64L-8MI (64-qfn / vqfn with exposed pad (9 x 9 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 ATMEGA64L-8MI.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA64L-8MI is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Sensor Data Acquisition Systems, Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation, Building Automation Nodes, Motor Control and PWM Actuation, Legacy Embedded Product Maintenance.
Industrial Control Panels
The ATMEGA64L-8MI fits industrial control and automation panels because its 64KB Flash holds substantial ladder-style or state-machine firmware, while the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade tolerates cabinet environments. The 8-channel 10-bit ADC reads potentiometers, current loops via shunts, and temperature sensors directly, and the JTAG interface supports on-chip debug during commissioning. Because the part operates from a 5V industrial rail (or 3.3V logic boards), it interfaces with legacy PLC-level signal levels without level shifting. The I2C and SPI buses connect displays, EEPROMs, and RTCs, while the UART links to modems or SCADA gateways, making one MCU sufficient for complete panel supervision.
Recommended
Sensor Data Acquisition Systems
For multi-channel data loggers, the ATMEGA64L-8MI offers an 8-channel 10-bit ADC that can scan eight analog inputs at up to approximately 15 kSPS at full resolution, sufficient for vibration, temperature, and process-variable monitoring. The 4KB SRAM buffers sample blocks between communication bursts, and the 2KB EEPROM stores calibration constants that survive power loss. The L-grade 2.7V-5.5V supply range allows direct powering from a single lithium cell through a small regulator, and the 8MHz clock keeps dynamic current low. UART or SPI streams data to a radio or host, while the self-programming Flash permits field firmware updates without removing the device from the enclosure.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation
Handheld meters and portable instruments benefit from the ATMEGA64L-8MI's low-voltage operation: the L grade runs from 2.7V, letting a two-cell alkaline stack supply the MCU through its entire discharge curve. Running at 8MHz halves dynamic current versus 16MHz parts, and AVR sleep modes allow the device to idle at microamp levels between measurements. The internal RC oscillator removes the crystal from the bill of materials where timing accuracy permits. The 64KB Flash accommodates rich menu-driven firmware and multiple language tables, while the 10-bit ADC digitizes measurement front ends, and the JTAG port supports production calibration without sockets.
Recommended
Building Automation Nodes
In building automation, the ATMEGA64L-8MI serves as a room controller or damper actuator node. Its I2C bus connects humidity and temperature sensors, the 10-bit ADC reads setpoint potentiometers and 0-10V feedback scaled through dividers, and hardware PWM drives actuator motors or valve outputs. The UART links the node to RS-485 transceivers for twisted-pair networking across a building, and 2KB EEPROM retains occupant schedules through power outages. The industrial temperature rating covers rooftop and plant-room installations, and the 9x9 mm QFN footprint keeps node PCBs compact for junction-box mounting where space is constrained.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Actuation
The ATMEGA64L-8MI's hardware timers with PWM outputs make it a practical controller for DC fans, pumps, and small motor drives. The AVR core generates phase-correct or fast PWM at 8MHz with resolution trade-offs handled in firmware, while the ADC samples current shunts and back-EMF for closed-loop speed regulation. The 5V-capable supply simplifies gate-drive interfaces to power stages, and the JTAG boundary-scan feature aids production test of the power board interconnect. Because the same footprint family spans the ATmega64 lineup, designers can move to the 16MHz ATMEGA64-16MI on 5V boards when tighter control loops demand more compute headroom.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Product Maintenance
Many shipped products built around Atmel ATmega64 parts now need verified replacement sources, and the ATMEGA64L-8MI in its industrial QFN grade serves exactly this sustainment role. Because Microchip maintains the original AVR architecture, firmware compiled years ago with avr-gcc or IAR still links against identical register maps, and fuse settings carry over. Distributors list roughly 8400 units available across 12 channels, giving repair shops and end-of-life bridge builds a purchasable path, while the pin-compatible ATMEGA64A-MU provides a forward migration target with the newer die for the next board revision.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA64L-8MI — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA64A-MUR | ATMEGA64L-8ML | ATMEGA64-16MI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-QFN / VQFN exposed pad (9x9 mm) | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same | 64-QFN (9x9 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (legacy Atmel) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel) | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 16 MHz (derates with Vcc) | 8 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB (32K x 16) | 64 KB | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V - 5.5 V (L grade, 3.3V/5V) | 2.7 V - 5.5 V | 2.7 V - 5.5 V | 4.5 V - 5.5 V |
| SRAM / EEPROM | 4 KB / 2 KB | 4 KB / 2 KB | 4 KB / 2 KB | 4 KB / 2 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, M) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- True low-voltage operation (vs ATMEGA64-16MI)
- Lower dynamic power at rated speed (vs ATMEGA64A-MUR)
- JTAG on-chip debug and boundary scan (vs ATMEGA64L-8ML)
Design Notes
The 64-pin VQFN (9x9 mm) has a large exposed pad that must be soldered to a grounded copper pour for reliable grounding and heat dissipation. Design the land pattern with via-in-pad or perimeter vias to the ground plane, and verify the reflow profile supports the leadless package - insufficient paste on the thermal pad is the most common cause of intermittent ground returns on QFN AVR boards. Keep the crystal (if used) within 10 mm of the XTAL pins with short ground returns for oscillator stability.
Decouple VCC and AVCC separately with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within a few millimeters of each pin pair, plus one bulk capacitor of 10 uF per supply rail. AVCC must be connected to VCC even if the ADC is unused, per Microchip connection guidelines. When operating at 3.3V, remember the ADC reference options (AVCC, internal bandgap, or AREF) each affect accuracy - a clean AVCC with an LC filter improves 10-bit ADC effective resolution noticeably.
Fuse bits are the number-one field failure source: a wrong clock-source fuse (e.g., external clock selected with no clock applied) or disabled SPI/JTAG can render the device unreachable and require a high-voltage parallel programmer. Before first programming, record the factory fuses and set brown-out detection for your supply rail. Also confirm the M-suffix industrial temperature is required - if your environment is 0C to +70C, commercial grades may be cheaper and easier to source.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in the provided web data; verify the RoHS/REACH certificate on the Microchip product page for the specific date code. Legacy Atmel-branded stock may include non-green suffixes.
