ATMEGA8515-16MC - 8-Bit AVR MCU 16MHz 8KB Flash 44-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA8515-16MC ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.85 | $4.85 |
| 10 | $4.38 | $43.80 |
| 100 | $3.9 | $390.00 |
| 500 | $3.52 | $1,760.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.15 | $3,150.00 |
ATMEGA8515-16MC Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) integrates a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on a single chip, forming the lowest tier of embedded compute hierarchy: MCU -> embedded controller -> embedded system. The AVR family uses a modified Harvard architecture with 130 single-cycle RISC instructions and 32 general-purpose working registers, allowing most instructions to execute in one clock cycle.
Key features of the ATMEGA8515-16MC include 16 MIPS throughput at 16 MHz, an external memory interface (EBI/EMI) supporting up to 64 KB of external SRAM, and serial connectivity through SPI, USART, and UART interfaces. The device offers 35 programmable I/O lines, two flexible Timer/Counters with compare modes and PWM generation, plus Brown-out Detect/Reset, Power-on Reset, and a programmable Watchdog Timer for robust operation.
Technically, the self-programming Flash supports Read-While-Write operation, enabling field firmware updates. The fully static core tolerates clock rates down to DC, and the wide peripheral set - including an internal analog comparator input pair (AIN0/AIN1) and an SPI serial port for in-system programming - makes the part a complete single-chip or expanded-memory solution. The -16 speed grade requires a 4.5V to 5.5V supply, characteristic of the industrial 5V bus ecosystem.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, motor control and power-conversion front ends, and legacy system upgrades where the external memory interface and 5V-tolerant I/O are mandatory. The 35 I/O lines suit keypad scanning, relay driving, and display interfacing.
Design consideration: because the -16 grade has no low-voltage sibling in the same package at this speed, verify that your board truly runs at 5V; the L-8 variant runs at 2.7V-5.5V but only up to 8 MHz.
This page synthesizes verified distributor listings, drop-in family alternatives, application guidance, and pricing context not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet. Pricing references are as of 2026-09-18.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA8515-16MC — 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 ATMEGA8515-16MC (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Instruction Set, SRAM, Supply Voltage Range, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA8515-16MUR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515-16MU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA162-16MUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515L-8MU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515-16MC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | AVR 8-bit RISC |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Flash Program Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16), In-System Programmable |
| SRAM | 512 B internal + up to 64 KB external |
| EEPROM | 512 B |
| MIPS Throughput | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Lines | 35 programmable I/O |
| Timers/Counters | 2 (16-bit Timer1, 8-bit Timer0) |
| Communication Interfaces | SPI, USART, UART, EBI/EMI |
| Analog Peripherals | Analog comparator (AIN0/AIN1), PWM |
| System Supervision | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, WDT |
| Instruction Set | 130 instructions, most single-cycle |
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
ATMEGA8515-16MC 44-vqfn (7x7 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA8515-16MC (44-vqfn (7x7 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 ATMEGA8515-16MC.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA8515-16MC is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Legacy System Upgrade / Sustainment, External-Memory Embedded Applications, Motor Control and PWM Actuation, Serial Communication Gateways, Education and Hobby Embedded Platforms.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The ATMEGA8515-16MC fits industrial automation nodes where 5V signaling remains the norm: its 4.5V-5.5V supply range and 35 I/O lines interface directly with 24V-buffered sensor inputs, relay drivers, and optocoupled outputs without level translation. The 16 MHz/16 MIPS core executes PID loops and state machines with headroom, while Brown-out Detect and the Watchdog Timer provide the reset robustness required in electrically noisy factory environments. The external memory interface (up to 64 KB SRAM) accommodates data logging and larger lookup tables. Use the two timers with PWM for actuator and heater control; the USART links to HMI panels or Modbus gateways at standard baud rates.
Recommended
Legacy System Upgrade / Sustainment
Many installed 5V AVR-based products - test fixtures, instrumentation, gaming and access-control hardware - still depend on the ATmega8515. The ATMEGA8515-16MC provides a form-fit-function refresh for these designs: identical Flash size (8 KB), identical pinout across the VQFN-44 footprint, and software compatibility with existing AVR toolchains (AVR-GCC, Atmel Studio, MajorCore). Because the part is self-programming with Read-While-Write Flash, field firmware updates can be deployed over USART without hardware access. Sustainment teams should pair this MCU with qualified buffer stock, verifying date codes to avoid secondary-market counterfeits, which monitoring sites flag at high risk for this legacy Atmel part.
Recommended
External-Memory Embedded Applications
The distinguishing feature of the ATMEGA8515-16MC in the AVR lineup is its External Memory Interface (EBI/EMI) addressing up to 64 KB of external SRAM - unavailable on smaller ATmega parts. Applications such as protocol analyzers, data acquisition buffers, and menu-driven HMI controllers use the EBI to hold frame buffers or logging queues far beyond the 512-byte internal SRAM. The 16 MHz core sustains 16 MIPS while servicing the external bus, and the SPI port can additionally host DataFlash or SD media. Design the bus with appropriate series resistors and keep trace lengths short; verify wait-state settings in the MCU Control Register for slower external RAM devices.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Actuation
The ATMEGA8515-16MC supports DC and stepper motor control using its 8-bit Timer0 and 16-bit Timer1 with compare modes and PWM outputs. Timer1's 16-bit resolution yields fine duty-cycle granularity for fan, pump, or servo control at 16 MHz; the analog comparator (AIN0/AIN1) can implement cycle-by-cycle current limiting for brushed motors. The 5V I/O directly drives MOSFET gate drivers such as typical 5V-logic-input drivers. Brown-out Detect ensures PWM outputs stay tri-stated during supply dips, protecting power stages. For bridge topologies, pair with a dual H-bridge driver and use the USART for command input from a supervisory controller.
Recommended
Serial Communication Gateways
With a hardware USART, a UART, and a hardware SPI port, the ATMEGA8515-16MC is well suited to protocol-conversion duties: RS-232-to-SPI bridges, RS-485 sensor concentrators, and ISP host programmers. The USART operates at standard baud rates from the 16 MHz clock with low error percentages, and SPI runs at up to fosc/2 for fast peripheral transfers. The 512-byte EEPROM stores node addresses and calibration constants through power cycles. The external memory interface supports line buffering for burst traffic. The device can even be network-programmed via a USART bootloader thanks to self-programming Flash, simplifying field updates of deployed gateway hardware.
Recommended
Education and Hobby Embedded Platforms
The ATmega8515 remains popular in universities and maker communities because its classic AVR architecture (130 instructions, 32 registers) teaches AVR assembly cleanly, and the MajorCore Arduino package brings modern IDE workflows. The ATMEGA8515-16MC in VQFN suits second-stage coursework where students design their own PCBs; a TQFP or DIP variant is easier for breadboarding. The external memory interface offers a unique hands-on exercise in bus design absent from smaller ATmegas. Hobby projects leverage the 35 I/O lines for LED matrices, keypads, and retro-computer reproductions, with 16 MIPS providing generous performance for bit-banged video and audio generation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA8515-16MC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA8515-16MUR | ATMEGA8515-16MU | ATMEGA162-16MUR | ATMEGA8515L-8MU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| USART Count | 1 (USART) + UART support | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Pin Compatibility | Reference (44-pin ATmega8515 pinout) | Pin-to-pin identical | Pin-to-pin identical | Pin-to-pin per app note AVR087 | Pin-to-pin identical |
| Packaging Option | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- External memory interface up to 64 KB (vs ATMEGA48PA-AUR)
- Full 16 MHz speed at industrial 5V (vs ATMEGA8515L-8MU)
- Lower integration but simpler migration vs ATmega162 (vs ATMEGA162-16MUR)
Design Notes
The -16 grade requires 4.5V-5.5V; do not power it from a 3.3V rail even for bench testing, as code executing above the voltage-safe frequency margin can misbehave before Brown-out Detect intervenes. Configure the BOD level appropriate for 5V operation and enable it via fuses - the default fuse state leaves BOD disabled. For the 44-VQFN, ensure the exposed pad (if used as ground return in your footprint per the datasheet land pattern) is well connected; a floating thermal pad is a common cause of intermittent ground faults.
Fuse misconfiguration is the leading failure mode when programming legacy AVRs: disabling SPIEN over ISP bricks the part until HV parallel programming is available, which is impractical on VQFN. Always keep SPIEN enabled and set the clock fuses conservatively (start with an internal-safe or crystal setting matching your 16 MHz source). When migrating code to the pin-compatible ATmega162, follow Microchip app note AVR087 - external memory interface and timer registers differ and silent mis-mapping will corrupt bus cycles.
Decouple VCC and AVCC individually with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within a few millimeters of each pin, plus 10 uF bulk near the device. Connect AVCC to VCC through a low-pass RC (e.g., 10 ohm / 100 nF, a standard AVR analog-supply pattern from Microchip application literature) if the comparator inputs AIN0/AIN1 are used, to keep switching noise from the 35 digital I/O out of analog decisions. Keep the SPI programming header routed as short traces with a series 100-ohm option for MISO protection.
When the external memory interface is enabled, up to 16 address/data lines toggle together, creating significant simultaneous-switching noise on a 7x7 mm VQFN. Estimated: route the external bus on a solid ground plane, keep bus traces under 50 mm, and add 22-33 ohm series resistors on data lines to control ringing. Enable wait states in the MCU Control Register for RAM slower than the CPU clock - a single wait state is typically required for 70 ns-class SRAM at 16 MHz.
Compliance Information
Distributor data flags RoHS state as 'Request Verification' for this legacy Atmel-era part; confirm compliance with Microchip before use in regulated products.