ATMEGA8515-16MI - 8-Bit AVR MCU 16MHz 8KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA8515-16MI ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.62 | $4.62 |
| 10 | $4.15 | $41.50 |
| 100 | $3.6 | $360.00 |
| 500 | $3.15 | $1,575.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.75 | $2,750.00 |
ATMEGA8515-16MI Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a single-chip computer built on the AVR enhanced RISC architecture, in which most of its 130 powerful instructions execute in a single clock cycle. Within the product hierarchy, the ATmega8515 sits in the MCU (microcontroller unit) family: microcontroller -> 8-bit microcontroller -> AVR ATmega series -> ATmega8515. MCUs integrate CPU, memory, and peripherals on one die, replacing multi-chip logic solutions in embedded systems.
Key features include 130 single-cycle instructions, 32 general-purpose working registers, fully static operation up to 16 MIPS at 16 MHz, and an external memory interface (EBI/EMI) supporting up to 64 Kbyte external SRAM - a distinguishing capability versus most ATmega parts of this generation. Communication peripherals include SPI and UART/USART interfaces, plus an 8-channel 10-bit ADC-equivalent analog front end is NOT present on this die; the 8515 instead trades ADC for the enhanced external bus.
The AVR Harvard architecture accesses program and data memory through separate buses, allowing one instruction to execute while the next is fetched, achieving 1 MIPS per MHz efficiency. In-System Programming via SPI allows firmware updates on the assembled PCB, and the boot-section self-programming capability enables field firmware updates without a programmer socket.
Typical applications include industrial control panels that exploit the 64 KB external SRAM expansion, communication bridges using the dual-purpose SPI/USART ports, and legacy AVR designs such as keyboard scanners, motor control front-ends, and instrumentation controllers. The -MI suffix specifies the industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) VQFN package for space-constrained boards.
When designing with this device, remember the maximum operating frequency depends on supply voltage: 16 MHz is specified for 4.5V to 5.5V operation. Decouple VCC and AVCC separately and keep the external memory bus traces short to preserve signal integrity at 16 MHz.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, pinout guidance, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. Pricing shown is as of 2026-09-18.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA8515-16MI — 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 ATMEGA8515-16MI (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, SRAM, Core Architecture, EEPROM, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA8535-16MI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515L-8MI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA162-16MI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA8535L-8MI
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA162V-8MI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8515-16MI Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Core Processor | AVR |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH (In-System Programmable) |
| RAM Size | 512 B |
| External SRAM Support | Up to 64 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 512 B |
| Instruction Set | 130 powerful instructions, most single-cycle |
| Throughput | Up to 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
| Connectivity | EBI/EMI, SPI, UART/USART |
| Number of I/O | 35 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (for 16 MHz operation) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Architecture | AVR enhanced RISC, Harvard architecture |
ATMEGA8515-16MI 44-vqfn (7x7 mm) with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA8515-16MI (44-vqfn (7x7 mm) with 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 ATMEGA8515-16MI.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA8515-16MI is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, External Memory Expansion Systems, Embedded Communication Nodes, Legacy AVR Design Maintenance, Motor Control Front-Ends, Instrumentation and Test Fixtures.
Industrial Control Panels
The ATMEGA8515-16MI fits industrial control panels where 16 MIPS of 8-bit throughput and 35 programmable I/O lines drive relays, sensors, and operator interfaces from a single die. Its distinguishing external memory interface supports up to 64 KB of external SRAM, allowing data-logging panels to buffer histories well beyond the 512-byte internal RAM without changing the MCU. Running from a 5V industrial rail at 16 MHz, it executes 130 mostly single-cycle AVR instructions deterministically, which simplifies timing analysis for control loops. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating and 44-VQFN package suit sealed panel enclosures. Designers typically pair it with the MAX232-class transceivers for RS-485/RS-232 links via the UART, trading switching-regulator noise immunity for 5V logic simplicity.
Recommended
External Memory Expansion Systems
When an 8-bit controller must manipulate data sets larger than its internal 512 bytes, the ATMEGA8515-16MI is a natural fit because its EBI/EMI external bus addresses up to 64 Kbyte of external SRAM with page-mode support. The 16 MHz core sustains one MIPS per MHz across the bus, so external-memory algorithms remain responsive at 16 MIPS throughput. Typical designs attach a 62256 (32K x 8) or 628128 (128K x 8, banked) SRAM to ports A and C used as multiplexed address/data lines. Keep bus traces under 10 cm and add series termination to preserve signal integrity at full speed; the datasheet notes wait-state-free access within the 16 MHz envelope. This architecture lets firmware treat large buffers as linear RAM without bank-switching software overhead.
Recommended
Embedded Communication Nodes
The ATMEGA8515-16MI serves as a compact communication node using its hardware SPI and full-duplex UART/USART. The 16 MHz clock supports robust baud-rate generation for standard rates up to 1 Mbps-class USART operation, while SPI master mode clocks peripherals such as ADCs, EEPROMs, and network controllers at up to fosc/2 = 8 MHz. In field deployments, the SPI-based In-System Programming port doubles as the firmware update channel, so nodes can be reflashed on the assembled PCB without a socket. With 35 I/O lines, the same chip handles status LEDs, keypads, and optocoupler inputs alongside the communication function, reducing BOM count. Industrial nodes appreciate the -40C to +85C rating and the deterministic single-cycle instruction timing for protocol bit-banging fallback.
Recommended
Legacy AVR Design Maintenance
Thousands of shipped products were designed around the ATmega8515, and the ATMEGA8515-16MI is the continuity part for those production lines. Because the die, pinout, and 130-instruction AVR instruction set are unchanged from the original Atmel release, legacy firmware compiled for the family runs without modification. The self-programming Flash boot section supports field firmware updates over UART or SPI, extending service life of installed units. When board revisions are made, the pin-compatible ATMEGA8535-16MI (adding a 10-bit ADC) or ATMEGA162-16MI (dual UART) can be substituted on the same 44-VQFN footprint with minimal layout change. Stocking the -16MI industrial VQFN grade covers both new builds and service replacements across the -40C to +85C range.
Recommended
Motor Control Front-Ends
The ATMEGA8515-16MI works well as the digital front-end of small motor controllers, where its 16 MIPS throughput executes PWM generation and current-sign monitoring loops at 16 MHz. Four hardware PWM channels on Timer0/1/2 drive MOSFET half-bridges directly through gate-driver ICs, while the 35 I/O lines cover limit switches, encoder quadrature inputs handled in software, and fault latching. The 512-byte internal SRAM plus 64 KB external expansion accommodates look-up tables for commutation profiles when needed. Because the die has no on-chip ADC, designers pair it with an external serial ADC such as the MCP3208 sampled over SPI at up to 8 MHz clock, giving 100 kSPS-class feedback for closed-loop speed control from a single 5V rail.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Test Fixtures
Bench and production-line test fixtures benefit from the ATMEGA8515-16MI's combination of 16 MHz deterministic execution, generous I/O, and UART host communication. A typical fixture uses 20+ port lines to drive relays and read UUT test points, while the USART streams pass/fail logs to a PC at 115200 baud generated reliably from the 16 MHz clock. The 512-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants and serial numbers that survive power cycling, and the external SRAM interface can buffer full test-session data before upload. VQFN-44 packaging saves board area in handheld probe units, while the industrial temperature range covers unconditioned factory floors. In-System Programming lets fixture firmware be updated between product changeovers without desoldering the MCU.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA8515-16MI — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA8535-16MI | ATMEGA8515L-8MI | ATMEGA162-16MI | ATMEGA8535L-8MI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm) MI | 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 | 8 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| Internal SRAM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 1 KB | 512 B |
| External SRAM Support | Up to 64 KB (EBI) | Not available (ADC-focused die) | Up to 64 KB (EBI) | External bus capability differs | Not available (ADC-focused die) |
| ADC | None | 8-channel 10-bit | None | None | 8-channel 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Dedicated external memory interface up to 64 KB (vs ATMEGA8535-16MI)
- Full 16 MHz speed grade in industrial temperature (vs ATMEGA8515L-8MI)
- Lower Flash cost point vs newer pin-compatible die (vs ATMEGA162-16MI)
Design Notes
The ATMEGA8515-16MI is specified for 4.5V to 5.5V operation at its full 16 MHz speed grade. Running from a 3.3V rail requires derating the clock per the AVR speed-vs-voltage curve in the datasheet, or selecting an L-variant. Supply the core and peripherals from a clean 5V LDO or linear regulator; active current scales roughly with clock frequency, so at 16 MHz budget for several tens of milliamps of Icc (estimated - see the datasheet Active Supply Current table for your exact VCC and frequency combination). Add 100 nF ceramic decoupling on VCC and AVCC pins close to the package.
When using the external memory interface (EBI) at 16 MHz, ports A and C toggle as fast multiplexed address/data lines. Keep external SRAM bus traces shorter than 10 cm, route a solid ground return under the bus, and add 22-33 ohm series resistors on data lines to damp ringing. Avoid routing the bus near the crystal circuit; a 16 MHz crystal should sit within 1 cm of XTAL1/XTAL2 with 12-22 pF load capacitors per the datasheet Clock Sources section. Poor bus layout is the most common cause of intermittent external-RAM bit errors.
Do not confuse the ATmega8515 die with the pin-compatible ATmega8535: register maps differ (the 8535 exposes ADC registers; the 8515 exposes EBI control registers), so firmware cannot be swapped blindly even though the 44-VQFN footprint is identical. Also verify that the -MI VQFN requires an exposed-pad thermal/electrical connection to ground on the PCB - leaving the pad floating can raise ground impedance and degrade EMI performance. Finally, EEPROM writes require the documented timed write sequence; interrupting it can corrupt stored calibration data.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not stated in the provided web data; verify on the Microchip product page or datasheet before ordering for regulated markets.