ATMEGA8515-16MUR - 8KB AVR MCU 16MHz 44-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA8515-16MUR β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.6 | $3.60 |
| 10 | $3.45 | $34.50 |
| 100 | $3.2 | $320.00 |
| 500 | $3 | $1,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.85 | $2,850.00 |
ATMEGA8515-16MUR Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a single-chip computer built on the AVR RISC architecture, in which most of its 130 powerful instructions execute in a single clock cycle. In the embedded-system hierarchy, a microcontroller integrates a CPU core (microprocessor), program memory (Flash), data memory (SRAM and EEPROM), and peripherals (timers, USART, watchdog) on one die, making it the core of countless industrial and consumer control applications.
Key differentiating features include an external memory interface supporting up to 64 KB of external SRAM for memory-hungry applications, 35 general purpose I/O lines, two flexible Timer/Counters with compare modes, and a programmable serial USART. Self-programming Flash enables in-system field updates, while 32 general purpose working registers keep single-cycle arithmetic close to the ALU.
Architecturally, the AVR Harvard design separates program and data buses, allowing simultaneous Flash instruction fetch and SRAM access. Fully static operation permits clocking down to DC for ultra-low power sleep modes, and an on-chip programmable watchdog timer with a separate on-chip oscillator safeguards reliability in unattended industrial installations. Internal and external interrupt sources provide deterministic event response.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, motor-adjacent logic and relay sequencing, building automation nodes, legacy AVR design continuity, and communication bridges that exploit the USART plus external memory expansion for buffering.
When designing with this part, budget the 512 B internal SRAM carefully; the external memory interface costs port pins, so map external RAM only when data structures genuinely exceed internal capacity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance not consolidated in the Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA8515-16MUR 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 ATMEGA8515-16MUR (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Instruction Set, SRAM, Core Architecture, Flash Program Memory.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA8515L-8MUR
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA162-16MUR
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.58 / Unit
View Datasheet βATMEGA8515-16MUR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 8 KB (4K x 16) Flash |
| Program Memory Type | In-System Programmable Flash, self-programming |
| SRAM Size | 512 B internal + up to 64 KB external |
| EEPROM Size | 512 B |
| Throughput | Up to 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 130 powerful instructions, mostly single-cycle |
| Working Registers | 32 general purpose |
| General Purpose I/O | 35 lines |
| External Memory Interface | Yes, up to 64 KB external SRAM |
| Timers | Two Timer/Counters with compare modes |
| Communication Interface | Serial Programmable USART |
| Watchdog Timer | Programmable WDT with separate on-chip oscillator |
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7 mm), exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ATMEGA8515-16MUR 44-vqfn (7x7 mm), exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATMEGA8515-16MUR (44-vqfn (7x7 mm), 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 ATMEGA8515-16MUR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATMEGA8515-16MUR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Data Logging with External SRAM, Serial Communication Bridges, Building Automation Nodes, Motor Control Supervisory Logic, Legacy AVR Design Continuity.
Industrial Control Panels
The ATMEGA8515-16MUR fits industrial control panels because its 35 general purpose I/O lines, two compare-mode Timer/Counters, and programmable watchdog cover the relay sequencing, button polling, and fail-safe supervision typical of PLC-adjacent logic. The 16 MHz clock yields 16 MIPS of mostly single-cycle execution, fast enough for deterministic scan loops, while industrial temperature rating supports cabinet environments. Its self-programming Flash enables field firmware updates without desoldering. Watch for watchdog configuration: use the separate on-chip oscillator so WDT operation survives main-clock faults.
Recommended
Data Logging with External SRAM
Applications that buffer sensor streams benefit directly from the ATMEGA8515-16MUR external memory interface, which supports up to 64 KB of external SRAM on top of the 512 B internal SRAM. The multiplexed address/data bus, described in the Microchip datasheet, connects a standard 32 KB or 64 KB async SRAM via latch, letting the USART stream logged data while ring buffers live in external memory. The 512 B EEPROM retains calibration constants across power cycles. Budget I/O carefully, since the external bus consumes port pins otherwise available as GPIO.
Recommended
Serial Communication Bridges
With a hardware serial USART and 16 MIPS throughput, the ATMEGA8515-16MUR serves as a protocol converter or UART repeater between legacy RS-232 equipment and modern controllers. Single-cycle instruction execution keeps interrupt latency low for byte-level framing, and the external memory interface can host dual buffers for half-duplex store-and-forward designs. The programmable watchdog provides automatic recovery from lockups in unattended links. Use a MAX232-class transceiver on the USART pins and enable the USART receive-complete interrupt for deterministic turnaround.
Recommended
Building Automation Nodes
The ATMEGA8515-16MUR operates in a fully static manner from DC to 16 MHz, allowing building automation nodes to trade throughput for power by lowering the clock or entering sleep between sensor scans. The 512 B EEPROM stores node addresses and setpoints that must survive brownouts, and 35 I/O lines drive relays, LEDs, and keypads without port expanders. An on-chip programmable watchdog with its own oscillator restarts nodes that hang in the field. Pair with a low-dropout regulator and brownout-enabled fuses for robust mains-fail behavior.
Recommended
Motor Control Supervisory Logic
While the ATMEGA8515-16MUR lacks a dedicated hardware PWM-heavy motor peripheral set, its two flexible Timer/Counters with compare modes generate PWM and drive gate sequencing for small motor supervisory logic, contactor control, and speed feedback capture. The 16 MHz clock supports microsecond-resolution timing, and external interrupt inputs respond to encoder or fault signals deterministically. Designers needing integrated motor control should treat this part as supervisory and pair it with a gate driver. Verify compare-mode pin multiplexing against the datasheet table before routing PCB.
Recommended
Legacy AVR Design Continuity
Many boards designed around the original Atmel ATmega8515 remain in production, and the ATMEGA8515-16MUR is the current Microchip-manufactured continuation in the compact 44-VQFN package. Replacing an aged QFN device with the -16MUR preserves the 8 KB Flash, external memory interface, and fuse map, requiring no firmware or layout changes. XAIPART also stocks the PLCC (16JI/16JC) and TQFP (16AUR) siblings, letting one codebase span multiple package revisions. Confirm current date codes and Reel quantity with distributors given the part's legacy status.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA8515-16MUR β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA8515L-8MUR | ATMEGA162-16MUR | ATMEGA8515-16AUR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN (7x7), exposed pad | 44-VQFN (7x7) - same | 44-VQFN (7x7) - same | 44-TQFP - different package |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 16 KB | 8 KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 8 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Internal SRAM | 512 B + up to 64 KB external | 512 B + external interface | 1 KB + external interface | 512 B + up to 64 KB external |
| EEPROM | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B | 512 B |
| USART Count | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Key Differentiators
- External memory interface up to 64 KB (vs ATMEGA162-16MUR)
- 16 MHz operation in MLF-44 footprint (vs ATMEGA8515L-8MUR)
- QFN profile vs TQFP sibling (vs ATMEGA8515-16AUR)
Design Notes
The 44-VQFN (7x7) exposed pad is the primary ground/thermal connection. Layout a 7x7 mm copper keepout on the top layer with a via array (at least 3x3) to the ground plane under the exposed pad to ensure reliable solder wetting and heat spreading. Peripheral pads should use 0.5 mm pitch footprints with paste reduction (about 80% stencil opening) to prevent bridging on the fine-pitch pads. Follow IPC-recommended QFN land patterns for reflow assembly.
Decouple VCC and AVCC separately with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed as close as possible to each supply pin, plus a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near the chip. If the ADC is used, tie AVCC to VCC through an LC filter to reduce digital noise. Since no load capacitance values for the crystal are given in the verified data, select crystal load capacitors per the crystal manufacturer specification and the datasheet clock section.
The 512 B internal SRAM fills quickly with buffers; overflowing into the stack causes silent corruption. Map external SRAM via the external memory interface (up to 64 KB) only if you can spare the port pins, and enable the wait-state option when using slower external RAM. Also confirm that fuse settings (brownout, watchdog always-on, boot size) are programmed during ISP production, since defaults may not match field-reliability requirements.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated by distributor listings (GREEN part designation per FindIC data). AEC-Q100 status not stated in verified data; this is an industrial-grade, not automotive-qualified, MCU.