ATMEGA8L-8PI - 8MHz AVR 8KB Flash MCU DIP-28 | Microchip
MPN: ATMEGA8L-8PI ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.5 | $4.50 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.6 | $360.00 |
| 500 | $3.15 | $1,575.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.8 | $2,800.00 |
ATMEGA8L-8PI Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and programmable peripherals into one package. The ATmega8 belongs to the AVR family of 8-bit microcontrollers, which sits within the broader hierarchy of embedded processors and semiconductor ICs. AVR cores execute most of their 130 instructions in a single clock cycle, delivering high code efficiency for general-purpose embedded control.
Key features of the ATMEGA8L-8PI include the advanced AVR RISC architecture with 32 general-purpose working registers, a 10-bit ADC with 6 or 8 multiplexed channels, three timers (two 8-bit, one 16-bit with PWM), a hardware USART, SPI, and TWI (I2C) serial interfaces, plus programmable brown-out detection and internal calibrated RC oscillator.
The device operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, which makes the L (low-voltage) grade suitable for both 3.3 V battery-powered designs and 5 V industrial systems. The '-8' speed grade guarantees correct operation up to 8 MHz across the full voltage range, while the 'I' suffix denotes the -40C to +85C industrial temperature rating, and the 'P' suffix identifies the through-hole 28-pin plastic DIP package for easy prototyping and low-volume production.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, sensor nodes, hobby and educational platforms (including Arduino-compatible boards), home appliances, LED lighting controllers, and battery-powered instruments where the ADC and PWM peripherals simplify analog signal handling.
Designers should note that the 8 MHz speed limit and 8 KB flash size are the main constraints; code-heavy projects may prefer the pin-compatible ATmega88 family.
This page synthesizes verified distributor data, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, pricing tiers, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet. Pricing references are as of 2026-09-19.
Drop-in alternatives for ATMEGA8L-8PI — 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 ATMEGA8L-8PI (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Throughput, Package, Flash Memory, Instructions.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ATMEGA8A-PU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8-16PI
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8L-8PU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA88V-10PU
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA88PA-PN
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA88-20PI
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA328-PU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA8L-8PI Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Flash Program Memory | 8 KB (4K x 16) |
| SRAM | 1 KB |
| EEPROM | 512 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 8 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| ADC Channels | 6 or 8 multiplexed channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | 3 PWM channels |
| Serial Interfaces | USART, SPI, TWI (I2C) |
| Instructions | 130 powerful instructions, most single-cycle |
| General Purpose Registers | 32 |
| In-System Programming | Yes (8 KB self-programming ISP flash) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, I suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (P suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Brown-Out Detector | Programmable BOD |
| Internal Oscillator | Calibrated internal RC oscillator |
ATMEGA8L-8PI Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | PC6 (RESET) — Reset input or PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 2 | PD0 (RXD) — USART receive or PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | PD1 (TXD) — USART transmit or PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | PD2 (INT0) — External interrupt 0 or PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | PD3 (INT1) — External interrupt 1 or PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | PD4 (T0/XCK) — Timer0 counter input / USART XCK or PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 7 | VCC — Digital supply voltage (2.7 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 9 | PB6 (XTAL1/TOSC1) — Crystal/oscillator input or PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | PB7 (XTAL2/TOSC2) — Crystal/oscillator output or PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 11 | PD5 (T1) — Timer1 counter input or PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | PD6 (AIN0) — Analog comparator positive input or PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | PD7 (AIN1) — Analog comparator negative input or PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | PB0 (ICP1) — Timer1 input capture or PORTB bit 0 |
| Pin 15 | PB1 (OC1A) — Timer1 PWM output A or PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 16 | PB2 (SS/OC1B) — SPI slave select / Timer1 PWM output B or PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | PB3 (MOSI/OC2) — SPI master out / Timer2 PWM output or PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | PB4 (MISO) — SPI master in or PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | PB5 (SCK) — SPI clock or PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | AVCC — ADC supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | AREF — ADC analog reference input |
| Pin 22 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 23 | PC0 (ADC0) — ADC input 0 or PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 24 | PC1 (ADC1) — ADC input 1 or PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 25 | PC2 (ADC2) — ADC input 2 or PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | PC3 (ADC3) — ADC input 3 or PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 27 | PC4 (ADC4/SDA) — ADC input 4 / TWI data or PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | PC5 (ADC5/SCL) — ADC input 5 / TWI clock or PORTC bit 5 |
Typical Applications
ATMEGA8L-8PI is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Boards, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Hobby and Educational Platforms, Home Appliance Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Data Acquisition and Instrumentation.
Industrial Control Boards
The ATMEGA8L-8PI fits legacy industrial control boards that require a 5 V through-hole controller with an industrial -40C to +85C rating. Its three timers with PWM outputs drive actuators, heaters, and fans directly, while the 10-bit ADC reads potentiometers, thermistors, and 4-20 mA conditioned sensor signals. The hardware USART enables Modbus RTU communication at up to 8 MHz clock-derived baud rates, and the programmable brown-out detector plus watchdog timer protect against brown-out-induced firmware corruption on noisy factory floors. Because it is a drop-in form factor for existing ATmega8 DIP-28 sockets, maintenance teams can replenish discontinued stock without PCB revision.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
Operating from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, the ATMEGA8L-8PI runs directly from a 3 V lithium coin cell or three NiMH cells without a boost converter in the L voltage grade. The AVR power-reduction features - idle, ADC noise reduction, power-down, and power-save sleep modes - combined with the wake-on-interrupt capability of PD2/PD3 (INT0/INT1) allow multi-year battery life in duty-cycled designs. The integrated 10-bit ADC digitizes analog sensors with the internal 2.56 V reference, and the TWI (I2C) bus reads external digital sensors. The internal calibrated RC oscillator removes the need for a crystal, cutting BOM cost in timing-tolerant telemetry nodes.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Platforms
The 28-pin PDIP through-hole package makes the ATMEGA8L-8PI ideal for breadboarding and educational kits: every pin is on a 0.1-inch pitch, easy to insert, replace, and reuse. The part is supported by the Arduino IDE through the MiniCore community core, plus AVR-GCC, Microchip Studio, and USBasp programmers. Its 8 KB flash is sufficient for classic teaching projects such as line-following robots, temperature displays, and servo controllers using the built-in PWM channels. Universities and makerspaces continue to specify ATmega8 DIP parts because students can visually verify the chip and hand-solder it onto protoboards, a valuable learning skill unavailable with fine-pitch SMD MCUs.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control
Appliance front-panels and small motor controllers benefit from the ATMEGA8L-8PI's combination of ADC, PWM, and serial interfaces in one low-cost 5 V device. The 16-bit Timer/Counter1 drives two PWM channels (OC1A/OC1B on PB1/PB2) for brightness and speed control, while Timer/Counter2 provides an asynchronous RTC clock source for time-of-day functions when a 32.768 kHz crystal is fitted. The watchdog timer with dedicated oscillator ensures recovery from latch-up events caused by mains transients. With 512 bytes of EEPROM, user settings such as temperature setpoints survive power cycles without external memory, reducing board area and cost in high-volume appliance designs.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The ATMEGA8L-8PI's three hardware PWM channels generate flicker-free dimming for RGB or single-channel LED drivers at PWM frequencies above the audible range when clocked from the 8 MHz source. The 10-bit ADC can implement analog dimming interfaces (0-10 V scaled inputs), potentiometer user controls, or NTC thermistor-based thermal foldback protection for the LED string. The SPI interface addresses external constant-current LED driver ICs, and the TWI bus configures multi-drop lighting fixtures. Industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) covers outdoor and luminaire-enclosure environments where consumer-grade commercial parts would exceed their thermal specification.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Instrumentation
As a compact DAQ front-end, the ATMEGA8L-8PI samples up to 8 analog channels through its 10-bit successive-approximation ADC and streams readings over the hardware USART to a host PC or logs them into the 512-byte EEPROM. The ADC noise-reduction sleep mode isolates the analog domain for cleaner low-level measurements, and the AREF pin accepts a precision external voltage reference for calibrated acquisition. Timer1 input capture (PB0, ICP1) timestamps external events with timer resolution, useful for frequency and period measurement. The SPI port interfaces with external flash or SD-card media when 512 bytes of internal EEPROM is insufficient for the dataset.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATMEGA8L-8PI — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATMEGA8A-PU | ATMEGA8-16PI | ATMEGA88V-10PU | ATMEGA328-PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-PDIP | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Atmel (Microchip Technology) | Microchip Technology | Atmel (Microchip Technology) | Atmel (Microchip Technology) | Atmel (Microchip Technology) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 8 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Flash Memory | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 8 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM / EEPROM | 1 KB / 512 B | 1 KB / 512 B | 1 KB / 512 B | 1 KB / 512 B | 2 KB / 1 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Firmware Compatibility | ATmega8 register set | 100% - same ATmega8 core | 100% - same ATmega8 core | Port needed - ATmega88 registers | Port needed - ATmega328 registers |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (Rochester channel) | Active | Obsolete | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage operation at industrial temperature (vs ATMEGA8-16PI)
- Guaranteed industrial temperature range in through-hole (vs ATMEGA8L-8PU)
- Original ATmega8 register set with zero firmware porting (vs ATMEGA88V-10PU)
- Trade-off: lower speed grade (vs ATMEGA8A-PU)
Design Notes
The ATMEGA8L-8PI is limited to 8 MHz; do not fit crystals above this frequency or the device will operate out of specification across its 2.7 V to 5.5 V range. Also verify the '-L' voltage grade against your design: if the board needs 16 MHz operation, select ATMEGA8A-PU instead. When replacing a failed unit, confirm the replacement fuse settings (SUT/CKSEL for clock source, BOD level) match the original, since fuse mismatch is the most common cause of a 'dead' swapped MCU.
Connect VCC (pin 7) and AVCC (pin 20) to the same supply rail, even in designs without analog circuitry - AVCC must never be left floating per the AVR datasheet supply guidelines. Decouple each supply pin with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within a few millimeters of the pins, plus 4.7 uF to 10 uF bulk capacitance at the board level. If AVCC is used for the ADC, add an LC low-pass filter between the digital rail and AVCC to reject digital switching noise from the 10-bit conversions.
For through-hole DIP-28 layouts, route the ADC analog traces (PC0-PC5, AREF pin 21) away from the crystal traces (pins 9-10) and high-current PWM outputs (PB1-PB3). Place a 100 nF capacitor directly between AREF and GND when using the internal 2.56 V reference to stabilize the reference node. Keep the RESET trace (pin 1) short and add a 10 kOhm pull-up to VCC with an optional 100 nF to ground for robust power-on reset behavior with the internal BOD disabled.
Estimated: at 5 V, 8 MHz, and typical active-mode current in the low milliamp range, junction dissipation is on the order of tens of milliwatts, far below the PDIP package capability - no heatsinking or thermal design is required. Thermal concerns only arise if I/O pins are heavily loaded; keep per-pin sink/source current within the datasheet limit (40 mA absolute maximum per pin, lower for guaranteed logic levels) to avoid excessive die heating.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status is not stated in the verified source data for this specific ordering code. The original ATmega8 series predates RoHS transition; buyers requiring certified compliance should verify with the distributor or select the RoHS-compliant ATMEGA8A successor.
