ATTINY44A-PU - 20MHz 8-Bit AVR MCU | Microchip Technology
MPN: ATTINY44A-PU ✓ ActiveATTINY44A-PU Overview
An 8-bit AVR microcontroller is a compact embedded-control semiconductor that combines a processor core, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on one integrated circuit. The AVR architecture uses a RISC instruction set and is part of the broader hierarchy of 8-bit microcontroller, embedded controller, and semiconductor products. The ATTINY44A-PU is designed for compact control systems in which modest processing throughput, flexible I/O, and integrated analog and timing functions are more important than high-speed computing.
The device includes an 8-bit timer/counter with two PWM channels and a 16-bit timer/counter with two PWM channels. These timers support periodic timing, event counting, and programmable waveform generation. An 8-channel, 10-bit analog-to-digital converter enables digital firmware to measure analog input voltages, while 12 general-purpose I/O lines provide interfaces for sensors, switches, indicators, actuators, and external control logic.
Its 4 KB in-system-programmable flash stores firmware, 256 bytes of EEPROM retain data that must survive power cycles, and 256 bytes of SRAM support working variables and stack operations. The in-system programming interface simplifies programming and updates when the device is mounted on a circuit board. Its 20 MHz maximum clock rate gives designers additional timing margin for peripheral servicing and compact control algorithms.
Typical uses include low-cost embedded controllers, analog measurement nodes, lighting-control circuits, simple motor or actuator controllers, and compact sensor interfaces. The combination of PWM outputs and an ADC is especially useful when a design must acquire analog information and produce proportional control outputs without adding a separate digital signal processor.
When designing a PCB, place the decoupling capacitor close to the supply pin and route programming signals consistently with the device pin description in the manufacturer datasheet. Confirm oscillator, reset, and I/O voltage limits against the intended supply voltage. Because the PDIP package is designed for through-hole assembly, mechanical spacing, lead alignment, and programming access should also be considered during layout.
This product page combines the manufacturer's core device characteristics with practical assembly guidance, verified package details, family alternatives, and a parameter-focused comparison. It is intended to help engineers identify whether the ATTINY44A-PU's memory, timer, ADC, and PWM resources match a specific embedded-control design before schematic capture and PCB layout.
Drop-in alternatives for ATTINY44A-PU — 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 ATTINY44A-PU (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC Resolution, Architecture, EEPROM, Flash Memory.
ATTINY44V-10PU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATTINY84V-10PU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATTINY24A-PU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →ATTINY24V-10PU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATTINY44A-PU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit AVR RISC-based microcontroller |
| Architecture | picoPower AVR |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 4 KB (2K x 16), ISP |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| SRAM | 256 bytes |
| General-Purpose I/O Lines | 12 |
| General-Purpose Working Registers | 32 |
| 8-Bit Timer/Counter | 1 timer with 2 PWM channels |
| 16-Bit Timer/Counter | 1 timer with 2 PWM channels |
| ADC Resolution | 10 bits |
| ADC Channels | 8 channels |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5 V |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP |
| Pin Count | 14 pins |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial temperature grade |
| Programming | In-System Programmable (ISP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
ATTINY44A-PU 14-pin pdip Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ATTINY44A-PU (14-pin pdip 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 ATTINY44A-PU.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ATTINY44A-PU is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Analog Sensor Node, LED Dimming Controller, Compact Motor or Valve Controller, Battery-Powered Portable Controller, Programmable Timer and Sequencer, Educational AVR Control Platform.
Low-Cost Analog Sensor Node
The ATTINY44A-PU fits a compact sensor node that must acquire analog measurements and make local decisions without a high-performance processor. Its 8-channel, 10-bit ADC provides the measurement interface, while 4 KB of flash stores the acquisition routine, calibration constants, and control logic. The 12 general-purpose I/O lines can support digital sensors, status indicators, and configuration switches. At a maximum clock rate of 20 MHz, firmware can service multiple inputs and timers without introducing a larger control architecture.
Recommended
LED Dimming Controller
The ATTINY44A-PU is suitable for LED dimming and lighting-effect control because it provides four PWM outputs through its 8-bit and 16-bit timer/counters. Firmware can read a control input with the 10-bit ADC, apply a mapping or fading sequence, and update PWM duty cycles across multiple lighting channels. Its 256-byte SRAM and 256-byte EEPROM are adequate for short animation tables and persistent settings, while the 20 MHz clock provides useful timing headroom.
Recommended
Compact Motor or Valve Controller
ATTINY44A-PU can serve as a compact actuator controller when a design needs timed outputs and a feedback input. The two PWM-capable timer/counter blocks generate repeatable control waveforms, and the 12 I/O lines support limit switches, enable signals, status LEDs, and external logic. An ADC channel can monitor a sensor-derived control value. The 20 MHz operating speed allows the firmware to combine feedback sampling with timer updates and basic fault handling in one device.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Controller
The ATTINY44A-PU can be used in a battery-powered portable controller where a small memory footprint and integrated peripherals simplify the design. It offers 256 bytes of SRAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, 12 I/O lines, and a 20 MHz maximum clock while operating from a 1.8 V to 5 V supply. A portable installation can use its ADC for a battery or sensor measurement and its EEPROM for retained configuration. The final power budget should be calculated from the selected sleep mode, peripheral activity, and external load.
Recommended
Programmable Timer and Sequencer
ATTINY44A-PU is well suited to programmable timing and sequencing tasks because it combines 8-bit and 16-bit timer/counters with four PWM channels. These peripherals can produce periodic events, measure intervals, or drive repetitive waveforms while the core handles sequencing logic. Twelve I/O lines provide outputs for multiple controlled stages, and the ADC can monitor an external timing or process value. Its 4 KB program Flash is appropriate for compact state machines rather than large protocol stacks.
Recommended
Educational AVR Control Platform
The ATTINY44A-PU works well as the controller on a compact educational platform for learning embedded programming, timer use, ADC acquisition, and PWM generation. Its 14-pin PDIP format exposes the processor in a through-hole package, allowing straightforward breadboard or socket-based experimentation. The 4 KB Flash capacity supports small introductory projects, the 256-byte SRAM and EEPROM provide room for variables and persistent settings, and ISP programming supports repeatable firmware updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ATTINY44A-PU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ATTINY44V-10PU | ATTINY84V-10PU | ATTINY24A-PU | ATTINY24V-10PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-pin PDIP | 14-pin PDIP | 14-pin PDIP | 14-pin PDIP | 14-pin PDIP |
| Flash Memory | 4 KB | 4 KB | 8 KB | 2 KB | 2 KB |
| ADC | 8 channels, 10 bits | 8 channels, 10 bits | 8 channels, 10 bits | 8 channels, 10 bits | 8 channels, 10 bits |
| Architecture | picoPower 8-bit AVR RISC | 8-bit AVR RISC | 8-bit AVR RISC | picoPower 8-bit AVR RISC | 8-bit AVR RISC |
| Programming Interface | In-System Programmable (ISP) | In-System Programmable (ISP) | In-System Programmable (ISP) | In-System Programmable (ISP) | In-System Programmable (ISP) |
Key Differentiators
- Higher clock rate within the identified 14-pin ATtiny alternatives (vs ATTINY44V-10PU)
- Balanced memory configuration for compact embedded control (vs ATTINY84V-10PU)
- More program storage than the smaller ATtiny24-family options (vs ATTINY24A-PU)
Design Notes
Place the supply decoupling capacitor immediately between the appropriate power and ground pins, keeping the loop short. Route the 12 available I/O lines away from sensitive analog inputs where possible, and provide a common, low-impedance ground path. Because the ATTINY44A-PU uses a 14-pin PDIP, preserve the manufacturer pin orientation and lead spacing during placement.
Treat the 8-channel, 10-bit ADC as a mixed-signal subsystem. Keep analog traces short, connect the analog ground reference according to the device pin guidance, and place any input filtering close to the source. Avoid routing PWM outputs and switching-node wiring beneath the analog inputs. These layout practices reduce coupling between digital timer outputs and sensor measurements.
Do not assume that a lower-clock ATtiny44-family device can replace the ATTINY44A-PU without a timing review. ATTINY44V-10PU is limited to 10 MHz, while the target reaches 20 MHz; communication bit timing, sampling schedules, PWM periods, and busy loops can change. Check fuse settings, startup delay, ADC sampling time, and application deadlines before approving any substitution.
Select a supply that covers the selected operating voltage and the current required by the microcontroller, external loads, and any attached sensors. The listed 1.8 V to 5 V range does not remove the need for voltage margin, stable startup sequencing, or local bulk capacitance. Use the manufacturer current-consumption tables to evaluate active and low-power modes before estimating battery life.
Compliance Information
The retrieved product and distributor records do not explicitly state the ATTINY44A-PU's compliance declarations. Confirm RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status in the manufacturer's product documentation before release.
