Microchip Launches New Generation of 8-bit AVR(R) MCUs with Core Independent Peripherals

BANGKOK -- Microchip Technology Inc. releases a new generation of 8-bit tinyAVR MCUs. The four new devices range from 14 to 24 pins and 4 KB to 8 KB of Flash and are the first tinyAVR microcontrollers to feature Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs). The new devices will be supported by START, an innovative online tool for intuitive, graphical configuration of embedded software projects.

The new ATtiny817/816/814/417 devices provide all the right features to help drive product innovation including small, low pin count and feature-rich packaging in 4 KB or 8 KB of Flash memory. Other integrated features include: a CIP called Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC); Event System for peripheral co-operation; custom programmable logic blocks; self-programming for firmware upgrades; non-volatile data storage; 20 MHz internal oscillator; high-speed serial communication with USART; operating voltages ranging from 1.8 V to 5.5 V; 10-bit ADC with internal voltage references; and sleep currents at less than 100 nA in power down mode with SRAM retention.

CIPs allow the peripherals to operate independently of the core; including serial communication and analog peripherals. Together with the Event System, that allows peripherals to communicate without using the CPU, applications can be optimised at a system level. This lowers power consumption and increases throughput and system reliability.

Accompanying the release of the four new devices, Microchip is adding support for the new AVR family in START, the online tool to configure software components and tailor embedded applications. This tool is free of charge and offers an optimised framework that allows the user to focus on adding differentiating features to their application.

For more information, visit:
http://www.atmel.com/tinyAVR
http://www.microchip.com