Microchip ATMEGA8535-16AU: An 8-bit AVR Microcontroller for Embedded Control Applications

The realm of embedded control is vast, demanding microcontrollers that offer a robust blend of performance, integration, and reliability. The Microchip ATMEGA8535-16AU stands as a quintessential component in this space, representing the enduring value of the highly efficient AVR RISC architecture. This 8-bit microcontroller is engineered to deliver a powerful and flexible solution for a wide array of embedded applications, from industrial automation to consumer electronics.

At the heart of the ATMEGA8535-16AU lies a core capable of executing powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, enabling throughputs approaching 1 MIPS per MHz. This efficiency allows the system designer to optimize power consumption versus processing speed. Operating at a maximum frequency of 16 MHz, as denoted by the "-16AU" suffix, this microcontroller provides ample computational power for complex control algorithms and real-time system management.

A key strength of this device is its rich set of integrated peripherals, which significantly reduces external component count and overall system cost. It features 8 KB of in-system self-programmable Flash memory for flexible application code storage, alongside 512 bytes of EEPROM for critical data retention and 512 bytes of internal SRAM. Its peripheral set is comprehensive, including:

Three flexible timer/counters with compare modes

A versatile 8-channel, 10-bit ADC for precision analog sensor interfacing

Programmable Serial USART for asynchronous communication

Master/Slave SPI serial interface and a Byte-oriented 2-wire Serial Interface (I²C)

A programmable Watchdog Timer with an internal oscillator for enhanced system reliability

The microcontroller is housed in a 44-pin TQFP package, offering numerous general-purpose I/O lines that can directly interface with LEDs, buttons, relays, and other digital devices. Its design emphasizes resilience, with robust brown-out detection and multiple power-saving sleep modes, making it exceptionally suited for battery-powered and safety-critical applications.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip ATMEGA8535-16AU remains a formidable and cost-effective choice for engineers. Its balanced architecture, combining the efficient AVR core with a critical set of built-in peripherals, makes it an ideal workhorse for developing sophisticated and reliable embedded control systems without unnecessary complexity.

Keywords: AVR Microcontroller, Embedded Control, RISC Architecture, In-System Programmable, 10-bit ADC