Introduction to ATmega8A Microcontroller Architecture Feautures Register mode-pinout Applications
Introduction ATmega8A Microcontrollers:
The Atmel ATmega8A is a low-power CMOS 8-bit microcontroller based on the AVR enhanced RISC architecture. By executing powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, the ATmega8A achieves throughputs close to 1MIPS per MHz. This empowers system designer to optimize the device for power consumption versus processing speed.AVR is a series of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers produced by Atmel. AVR follows Harcard architecture and therefore has separate program and data memory. For the program it has an internally overwriteable flash memory, for data there are static (SRAM) and EEPROM memory.
ATmega8A is one of the most used microcontrollers nowadays. It is a typical 8-bit programming AVR microcontroller of high performance, low-power, and sophisticated structure. With a combination of 32 pins which contribute to 32 general purposes working registers, the ATmega8A series is capable to operate under a temperature of - 40°C ~ 105°C. It specially features ADC noise reduction mode which helps the device eliminate switching noise in large quantities. Based on Atmel's optimized RISC architecture constructing, the chip can accomplish tough tasks by a maximum throughput at about 1MIPS / MHz.
Spceifications:
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Supply Voltage: 4.5V - 5.5V
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Core Size: 8-bit
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Core Speed: 16MHz
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Program Capacity: 8KB Flash
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RAM Size: 1K x 8
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Operating Temperature: 40°C - 85°C
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User I/O Ports: 23
ATmega8A Microcontrollers Pinout Configuration:
1. RESET (pin-4):Pin by default is used as RESET pin. PC6 can only be used as I/O pin when RSTDISBL Fuse is programmed.
2. RXD (pin-5):(Data Input Pin for USART) USART Serial Communication Interface [Can be used for programming]
3. TXD (pin-6):(Data Output Pin for USART) USART Serial Communication Interface [Can be used for programming]
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Circuit Operation:
The Microchip AVR core combines a rich instruction set with 32 general purpose working registers. All the 32 registers are directly connected to the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), allowing two independent registers to be accessed in one single instruction executed in one clock cycle. The resulting architecture is more code efficient while achieving throughputs up to ten times faster than conventional CISC microcontrollers.
The ATmega8A provides the following features: 8K bytes of In-System Programmable Flash with Read-WhileWrite capabilities, 512 bytes of EEPROM, 1K byte of SRAM, 23 general-purpose I/O lines, 32 general purpose working registers, three flexible Timer /Counters with compare modes, internal and external interrupts, a serial programmable USART, a byte-oriented Two-wire Serial Interface, a 6-channel ADC (eight channels in TQFP and VQFN packages) with 10-bit accuracy, a programmable Watchdog Timer with Internal Oscillator, an SPI serial port, and five software selectable power saving modes.
The Idle mode stops the CPU while allowing the SRAM, Timer/Counters, SPI port, and interrupt system to continue functioning. The Power-down mode saves the register contents but freezes the Oscillator, disabling all other chip functions until the next Interrupt or Hardware Reset. In Power-save mode, the asynchronous timer continues to run, allowing the user to maintain a timer base while the rest of the device is sleeping. The ADC Noise Reduction mode stops the CPU and all I/O modules except asynchronous timer and ADC, to minimize switching noise during ADC conversions. In Standby mode, the crystal/resonator Oscillator is running while the rest of the device is sleeping. This allows very fast start-up combined with low-power consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flash memory of ATmega8?
The ATMEGA8-16MU is a 8bit low-power AVR RISC-based microcontroller combines 8kB of programmable flash memory, 1kB of SRAM, 512K EEPROM and a 6 or 8 channel 10-bit A/D converter. The device supports throughput of 16 MIPS at 16MHz and operates between 2.7 to 5.5V.
What is a microcontroller MCU?
A microcontroller (MC, UC, or µC) or microcontroller unit (MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. A microcontroller contains one or more CPUs (processor cores) along with memory and programmable input/output peripherals.
What is the main function of AVR?
An automatic voltage regulator (AVR) is an electronic device that maintains a constant voltage level to electrical equipment on the same load. The AVR regulates voltage variations to deliver constant, reliable power supply.
What is MCU stands for?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appear in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
What is an example of a MCU?
Examples of common MCUs are the clock in a kitchen oven, and the IC that signals to open a car door when the handle is touched. MCUs are used in devices that need human interaction or human control.
