Microchip ATTINY24A-MUR: A Comprehensive Datasheet and Application Overview
The Microchip ATTINY24A-MUR is a high-performance, low-power 8-bit AVR microcontroller based on the enhanced RISC architecture. Packaged in a tiny 20-pin QFN (Quad-Flat No-leads) form factor, this device is engineered for space-constrained and power-sensitive embedded applications. By executing powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, it achieves throughputs approaching 1 MIPS per MHz, allowing system designers to optimize power consumption versus processing speed.
Core Architectural Features
At its heart, the ATTINY24A-MUR features an advanced RISC CPU core with 123 fully functional instructions. It incorporates 2KB of In-System Programmable Flash memory, 128 bytes of EEPROM, and 128 bytes of SRAM. A standout feature is its versatile 10-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) with up to 12 channels, capable of performing conversions near the supply voltage. This makes it exceptionally suitable for analog sensor interfacing and data acquisition tasks.
The microcontroller is equipped with a rich set of peripherals, including:
A Universal Serial Interface (USI) that can be configured for I2C, SPI, or TWI (Two-Wire Interface) communication.
Two fast PWM channels and an 8-bit timer/counter.
An internal calibrated oscillator, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many applications and further reducing the bill of materials and board space.
A sophisticated watchdog timer and multiple power-saving sleep modes.
Key Specifications and Datasheet Highlights
Operating from 1.8V to 5.5V, the ATTINY24A-MUR is incredibly flexible for both battery-powered and line-powered systems. Its ultra-low power consumption is a critical advantage. In active mode at 1MHz and 1.8V, it draws just 200µA, while in power-down mode, consumption can drop to as low as 100nA, enabling years of operation on a single battery.
The "A" in its designation signifies its membership in Microchip's picoPower family, ensuring that all critical analog functions such as the Brown-Out Detector (BOD), watchdog timer, and interrupt systems remain operational in sleep modes at the lowest currents possible.
Application Overview
The combination of small size, low power, and integrated analog capabilities makes the ATTINY24A-MUR ideal for a vast array of applications:
Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, touch-sensitive interfaces, and smart toys.
Sensor Nodes: Industrial and environmental monitoring sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, proximity).
Portable Medical Devices: Compact, battery-powered health monitors.
Home Automation: Smart switches, light dimmers, and motor control units.
Hobbyist and DIY Projects: Its simplicity and power make it a favorite for Arduino-based projects using cores like TinyCore.
Design and Development Support
Development is supported by the comprehensive Atmel Studio (now Microchip Studio) and the modern MPLAB X IDE with the AVR toolchain. Programming and debugging can be accomplished via the SPI-based interface using tools like the AVR Dragon or the simpler AVRISP mkII. The extensive code libraries and application notes provided by Microchip significantly accelerate the development process.
ICGOODFIND: The Microchip ATTINY24A-MUR stands out as an exceptionally versatile and efficient microcontroller. Its potent mix of picoPower technology, a high-resolution ADC, and a compact QFN package provides an optimal solution for designers tackling the challenges of miniaturization and energy efficiency. It is a quintessential component for creating intelligent, connected, and long-lasting embedded systems.
Keywords: Low-Power Microcontroller, picoPower AVR, Embedded Systems, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), QFN Package.
