ATMEGA128A-AU MicroChip: Features, Applications, and Datasheet

ATMEGA128A-AU

Product Overview

Part Number: ATMEGA128A-AU

Manufacturer: Microchip Technology

Description: The -24C to 85C lead-free ROHS 3 Compliant GULL WING microcontroller contains 1.05mm of 4K x 8 of TA 16MHz

Lead Time: Can Ship Immediately

Datasheet: Datasheet PDF

Category: Single Chip Microcomputer/Microcontroller/Microcontroller Units (MCUs/MPUs/SOCs)

Number of Lines: 64

Short Description

With its excellent performance and extensive feature set, Microchip Technology's ATMEGA128A-AU microcontroller is renowned for its versatility. It offers robust processing capabilities appropriate for a wide range of embedded applications thanks to its AVR® CPU core clocked at up to 16 MHz. Equipped with 128 KB of Flash memory and 4 KB of EEPROM, along with 4 KB of SRAM, the ATMEGA128A-AU provides ample storage for program code and data, enabling developers to create complex and feature-rich firmware solutions.

 

Additionally, the ATMEGA128A-AU features a comprehensive peripheral set, including multiple USART, SPI, and I2C ports, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and pulse-width modulation (PWM) channels. Sensors, motor controllers, communication protocols, and other peripherals are among the features of its many integrated peripherals. Designed for battery-powered applications, the ATMEGA128A-AU excels in industrial automation, consumer electronic systems, automotive applications, and more due to its low power consumption and wide operating voltage range.

Technical Specification

 

Features

A versatile 8-bit microcontroller, the ATMEGA128A-AU is manufactured by Microchip Technology. In a nutshell, it has the following features:

 

High-Performance AVR® CPU Core:

The ATMEGA128A-AU is built around an advanced AVR® RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) CPU core, operating at speeds of up to 16 MHz. A powerful processing core provides efficient instructions execution and effective peripheral control, resulting in fast execution of instructions.

 

Memory Resources:

For firmware and configuration data storage, the ATMEGA128A-AU has 128 KB of Flash memory and 4 KB of EEPROM memory. During program execution, the CPU has 4 KB of static RAM (Static Random-Access Memory).

 

Comprehensive Peripheral Set:

There are multiple SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) and I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) ports included in the microcontroller, as well as multiple USART (Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) ports. Sensors, displays, memory devices, and other components can be interfaced with these peripherals via communication with external devices.

 

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC):

A high-resolution 10-bit ADC and multiple channels on the ATMEGA128A-AU allow for accurate acquisition of analog signals. This feature is needed for applications that integrate analog sensors, acquire data, and process signals.

 

Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) Channels:

In addition to controlling motor speed and dimming LEDs, the microcontroller can generate audio signals, control motor speed, and implement other analog output functions. Microcontrollers with PWM functionality are ideal for applications that control motors or manage electricity.

 

Timers and Counters:

It can function as a timer/counter and can count events, as well as generate waveforms, all with a variety of operating modes. Besides generating precise timing intervals, timers are used for measuring external events and executing real-time control algorithms.

 

External Interrupts:

Sensor inputs and communication signals can be received by a microcontroller without continuously polling. As a result, the system is more responsive and efficient, especially when handling real-time events.

 

Wide Operating Voltage Range:

A wide range of voltages can be achieved by the ATMEGA128A-AU, making it compatible with a variety of power sources and voltage levels commonly found in embedded systems. Due to this flexibility, the device can be operated in a variety of environments and with different power supply configurations.

 

Low-Power Consumption:

By using sleep modes and power-saving techniques, microcontrollers minimize their energy consumption during idle periods. By extending battery life and reducing power consumption, it is ideal for battery-powered and energy-conscious applications.

 

Rich Development Ecosystem:

Integrated development environments (IDEs), development boards, compilers, and software libraries are available from Microchip for the ATMEGA128A-AU. By simplifying the development process, accelerating time-to-market, and facilitating seamless integration into embedded systems, this ecosystem simplifies the microcontroller development process.

ATMEGA128A-AU Applications

Its versatility and robust performance make ATMEGA128A-AU an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. ATMEGA128A-AU excels in the following applications:

 

Industrial Automation:

Various industrial processes and equipment can be controlled and monitored with the ATMEGA128A-AU. Based on the collected data, actuators and motors can be actuated in response to temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors. With multiple USART, SPI, and I2C ports, it is compatible with PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMI panels, and other industrial devices, which makes it possible to integrate it seamlessly with automated manufacturing systems.

 

Smart Home Systems:

The smart home can be equipped with devices and systems that connect wirelessly to it, where it will act as the brain coordinating interconnected devices. Lights, thermostats, security cameras, and door locks can be controlled by a user or an environment. Furthermore, it can enhance overall energy efficiency and sustainability through its low-power capabilities.

 

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs):

Sensor data can be collected and transmitted wirelessly by using the ATMEGA128A-AU in wireless sensor networks. The device can communicate with other nodes in the network using wireless protocols like Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and interface with sensors like temperature, humidity, motion, and light. Environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and asset tracking can be achieved using WSNs built using the ATMEGA128A-AU.

 

Educational Projects:

Embedded systems programming and electronics are widely taught using the ATMEGA128A-AU in educational settings. Through projects such as temperature control systems, digital alarm clocks, robotic vehicles, and more, students can learn more about microcontroller architecture, programming concepts, and interfacing techniques. This platform is ideal for hands-on learning and experimentation due to its rich development ecosystem, which includes development boards and software tools.

 

Automotive Electronics:

Vehicle control systems, engine management systems, dashboard displays, and other automotive electronics use this component. Sensors, actuators, and other vehicle systems can be interfaced with this unit through a CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network). In automotive environments, it can withstand a wide range of temperatures because of its rugged design.

 

IoT (Internet of Things) Devices:

IoT devices requiring sensor data collection, processing, and cloud communication can take advantage of the ATMEGA128A-AU's low-power capabilities and extensive connectivity options. In the context of IoT, it can be used to develop smart agricultural systems, remote environmental monitoring systems, asset tracking systems, and smart wearable devices.

 

Component Comparison

 

Faqs

Question 1: Can the ATMEGA128A-AU be used in battery-powered applications?

Answer: Yes, the ATMEGA128A-AU's low-power consumption and energy-efficient operation make it well-suited for battery-powered applications where power efficiency is essential, such as IoT devices, portable electronics, and remote sensor nodes.

 

Question 2: What are the power requirements of the ATMEGA128A-AU?

Answer: ATMEGA128A-AU is typically compatible with a wide range of power sources, including 2.7V to 5.5V. To reduce energy consumption when idle, the chip features low-power sleep modes.

 

Question 3: Does the ATMEGA128A-AU support development tools and software libraries?

Answer: In addition to developing boards, compilers, IDEs, and software libraries, Microchip offers a comprehensive development ecosystem for the ATMEGA128A-AU. Microcontrollers and embedded systems can be seamlessly integrated through this ecosystem, simplifying the development process.

 

Question 4: What communication protocols does the ATMEGA128A-AU support?

Answer: With ATMEGA128A-AU, you can interface with external devices and systems using USART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and LIN protocols.

Final Thoughts

As a versatile and reliable microchip solution for embedded applications, Microchip Technology's ATMEGA128A-AU stands out. The device offers developers the flexibility and performance they need with its powerful AVR CPU core, large memory resources, and a variety of integrated peripherals. ATMEGA128A-AU offers robust functionality and ease of integration across diverse domains, including industrial automation and smart home systems.

 

Furthermore, Microchip's extensive development ecosystem includes development tools, software libraries, and technical documentation to streamline the development process and enable engineers and hobbyists to get started quickly. The ATMEGA128A-AU remains a favorite among embedded systems designers looking for a low-power, wide-ranging microcontroller platform. Many embedded systems designs choose the ATMEGA128A-AU because of its numerous connectivity options. It is the ATMEGA128A-AU microchip which continues to drive technological advancements in the embedded systems industry, empowering creators around the world.