Three new members of the tinyAVR flash microcontroller family target battery chargers, sensor endpoints, and low-end motor control applications. The devices offer three different flash memory, EEPROM, and SRAM combinations. The ATtiny25 has 2 KB of self-programmable flash memory, whereas the ATtiny45 and ATtiny85 have 4 KB and 8 KB, respectively.

The ATtiny25, Attiny45, and ATtiny85 include temperature sensors that enable the temperature calibration of system parameters. Being truly pin and functionally compatible, it’s possible to migrate both up and down in memory footprint with minimum effort. All new devices are capable of 20-MIPS throughput when running at 20 MHz.

Functions like internal EEPROM, differential ADC channels, and an integrated 16-MHz, high-precision internal RC oscillator enable advanced equipment to be manufactured in a small area at a low cost. The on-chip, low-power PLL controls two PWM outputs capable of generating a 250-kHz PWM output at 8-bit resolution. Paired with the user-adjustable, dead-time generators—which are used to avoid pulse overlapping for the driver stage—this allows for reduced size and cost for external filter components when using the PWM to control power to a battery. Together with the four 10-bit A/D converter channels and a fast analog comparator, this provides all the means for current and voltage control and safety when controlling power.

Complete evaluation and debug tools are available for the tinyAVR microcontrollers. The STK500 starter kit, which costs $79, offers all the necessary hardware to evaluate programs and test the capabilities of the ATtiny25, ATtiny45, and ATtiny85. The ATtiny25, ATtiny45, and ATtiny85 cost $0.80, $0.97, and $1.27, respectively, in 10,000-piece quantities.

Atmel Corp.
www.atmel.com