Microchip ATTINY24A-SSUR: A Comprehensive Datasheet and Application Overview for the 8-bit AVR Microcontroller

The Microchip ATTINY24A-SSUR represents a powerful and compact solution in the world of 8-bit microcontrollers. As a member of the renowned AVR family, this device packs a significant amount of functionality into a small 14-pin package, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained and cost-sensitive embedded applications. This article provides a detailed overview of its key features, datasheet essentials, and typical use cases.

Core Architecture and Performance

At the heart of the ATTINY24A-SSUR lies a high-performance, low-power AVR RISC architecture. The CPU can execute instructions in a single clock cycle, achieving a throughput approaching 1 MIPS per MHz, allowing the system to be optimized for both processing speed and power consumption. Operating between 1.8V and 5.5V, this microcontroller is exceptionally versatile, supporting a wide range of battery-powered and mains-operated designs.

Memory and Integrated Peripherals

Despite its small size, the ATTINY24A-SSUR is feature-rich:

2KB of In-System Self-Programmable Flash memory for program storage.

128B of EEPROM and 128B of Internal SRAM for data handling.

A versatile 10-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) with 11 channels, enabling precise analog sensor readings.

Two fast PWM channels and a 10-bit PWM for motor control and power regulation.

A built-in Universal Serial Interface (USI) that can be configured for I2C, SPI, and UART communication, providing flexible connectivity options.

An internal calibrated oscillator, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many applications.

Key Datasheet Specifications

Understanding the absolute maximum ratings and recommended operating conditions is crucial for robust design. Key specifications from the datasheet include:

Package: 14-pin SOIC (150mil) (SSUR).

Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade).

Maximum Clock Frequency: 20 MHz at 4.5V - 5.5V, 10 MHz at 2.7V - 5.5V, and 4 MHz at 1.8V - 5.5V.

I/O Pins: 12 programmable I/O lines, all with high sink and source capability.

Application Overview

The combination of analog and digital capabilities makes the ATTINY24A-SSUR exceptionally suited for a vast array of applications. It is commonly employed as a system manager in larger designs, handling power sequencing, sensor monitoring, and user interface control. Its strengths are perfectly matched for:

Sensor Hub and Data Logging: The high-resolution ADC is ideal for reading multiple analog sensors like thermistors, photodiodes, or potentiometers.

Touch Sensing: Using Microchip's QTouch® technology, it can implement capacitive touch interfaces for buttons, sliders, and wheels.

Power Management: Its PWM and analog comparators are perfect for controlling DC-DC converters and battery charging circuits.

Consumer Electronics: Used in remote controls, toys, and appliances due to its small form factor and low power consumption.

Industrial Control: Serves as a smart node for monitoring environmental data and controlling actuators in building automation.

Development and Programming

Development is supported by the comprehensive Atmel Studio (now Microchip Studio) IDE and the affordable AVRISP mkII or ATMEL-ICE programmers. The microcontroller is also compatible with the popular Arduino core through projects like ATTinyCore, opening up a vast community of resources for rapid prototyping.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip ATTINY24A-SSUR is a highly integrated and cost-effective 8-bit microcontroller that delivers a remarkable feature set for its size. Its blend of processing power, versatile peripherals—especially the multi-channel ADC—and ultra-low power operation makes it a superior choice for intelligent control in compact embedded systems, from consumer gadgets to industrial modules.

Keywords: ATTINY24A-SSUR, AVR Microcontroller, Low-Power, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), Embedded Systems.