Microchip ATTINY202-SSFR Datasheet, Application Circuits, and Programming Guide
The Microchip ATTINY202-SSFR represents a powerful entry in the modern family of 8-bit AVR microcontrollers, engineered for space-constrained and cost-sensitive applications. As part of the tinyAVR® 0-series, this device packs a remarkable set of features into an ultra-small 8-pin package, making it an ideal choice for consumer electronics, IoT nodes, sensor interfaces, and system control functions.
Datasheet Overview: Core Features and Specifications
The ATTINY202 is built on Microchip’s enhanced AVR CPU core, which operates at up to 20 MHz, achieving a performance of up to 24 Million Instructions Per Second (MIPS). Key specifications outlined in the datasheet include:
Memory: 2 KB of Flash, 128 Bytes of SRAM, and 64 Bytes of EEPROM.
Peripherals: It features a versatile set of peripherals, including a 16-bit Timer/Counter (TCA), a 16-bit Event System, a 10-bit ADC with up to 5 channels, a USART, and an SPI/I2C interface.
Packaging: The ‘SSFR’ suffix denotes an 8-pin SOIC package, offering a compact footprint for PCB design.
Low Power Operation: The chip supports multiple sleep modes and can operate down to 1.8V, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.
Application Circuits: Bringing Designs to Life
The ATTINY202’s versatility is demonstrated through various application circuits. A quintessential example is a temperature data logger. In this circuit:
1. A thermistor, configured in a voltage divider network, is connected to one of the device’s ADC pins.
2. The internal ADC samples the analog voltage, converting it to a digital value.
3. This value can be processed, stored in the internal EEPROM for non-volatile retention, and later transmitted to a host system via the USART or I2C interface.
4. The Event System allows peripherals to communicate directly without CPU intervention, enabling the ADC to trigger a timer or a data transfer, thereby significantly reducing power consumption.
Another common circuit is a capacitive touch interface. Using the built-in peripheral touch controller (PTC), the ATTINY202 can detect touch on up to 3 channels, enabling the creation of button, slider, or wheel interfaces on a low-pin-count device without external components.
Programming Guide: From Setup to Code
Programming the ATTINY202 marks a shift from traditional AVR MCUs, as it uses the Unified Program and Debug Interface (UPDI). This single-wire interface handles both programming and debugging, simplifying the hardware connection but requiring a specific programmer like the Microchip MPLAB® PICkit™ 4 or Snap.
The development workflow typically involves:
1. Hardware Setup: Connecting the UPDI programmer to the target board using a single data line and ground.
2. Software Environment: Using Microchip’s MPLAB X IDE and the AVR-GCC compiler or the newer MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC), a graphical tool that generates initialization code and drivers for peripherals, drastically accelerating development.
3. Writing Code: Leveraging the chip’s hardware features. For instance, to read an ADC value, a developer can use MCC to configure the ADC clock source, reference voltage, and pin setting, then use the generated functions in their application code.
4. Debugging: The UPDI interface supports full-featured debugging, allowing developers to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables and registers directly within the IDE.
The Microchip ATTINY202-SSFR is a highly integrated and efficient microcontroller that punches well above its weight. Its modern UPDI interface, powerful peripheral set featuring an Event System and touch sensing, and ultra-low-power capabilities make it an exceptional solution for modern embedded designs where efficiency, size, and cost are paramount.
Keywords: ATTINY202, UPDI Interface, Low-Power MCU, Application Circuits, Programming Guide
