Microchip ATTINY841-SSU: A Comprehensive Guide to Features and Applications

The world of embedded systems is driven by powerful, yet incredibly small and efficient microcontrollers. At the forefront of this miniaturization is Microchip Technology's ATtiny series, with the ATTINY841-SSU standing out as a remarkably capable 8-bit microcontroller packaged in a compact 14-pin SOIC form factor. This device packs a significant punch, offering a rich set of peripherals that make it an ideal choice for a vast array of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial control.

Key Features of the ATTINY841-SSU

The prowess of the ATTINY841-SSU lies in its sophisticated integration of core processing power and versatile peripherals.

High-Performance AVR RISC Core: At its heart is an advanced AVR RISC architecture capable of running at speeds up to 16 MHz, delivering up to 16 MIPS throughput. This ensures efficient and swift execution of control algorithms and user code.

Ample Memory: It is equipped with 8KB of In-System Self-Programmable Flash program memory, 512B of EEPROM for non-volatile data storage, and 512B of internal SRAM. This memory configuration is substantial for complex programs and data handling in its class.

Advanced Peripherals: The peripheral set is where the ATTINY841-SSU truly excels. It features a 16-bit Timer/Counter with dedicated period register (TCA), a versatile 16-bit Timer/Counter for precise timing and waveform generation. Crucially, it includes a Universal Serial Interface (USI) that can be configured for both I2C and SPI communication, providing flexible connectivity options to sensors and other ICs.

Robust Analog Capabilities: For real-world signal interaction, it integrates a 10-channel, 10-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), allowing it to monitor multiple analog sensors simultaneously. It also includes an analog comparator for quick, non-digital comparisons of two voltages.

Packaging and Robustness: The ‘SSU’ suffix denotes a 14-pin SOIC package, which is mechanically robust and easy to prototype with. The controller also features high noise immunity and a wide operating voltage range (1.8V - 5.5V), making it suitable for electrically harsh environments.

Primary Applications

The combination of small size, low power consumption, and a powerful feature set opens doors to numerous applications.

Sensor Hub and Data Logging: Its multiple ADC channels and I2C/SPI support make it perfect for aggregating data from various digital and analog sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, light) and either processing it locally or transmitting it to a host controller.

Consumer Electronics: The ATTINY841-SSU is ideal for human-machine interface (HMI) control in devices like touch-sensitive panels, remote controls, and intelligent lighting systems, where it can manage LED effects and read button presses.

Industrial Control: In industrial settings, it can serve as a low-cost programmable logic controller (PLC) for small-scale tasks, motor control, and system monitoring, thanks to its robust design and precise timer control.

Internet of Things (IoT) End Nodes: While it lacks a native hardware Ethernet or WiFi controller, it is perfectly suited as the primary controller in battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, handling sensor data acquisition and preparing it for transmission via an external wireless module.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Microchip ATTINY841-SSU is a testament to the concept of functionality through integration. It successfully crams a high-performance core, substantial memory, and a critical mass of advanced analog and digital peripherals into a minimal footprint. This makes it an exceptionally cost-effective and versatile solution for designers looking to add intelligent control to space-constrained and power-sensitive applications without compromising on capability.

Keywords:

Microcontroller

ATTINY841-SSU

Embedded Systems

Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

IoT Sensor Node