ATMEGA48PA – AU
Microcontroller Core
The ATMEGA48PA – AU is based on an 8 – bit AVR microcontroller core. It has a comprehensive instruction set covering arithmetic, logical, data transfer, and control instructions. This allows it to execute a wide variety of tasks and operations, providing great flexibility for developers to program for diverse application requirements.
It operates at a maximum clock frequency of 20 MHz. This clock speed determines how quickly it processes instructions and performs internal operations, ensuring efficient interaction with external components and timely execution of tasks.
Memory Configuration
Flash Memory: It features an internal Flash memory for program storage. The Flash memory has a capacity of 48 KB, which offers ample space for developers to store their application code. This non – volatile memory retains the programmed instructions even when the power is turned off, making it suitable for applications where code preservation is crucial.
Data Memory: The internal data memory consists of 512 bytes of SRAM (Static Random – Access Memory) and 256 bytes of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read – Only Memory). The SRAM is used for temporary data storage during program execution, such as holding variables and intermediate calculation results. The EEPROM is useful for storing data that needs to be retained even after power cycles, like configuration parameters or calibration values.
Input/Output Ports
The microcontroller is equipped with three 8 – bit input/output (I/O) ports, namely Port B, Port C, and Port D. These ports together provide 23 I/O pins that can be configured as either input or output depending on the specific needs of the application. They can be used to interface with external components like sensors, switches, LEDs, or other microcontrollers. For example, pins can be set to receive signals from environmental sensors or send control signals to actuators.
Each port has its own unique characteristics and functions. Port B has some pins with the ability to generate interrupts on specific pin state changes. Port C can be used in different ways according to the configuration, and Port D also has specific functions related to its pins, like being involved in serial communication in some cases.
Interrupt System
It has a built – in interrupt system that enables the microcontroller to respond promptly to external events. There are multiple interrupt sources available, including external interrupts triggered by external pins and internal interrupts generated by events such as timer overflows, comparator outputs, or serial communication events. When an interrupt occurs, the microcontroller can immediately suspend its current operation and jump to the corresponding interrupt service routine to handle the event.
The interrupt system assigns priorities to different interrupt sources. This ensures that more critical events are dealt with first, maintaining the orderly operation of the system and enabling efficient multitasking in response to various external stimuli.
Timer/Counter Units
The ATMEGA48PA – AU incorporates two 8 – bit timer/counter units and one 16 – bit timer/counter unit. These can be used for a variety of purposes, such as generating accurate time delays, measuring the time interval between external events, or creating pulse – width modulated (PWM) signals. For instance, in a motor control application, the timer/counter units can be used to generate PWM signals with appropriate duty cycles to adjust the motor’s speed.
The timer/counter units can be configured in different modes, each offering distinct features and capabilities. They can operate in either timer mode, where they count internal clock cycles, or counter mode, where they count external events based on the input signals received at specific pins.
Analog – to – Digital Converter (ADC)
It has an 8 – bit analog – to – digital converter. The ADC allows the microcontroller to convert analog input signals, like those from temperature sensors or light sensors, into digital values. This enables it to interface with the real world more effectively and process analog information within digital systems. The ADC has a specific number of input channels and can be conf
igured with different reference voltages and sampling rates according to the application’s needs.
Serial Communication
The ATMEGA48PA – AU supports serial communication through its USART (Universal Serial Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) module. This enables it to communicate with other devices that support serial communication protocols, such as PCs, other microcontrollers, or external peripherals. The USART can operate at different baud rates, which can be configured according to the communication requirements.
Serial communication allows for the transfer of data in a sequential manner, bit by bit. It can be used for sending commands, receiving sensor data, or sharing information among different components in a system. For example, in a remote monitoring system, the ATMEGA48PA – AU can use serial communication to send the measured data to a central monitoring station.
Power Management
It has power management features that allow it to operate efficiently under different power supply conditions. It can enter different power – saving modes when appropriate, reducing power consumption during periods of inactivity or when only certain low – power functions are required. For example, it can lower its clock frequency or turn off specific peripherals to conserve energy while still maintaining the ability to respond to critical events.
It can operate within a specific range of power supply voltages, which provides flexibility in choosing the power source and integrating it into various power – supplied systems.
Microcontroller Core
The ATMEGA48PA – AU is based on an 8 – bit AVR microcontroller core. It has a comprehensive instruction set covering arithmetic, logical, data transfer, and control instructions. This allows it to execute a wide variety of tasks and operations, providing great flexibility for developers to program for diverse application requirements.
It operates at a maximum clock frequency of 20 MHz. This clock speed determines how quickly it processes instructions and performs internal operations, ensuring efficient interaction with external components and timely execution of tasks.
Memory Configuration
Flash Memory: It features an internal Flash memory for program storage. The Flash memory has a capacity of 48 KB, which offers ample space for developers to store their application code. This non – volatile memory retains the programmed instructions even when the power is turned off, making it suitable for applications where code preservation is crucial.
Data Memory: The internal data memory consists of 512 bytes of SRAM (Static Random – Access Memory) and 256 bytes of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read – Only Memory). The SRAM is used for temporary data storage during program execution, such as holding variables and intermediate calculation results. The EEPROM is useful for storing data that needs to be retained even after power cycles, like configuration parameters or calibration values.
Input/Output Ports
The microcontroller is equipped with three 8 – bit input/output (I/O) ports, namely Port B, Port C, and Port D. These ports together provide 23 I/O pins that can be configured as either input or output depending on the specific needs of the application. They can be used to interface with external components like sensors, switches, LEDs, or other microcontrollers. For example, pins can be set to receive signals from environmental sensors or send control signals to actuators.
Each port has its own unique characteristics and functions. Port B has some pins with the ability to generate interrupts on specific pin state changes. Port C can be used in different ways according to the configuration, and Port D also has specific functions related to its pins, like being involved in serial communication in some cases.
Interrupt System
It has a built – in interrupt system that enables the microcontroller to respond promptly to external events. There are multiple interrupt sources available, including external interrupts triggered by external pins and internal interrupts generated by events such as timer overflows, comparator outputs, or serial communication events. When an interrupt occurs, the microcontroller can immediately suspend its current operation and jump to the corresponding interrupt service routine to handle the event.
The interrupt system assigns priorities to different interrupt sources. This ensures that more critical events are dealt with first, maintaining the orderly operation of the system and enabling efficient multitasking in response to various external stimuli.
Timer/Counter Units
The ATMEGA48PA – AU incorporates two 8 – bit timer/counter units and one 16 – bit timer/counter unit. These can be used for a variety of purposes, such as generating accurate time delays, measuring the time interval between external events, or creating pulse – width modulated (PWM) signals. For instance, in a motor control application, the timer/counter units can be used to generate PWM signals with appropriate duty cycles to adjust the motor’s speed.
The timer/counter units can be configured in different modes, each offering distinct features and capabilities. They can operate in either timer mode, where they count internal clock cycles, or counter mode, where they count external events based on the input signals received at specific pins.
Analog – to – Digital Converter (ADC)
It has an 8 – bit analog – to – digital converter. The ADC allows the microcontroller to convert analog input signals, like those from temperature sensors or light sensors, into digital values. This enables it to interface with the real world more effectively and process analog information within digital systems. The ADC has a specific number of input channels and can be conf
igured with different reference voltages and sampling rates according to the application’s needs.
Serial Communication
The ATMEGA48PA – AU supports serial communication through its USART (Universal Serial Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) module. This enables it to communicate with other devices that support serial communication protocols, such as PCs, other microcontrollers, or external peripherals. The USART can operate at different baud rates, which can be configured according to the communication requirements.
Serial communication allows for the transfer of data in a sequential manner, bit by bit. It can be used for sending commands, receiving sensor data, or sharing information among different components in a system. For example, in a remote monitoring system, the ATMEGA48PA – AU can use serial communication to send the measured data to a central monitoring station.
Power Management
It has power management features that allow it to operate efficiently under different power supply conditions. It can enter different power – saving modes when appropriate, reducing power consumption during periods of inactivity or when only certain low – power functions are required. For example, it can lower its clock frequency or turn off specific peripherals to conserve energy while still maintaining the ability to respond to critical events.
It can operate within a specific range of power supply voltages, which provides flexibility in choosing the power source and integrating it into various power – supplied systems.
