Microcontroller Core
The ATTINY26 – 16SI is based on an 8 – bit AVR microcontroller core. It has a set of instructions that includes arithmetic (like addition, subtraction), logical (AND, OR, NOT), data transfer, and control instructions. These instructions allow it to handle basic to moderately complex computational and control tasks. For example, it can manage simple sensor – reading operations and make decisions to control external components such as LEDs based on the sensor data.
It operates at a maximum clock frequency of 16 MHz. The clock speed affects how quickly it processes instructions and internal operations. At 16 MHz, it can provide relatively efficient processing for applications that don’t require extremely high – speed operation, such as basic home automation tasks like a simple light – dimming control.
Memory Configuration
Flash Memory: The microcontroller contains 2 KB of internal Flash memory for program storage. Flash memory is non – volatile, meaning the program code stored in it remains even when the power is off. This is useful for applications where the program needs to be retained, like in a small – scale industrial control with a fixed set of operations that must be remembered across power cycles.
Data Memory: It has 128 bytes of SRAM (Static Random – Access Memory) and 128 bytes of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read – Only Memory). SRAM is used during program execution to store temporary data such as variables and intermediate calculation results. For example, in a temperature – sensing application, the current temperature reading being processed can be stored in SRAM. EEPROM is for storing data that needs to be retained across power cycles. In a device configuration application, settings like calibration values can be stored in EEPROM.
Input/Output Ports
The ATTINY26 – 16SI has a limited number of input/output (I/O) ports. These ports provide pins that can be configured as either input or output. The pins can interface with external components such as sensors and actuators.
Some pins may have the ability to generate interrupts. Interrupts are important for handling external events promptly. For example, if a pin is connected to a button, a button press can trigger an interrupt, and the microcontroller can immediately respond to execute a specific routine, like toggling an LED state.
The I/O ports can be used to connect to a variety of external devices such as simple sensors (like a light – detecting photodiode) to receive input signals and basic actuators (like a small buzzer) to send control signals.
Interrupt System
It has a built – in interrupt system with a few interrupt sources. These include external interrupts, which are triggered by changes in the state of external pins, and perhaps internal interrupts related to specific internal functions like timer events.
When an interrupt occurs, the microcontroller can suspend its current operation and jump to a specific interrupt service routine (ISR). The ISR is a piece of code designed to handle the interrupt event. The interrupt system can assign priorities to different interrupt sources (if applicable), ensuring that more critical events are handled first. This allows for efficient handling of external stimuli and multitasking in a limited context.
Timer/Counter Units
The microcontroller incorporates timer/counter units. These units can be used for several functions.
Time Delay Generation: They can generate accurate time delays. For example, in a blinking LED application, the timer/counter can be programmed to turn the LED on and off at specific intervals. In a more complex small – scale sequencing application, it can ensure that different steps occur at the correct times.
Event Measurement: The timer/counter units can measure the time interval between external events. If there is a sensor that generates pulses, the microcontroller can use these units to count the time between consecutive pulses. This can be used to calculate the frequency of an event or the speed of a moving object (in a simple context).
Pulse – Width Modulation (PWM): These units can also create PWM signals. PWM can be used to control the power delivered to a load such as an LED (for dimming) or a small motor (for speed control). The timer/counter units can be configured in different modes depending on the application’s requirements, such as timer mode (counting internal clock cycles) or counter mode (counting external events based on the input signals received at specific pins).
Analog – to – Digital Converter (ADC) (if available)
Some versions of the ATTINY26 – 16SI may have an analog – to – digital converter. If present, it allows the microcontroller to convert analog input signals from sensors (like a temperature sensor that outputs a voltage proportional to the temperature) into digital values.
The ADC has a specific number of input channels and can be configured with different reference voltages and sampling rates according to the application’s needs. For example, in a simple light – intensity – sensing application, the ADC can convert the analog voltage from a light – sensitive resistor into a digital value that represents the light intensity.
Serial Communication (if available)
It may support some form of serial communication. Serial communication allows the microcontroller to send and receive data bit – by – bit in a sequential manner.
If it has serial communication capabilities, it can communicate with other devices that support serial communication protocols. For example, it could communicate with a more powerful microcontroller or a PC to send sensor data or receive configuration commands. The communication can operate at different baud rates, which can be configured according to the requirements.
Power Management
The ATTINY26 – 16SI has power management features. It can operate efficiently under different power supply conditions.
It can enter power – saving modes when appropriate. For example, it can reduce its clock frequency or put parts of the device into a low – power state when the device is in an idle state or when only a few low – power functions are required. It can also operate within a specific range of power supply voltages, providing flexibility in choosing the power source and integrating the microcontroller into various power – supplied systems. This is useful for battery – powered applications to extend battery life.
The ATTINY26 – 16SI is based on an 8 – bit AVR microcontroller core. It has a set of instructions that includes arithmetic (like addition, subtraction), logical (AND, OR, NOT), data transfer, and control instructions. These instructions allow it to handle basic to moderately complex computational and control tasks. For example, it can manage simple sensor – reading operations and make decisions to control external components such as LEDs based on the sensor data.
It operates at a maximum clock frequency of 16 MHz. The clock speed affects how quickly it processes instructions and internal operations. At 16 MHz, it can provide relatively efficient processing for applications that don’t require extremely high – speed operation, such as basic home automation tasks like a simple light – dimming control.
Memory Configuration
Flash Memory: The microcontroller contains 2 KB of internal Flash memory for program storage. Flash memory is non – volatile, meaning the program code stored in it remains even when the power is off. This is useful for applications where the program needs to be retained, like in a small – scale industrial control with a fixed set of operations that must be remembered across power cycles.
Data Memory: It has 128 bytes of SRAM (Static Random – Access Memory) and 128 bytes of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read – Only Memory). SRAM is used during program execution to store temporary data such as variables and intermediate calculation results. For example, in a temperature – sensing application, the current temperature reading being processed can be stored in SRAM. EEPROM is for storing data that needs to be retained across power cycles. In a device configuration application, settings like calibration values can be stored in EEPROM.
Input/Output Ports
The ATTINY26 – 16SI has a limited number of input/output (I/O) ports. These ports provide pins that can be configured as either input or output. The pins can interface with external components such as sensors and actuators.
Some pins may have the ability to generate interrupts. Interrupts are important for handling external events promptly. For example, if a pin is connected to a button, a button press can trigger an interrupt, and the microcontroller can immediately respond to execute a specific routine, like toggling an LED state.
The I/O ports can be used to connect to a variety of external devices such as simple sensors (like a light – detecting photodiode) to receive input signals and basic actuators (like a small buzzer) to send control signals.
Interrupt System
It has a built – in interrupt system with a few interrupt sources. These include external interrupts, which are triggered by changes in the state of external pins, and perhaps internal interrupts related to specific internal functions like timer events.
When an interrupt occurs, the microcontroller can suspend its current operation and jump to a specific interrupt service routine (ISR). The ISR is a piece of code designed to handle the interrupt event. The interrupt system can assign priorities to different interrupt sources (if applicable), ensuring that more critical events are handled first. This allows for efficient handling of external stimuli and multitasking in a limited context.
Timer/Counter Units
The microcontroller incorporates timer/counter units. These units can be used for several functions.
Time Delay Generation: They can generate accurate time delays. For example, in a blinking LED application, the timer/counter can be programmed to turn the LED on and off at specific intervals. In a more complex small – scale sequencing application, it can ensure that different steps occur at the correct times.
Event Measurement: The timer/counter units can measure the time interval between external events. If there is a sensor that generates pulses, the microcontroller can use these units to count the time between consecutive pulses. This can be used to calculate the frequency of an event or the speed of a moving object (in a simple context).
Pulse – Width Modulation (PWM): These units can also create PWM signals. PWM can be used to control the power delivered to a load such as an LED (for dimming) or a small motor (for speed control). The timer/counter units can be configured in different modes depending on the application’s requirements, such as timer mode (counting internal clock cycles) or counter mode (counting external events based on the input signals received at specific pins).
Analog – to – Digital Converter (ADC) (if available)
Some versions of the ATTINY26 – 16SI may have an analog – to – digital converter. If present, it allows the microcontroller to convert analog input signals from sensors (like a temperature sensor that outputs a voltage proportional to the temperature) into digital values.
The ADC has a specific number of input channels and can be configured with different reference voltages and sampling rates according to the application’s needs. For example, in a simple light – intensity – sensing application, the ADC can convert the analog voltage from a light – sensitive resistor into a digital value that represents the light intensity.
Serial Communication (if available)
It may support some form of serial communication. Serial communication allows the microcontroller to send and receive data bit – by – bit in a sequential manner.
If it has serial communication capabilities, it can communicate with other devices that support serial communication protocols. For example, it could communicate with a more powerful microcontroller or a PC to send sensor data or receive configuration commands. The communication can operate at different baud rates, which can be configured according to the requirements.
Power Management
The ATTINY26 – 16SI has power management features. It can operate efficiently under different power supply conditions.
It can enter power – saving modes when appropriate. For example, it can reduce its clock frequency or put parts of the device into a low – power state when the device is in an idle state or when only a few low – power functions are required. It can also operate within a specific range of power supply voltages, providing flexibility in choosing the power source and integrating the microcontroller into various power – supplied systems. This is useful for battery – powered applications to extend battery life.
