ATMEGA328P-PU: High-Performance 8-bit Microcontroller for Embedded Systems

ATMEGA328P-PU is an 8-bit microcontroller based on the AVR architecture, featuring a 28-pin DIP package, which makes it convenient for testing with a breadboard during the prototype development stage. It supports a maximum operating frequency of up to 20 MHz and has 32KB of Flash program memory, 2KB of SRAM, and 1KB of EEPROM, which can meet the needs of most small and medium-sized embedded applications.

Core Features

The ATMEGA328P-PU utilizes a powerful AVR RISC architecture, featuring 131 instructions, most of which execute in a single clock cycle. With a maximum throughput of 20 MIPS at 20 MHz, it delivers excellent performance for embedded systems. Key highlights include:

1.32×8 general-purpose registers

2.2-cycle hardware multiplier

3.32KB Flash memory, 1KB EEPROM, and 2KB SRAM

4.Endurance: 10,000 write/erase cycles for Flash, 100,000 for EEPROM

5.Data retention: 20 years at 85°C or 100 years at 25°C

Typical application fields

1.Arduino development boards：

The Arduino UNO uses this chip as its main controller and is the preferred choice for beginners to learn embedded development.

2.Internet of Things (IoT) devices：

It is applied to low-power scenarios such as temperature and humidity monitoring, smart home, and data acquisition terminals.

3.Robotics and Automation Control：

Control servos, motors, sensors, etc., to build smart cars, robotic arms, etc.

4.Consumer electronics products：

Electronic toys, small remote control devices, timing controllers, etc.

5.Education and Scientific Research：

The first choice for college teaching experiments and electronic competition projects.

Integrated Peripherals

✦Touch Support

With support for QTouch® libraries, the ATMEGA328P-PU can drive capacitive buttons, sliders, and wheels-supporting up to 64 sensing channels.

✦Timers and PWM

Two 8-bit timers with independent prescalers

One 16-bit timer with capture/compare modes

Real-time counter with a separate oscillator

Six PWM channels ideal for motor control and LED dimming

✦Communication Interfaces

Programmable USART for serial communication

SPI interface (master/slave)

I²C-compatible (TWI) interface

✦Analog Functions

8/10-channel 10-bit ADC (depending on package)

On-chip temperature sensor

Integrated analog comparator

Package and Electrical Characteristics

Available Packages:

28-PDIP (as used in ATMEGA328P-PU)

32-TQFP / QFN

28/32-MLF

Operating voltage: 1.8V to 5.5V

Temperature range: -40°C to +85°C

Speed grades:

0–4MHz @ 1.8–5.5V

0–20MHz @ 4.5–5.5V

Pin Configuration Overview

Port B (PB0–PB7): includes clock I/O functions

Port C (PC0–PC6): includes RESET pin

Port D (PD0–PD7): full general-purpose I/O

Special pins:

AVCC: analog power

AREF: analog reference

ADC6 & ADC7: available in TQFP/QFN packages only

Conclusion

With its combination of performance, low power consumption, ample resources, and ease of use, the ATMEGA328P-PU is a well-balanced microcontroller suited for prototyping, education, and volume production. Its strong ecosystem and versatile peripherals make it a cornerstone in embedded development-from IoT devices to hobby electronics and industrial automation.