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ATMEGA8U2-MU

MCHPATMEGA8U2-MU

Microchip Technology
Smaller-flash USB-enabled AVR used historically as USB-serial on early Arduino boards
NRND1,113 in stock
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Overview

The ATMEGA8U2-MU is a high-performance, low-power 8-bit AVR microcontroller featuring 8KB of self-programmable flash memory and a dedicated USB 2.0 full-speed device module. It is designed to bridge the gap between legacy serial communications and modern USB interfaces, commonly utilized as a dedicated USB-to-UART converter. With a 48 MHz PLL for the USB bus and up to 16 MIPS throughput at 16 MHz, it provides reliable data handling in a compact 32-pin QFN package.

Why Choose This Part

The integrated USB 2.0 controller with an independent 176-byte DPRAM simplifies firmware development by handling endpoint memory allocation hardware-side. Its 48 MHz PLL allows for full-speed 12 Mbit/s operation without requiring high-frequency external crystals for the CPU core, while the 0.5mm pitch QFN package minimizes PCB footprint.

Applications

USB-to-Serial Bridges
Commonly used to provide a USB programming and debug interface for larger microcontrollers that lack native USB support.
Simple USB HID Devices
Ideal for implementing basic Human Interface Devices such as custom keyboards, mice, or joysticks.
Legacy Peripheral Upgrades
Allows for the conversion of older RS-232 or TTL serial equipment to modern USB connectivity.
Hardware Dongles
Used for software license protection or security keys due to its internal programming lock and EEPROM.

Getting Started

Development typically involves the Atmel Studio IDE (now Microchip Studio) and the AVR GCC toolchain. Use the LUFA (Lightweight USB Framework for AVRs) library to quickly implement USB stacks, and program the chip via ISP or the built-in USB bootloader using tools like AVRDUDE.

Part of ATmega family » ATMEGA8U

ATMEGA8U Family

Part NumberDifferenceStock
ATMEGA8U2-AU TQFP 6,093

Also Consider

ATmega16U2 MCHPMicrochip Technology - A pin-compatible alternative providing double the flash memory (16KB) for more complex USB descriptors or application code.
MCP2221A MCHPMicrochip Technology - A dedicated USB-to-UART/I2C bridge that requires no firmware development, suitable if general-purpose microcontroller features are not needed.

Categories

Microcontrollers > AVR Microcontrollers > Motor Control MCUs