Microchip ATTINY44A-CCUR: A Comprehensive Technical Overview and Application Guide

The Microchip ATTINY44A-CCUR is a high-performance, low-power 8-bit microcontroller based on the AVR enhanced RISC architecture. As a member of the widely popular ATTINY family, this device packs a robust set of features into a compact 14-pin package, making it an ideal solution for a vast array of embedded control applications, from consumer electronics and industrial systems to Internet of Things (IoT) nodes and hobbyist projects.

Core Architectural Features

At the heart of the ATTINY44A lies an advanced AVR CPU core. By executing powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, the core achieves a throughput approaching 1 MIPS per MHz, allowing the system designer to optimize power consumption versus processing speed. The device can operate at a maximum frequency of 20 MHz, providing ample computational power for complex tasks.

It is equipped with 4KB of In-System Programmable Flash memory for program storage, 256 bytes of EEPROM for long-term data retention, and 256 bytes of SRAM. This memory configuration is well-suited for applications requiring moderate code space and data handling capabilities.

A critical feature of this microcontroller is its rich set of peripherals, which includes:

10-channel, 10-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter): Essential for reading analog sensors like temperature, light, or potentiometers.

Two 8-bit Timer/Counters and one 16-bit Timer/Counter: Provide flexible timing, waveform generation, and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) outputs for motor control or LED dimming.

Universal Serial Interface (USI): A highly versatile peripheral that can be configured to function as an SPI, I2C, or TWI interface, enabling communication with a multitude of sensors, displays, and other ICs.

Programmable Watchdog Timer (WDT): Enhances system reliability by resetting the microcontroller in case of a software hang.

Internal and External Interrupt Sources: Allow the CPU to respond quickly to external events, improving efficiency and responsiveness.

Low-Power Operation and Packaging

The ATTINY44A-CCUR is engineered for power-sensitive applications. It supports multiple sleep modes, including Idle, ADC Noise Reduction, Power-down, and Standby. In Power-down mode, power consumption can be reduced to just a few nanoamps, making it perfect for battery-powered devices that require long operational life. The "-CCUR" suffix denotes a tape and reel packaging option for automated assembly, specifically in a VQFN (Very Thin Quad Flat No-Lead) package, which is space-efficient and offers good thermal performance.

Application Guide and Development

Implementing the ATTINY44A in a design is streamlined by Microchip's comprehensive development ecosystem. The Atmel Studio (now Microchip Studio) and the newer MPLAB X IDE provide integrated environments for writing, debugging, and simulating code. Programming can be accomplished using various tools, including the popular Atmel-ICE and cheaper programmers like the USBtinyISP.

A typical application circuit requires only a few external components: a power supply decoupling capacitor, a pull-up resistor on the RESET line, and optionally, an external crystal if the internal calibrated RC oscillator does not provide the required accuracy. Its small form factor and minimal external component count make it excellent for space-constrained PCB designs.

Common applications include:

Sensor Interface Nodes: Reading multiple analog sensors and transmitting data via a serial protocol.

Motor Control: Using its PWM capabilities for precise control of small DC motors.

Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Managing buttons, LEDs, and simple displays.

System Management Functions: Acting as a low-power co-processor in larger systems to handle specific tasks like fan control or power sequencing.

ICGOODFIND Summary: The Microchip ATTINY44A-CCUR stands out as a remarkably feature-dense and power-efficient 8-bit microcontroller. Its balanced combination of adequate memory, a versatile peripheral set—including a multi-channel ADC and a configurable USI—and its availability in a compact VQFN package makes it an exceptionally strong contender for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, and battery-powered embedded designs across numerous industries.

Keywords: AVR Microcontroller, Low-Power Design, Embedded Systems, Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), VQFN Package.