Microcontrollers meet automotive qualification

Paul Boughton

Atmel Corporation’s 8-bit RISC Flash microcontroller are qualified for operation up to 150 deg C (AECQ100 Grade 0).

Already available in -40 to 125 deg C operating temperature range, the ATmega88 AVR microcontroller is now capable of withstanding automotive temperature extremes, thus allowing designers to distribute intelligence and control functions directly into gearboxes, engine sensors and actuators, transfer cases, turbochargers, and finally simplifying the wiring network.

Compared with the existing 8-bit ROM competition, Atmel’s non-volatile memory technology offers an unmatched capability to designers.

The EEPROM is suitable for storing data, and the self-programmable Flash allows for the code updating within an application even after system deployment.

Using Atmel’s Flash technology eliminates the expensive and time-consuming steps inherent in mask ROM-based microcontrollers.

The ATmega88 device integrates a high number of features, thus significantly reducing complete system chip count. This includes an embedded 8-Kbyte Flash program memory and 512-byte EEPROM, a variable gain amplifier, a 10-bit analogue-to-digital converter, a fast analog comparator, and an on-chip calibrated 8 MHz RC oscillator, avoiding the need for an external crystal.

Other on-chip features such as a Power-on-Reset, a Brown-out-Detector and a watchdog with dedicated oscillator also contribute to the overall system reliability. The ATmega88 150 deg-compliant samples are available now in 32-pin QFN package.

For more information, visit www.atmel.com

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