If you are wanting to make the switch to an AVR microcontroller but are not convinced yet of what the big deal about is with them, below are some of the many advantages of an AVR microcontroller

• Price
• Easy to use
• Readily Available
• Community (Tutorials, resources, forums etc)
• Fast
• Different types of boards depending on your needs
• Many different Peripherals
• Easy to program
• Extensive detailed datasheets
• Easy to set up
• Onboard memory 

I will give a more detailed explanation of each advantage further in this article.

 While there are many more advantages, these are the most notable ones. 

What is an AVR microcontroller 

Let’s take a brief look at the AVR microcontroller.

The AVR microcontroller was first developed in the late 90’s by a company known as Atmel. However, in 2016 they were acquired by Microchip. 

They were the first set of microcontrollers to use on chip flash memory for program memory. 

AVR microcontrollers are most commonly used for embedded applications, and have been popularised by the Arduino Development Boards,(most predominantly the AT Mega 8).

They are the go to microcontroller for beginners to experts, being used in DIY and Industrial applications.

The AVR family is comprised with a series of microcontrollers listed below;

• tinyAVR
• megaAVR
• XMEGA

Of the many options, these three are the most popular of the series of AVR micrcontrollers used. 

11 advantages of an AVR microcontroller

Ok, let’s take a look at the many advantages of AVR microcontrollers. Whether you have never used them before or you are just curious to know, it will benefit you to know the advantages. 

Advantage #1 of an AVR microcontroller: Price

No matter what you are buying, you want the best price to quality ratio (or as I like to call it, the Golden ratio)

What I mean by this is that you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something which isn’t of great quality. 

Also, it would be nice to pay the least amount of money for something of great quality. 

In life you might seldom stumble upon gems which meet the Golden Ratio. Things that don’t break the bank but still provide great value for a long time. 

The AVR microcontroller is one of those gems that has the perfect cost to quality ratio. It is decently priced while still delivering on functionality. 

Advantage #2 of an AVR microcontroller: Easy to use

I will approach this advantage from two vantage points. 

One as a beginner, and the second as the expert.

For the beginner who is just starting to get into the world of microcontrollers, you want a microcontroller that is easy to use. The last thing you want is to spend years learning how to use it.

From the eyes of the expert (say an engineer), who is prototyping a project that involves a microcontroller. 

However, this engineer only has a little knowledge using microcontrollers, he or she will want to be able to use a microcontroller with a little small learning curve as they do want to spend all their time learning how to use the microcontroller, but rather get stuck into finishing their project.

The AVR microcontroller is perfect for both parties as it is easy to use. It has a small learning curve allowing you to get stuck right into the fun stuff.   

Advantage #3 of an AVR microcontroller: Availability

The third advantage of the AVR microcontroller is Availability.

So we know the AVR microcontroller is reasonably priced and easy to use, but imagine if it was impossible to get your hands on, that would be utterly pointless.

In this day and age we are lucky to live with the Internet where you can buy things online with a click of a button. 

However, even then it can be hard  getting certain products, especially if you live in far away countries.

I live in New Zealand! The far corner of the world! 

Trust me trying to get some items shipped to New Zealand can be near damn impossible. 

Fortunately for me, the AVR microcontroller is not one of those items! 

I have access to it online as well as physical stores not too far from where I live. 

Advantage #4 of an AVR microcontroller: Community

No matter what hobby we might start, we all start as amateurs. 

Back in the earlier days of microcontrollers when the internet was at its infancy, the path to learning how to use microcontrollers would have been a bit harder.

You would either have to go to university to learn how to use them, read thick books about microcontrollers, or spend many hours using trial and error. 

If you are starting out learning how to use AVR micrcontrollers now, you have hit the jackpot!

The AVR microcontroller community that has grown online to this date is massive. There are people with years of experience who are willing to help you with any problem you might be having.

Also, there are a plethora of resources available ranging from video tutorials, projects, example codes, theory and many more to help you get started.

So, if you ever get stuck, look to the AVR community who are there to help you solve any problem. 

Advantage #5 of an AVR microcontroller: Range of Speeds

Now we come to the technical advantages of an AVR microcontroller. 

The first of them being speed.

Every microcontroller has a clock which is needed for timing control. The rate at which instructions are carried out is determined by the speed of the clock.

The higher the speed the faster that instructions are carried out and vice versa. 

The initial assumption is that the faster the clock speed the better. But, it all depends on the application’s needs. 

For example, if you have a weather station, where data is only processed every 24 hours, you do not need high clock speeds.

So it is all application dependent.  

The great thing about AVR microcontrollers is that they come in a range of clock speeds

Advantage #6 of an AVR microcontroller: Range of Microcontroller options

As I mentioned earlier, there are many different groups of microcontrollers within the AVR family. 

You are not restricted to one specific AVR microcontroller of one specific size, set of peripherals, speed, number of input/outputs etc.

AVR micrcontrollers come in a range of options that vary in size and functionality. 

Also, depending on the specifications of your project/application, each microcontroller comes with a unique set of peripherals.

Your project might only involve blinking an Light Emitting Diode (LED). In this instance you do not require a 40 pin microcontroller of high speeds to perform the job. 

That would be overkill!

Lucky for us, there are many AVR microcontrollers to choose from. 

Advantage #7 of an AVR microcontroller: Broad set of peripherals

One of the main purposes of a microcontroller is to be able to interact with the physical world.

Whether you are receiving sensor information, controlling the speed of a motor, reading button presses, displaying information on an LCD and much more. 

Peripherals are parts of the microcontroller that interfaces with the world outside of the microcontroller and help you perform functions mentioned above.  

Below is a set of common AVR microcontroller peripherals.

• GPIO (General Purpose Input/Outputs)
• ADC (Analog to Digital Converter)
• DAC (Digital to Analog Converter)
• Serial Communication
  • I2C (Two wire interface)
  • SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
  • USART (Universal Serial Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter)
• Timers
• PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) 

AVR microcontrollers have a broad set of peripherals to choose from. 

Advantage #8 of an AVR microcontroller: Easy to program

Programming a microcontroller involves a number of steps which include;

• Writing the code in an IDE (Integrated Development software)
• Compiling the code to a file which gets burned onto the microcontroller (typically a .HEX file)
• Then finally sending that file to the microcontroller using an AVR programmer and an IDE capable of programming the microcontroller. 

Sometimes the process of writing code, compiling it, and then burning it onto a microcontroller can be more complicated than it should be.

However, AVR has made it easy for you, me and everyone else to write a program and then program the microcontroller. 

It has its own dedicated IDE (Atmel Studio), where you can write, debug and program your microcontroller. 

AVR also has its own programmer which does not require an engineering degree to set it up. 

Advantage #9 of an AVR microcontroller: Little needed for microcontroller setup

While we are on the topic of setting up, you might be wondering what it takes to set an AVR microcontroller.

Not much is the answer.

The last thing you want to spend your time on is setting up the microcontroller. You want to be able to get to the fun stuff as soon as possible.

Setting up a microcontroller only requires a breadboard, a couple of capacitors, hookup wire, and a supply voltage (which can be a couple of AA batteries).

Note, this setup is only applicable for temporary purposes. If you need a more permanent setup you will require a printed circuit board and will have to solder.

Advantage #10 of an AVR microcontroller: Onboard memory

Memory is a very important aspect of any microcontroller. 

It’s the place where you store the program code, as well as temporary and permanent variables. 

Some microcontrollers do not have on board memory, which means they come as separate modules that you have to interface with. 

This is a waste of time and money. 

So, having onboard memory is a great advantage as you do not have to go through the whole process of setting up external memory. 

Advantage #11 of an AVR microcontroller: Extensive Datasheets

The last and final advantage of an AVR microcontroller is it’s datasheet. 

Most (if not all) electronic devices and components come with some sort of datasheet, or manual that has instructions on how to use it.

But, who enjoys reading manuals! 

In this instance it is important as it not only has information on how to use it, but also what are the ideal practices when using a microcontroller to ensure a long lifespan.

AVR microcontroller datasheets are very detailed containing everything you need when starting out, or when you get stuck. 

So, before seeking the help of the AVR community, check the AVR microcontroller datasheet first.

Different types of AVR microcontrollers

There are three major subsets of families when it comes to AVR microcontrollers;

• tinyAVR
• megaAVR
• XMEGA

Within each family group are many more versions of microcontrollers.

For example, the tinyAVR family has microcontrollers that include the AT Tiny 25, AT Tiny 45, AT Tiny 85, just to name a few. 

Each family of these families of AVR range in size, memory, peripheral set etc. 

So, depending on your needs, there is an AVR microcontroller to solve your problems. 

Which is the best AVR microcontroller

You now know that there are many different AVR microcontrollers available that can meet many of your needs. 

But, with most things there are the ones that stand out amongst the rest. 

AVR has a few microcontrollers that are better than their peers (this is according to my own experience as well as research done online).

These include:

• AT TINY 25
• AT MEGA 8
• AT MEGA 32

For a more detailed explanation on why I chose these three microcontrollers click here.

The post 11 advantages of an AVR microcontroller appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.

Trying to find the best AVR microcontroller is no different. 

But, every AVR microcontroller has its own advantages in different applications, so there isn’t one that is the best compared to the others. 

However, there are a handful of AVR microcontrollers that stand out amongst the rest. 

They have been chosen as the ‘best’ because they meet many factors that make them stand out above the rest. Factors like price, ease of use, amount of memory, availability etc.

The three best AVR microcontrollers are:

• AT TINY 25
• AT MEGA 8
• AT MEGA 32

While there are plenty of AVR microcontrollers, these three give you the most bang for your buck. 

If you want to know why these three microcontrollers have made the cut and got the title of ‘Best AVR microcontroller’ read on for more explanation.

What is an AVR microcontroller

Like there are many manufacturers of cars, in the world of microcontrollers, you have a range of microcontroller manufacturers to choose from as well. 

The major players in the field of microcontrollers include:

• Microchip
• Atmel
• NXP
• Texas instruments
• STMicroelectronics

The AVR microcontroller is a family of microcontrollers developed by ATMEL who started manufacturing them in 1996.

However, Atmel has since been acquired by Microchip in 2016. But, the AVR family of microcontrollers are still being manufactured by Microchip.

They are built on a modified Havard architecture. It is modified in the sense that the conventional Harvard architecture doesn’t allow the contents of the instruction memory to be accessed as data. 

AVR microcontrollers were one of the first to utilise on-chip flash memory for program storage. 

Due to their ease of use, and price they are commonly used by many hobbyists and makers. They are also used for educational embedded purposes. 

What features does an AVR microcontroller have

Going back to my analogy of buying a car, knowing the features of the car will give you an indication of which car is best for you.

Features like power steering, cruise control, rear or front wheel drive, bluetooth audio system, cup holders etc.

The same holds true for features of AVR microcontrollers. Knowing what the different features are available will help you choose the best one to meet your needs. 

Below are some of the many features available for AVR microcontrollers which are beneficial in many different ways.

Note, if you already know the features of AVR microcontrollers and are only concerned with which is the best, you can skip this section. 

Memory

Imagine not remembering what you did yesterday, or the date of your partner and your wedding anniversary (this is not going to make them happy).. 

Our memory serves us in more ways than one. From remembering what we have learnt, to important dates, peoples names, where we kept the house keys etc.

The memory of an AVR microcontroller serves it in more ways than one as well.

It helps it remember (store) things like variables, program code, sensor data etc.

An AVR microcontroller has three types of memory; FLASH, RAM, and EEPROM.

FLASH – This type of memory is known as ‘non-volatile’. What this means is that what data is stored in this section of memory is not lost when power is removed from the microcontroller. Therefore, this type of memory is used for storing program code (set of instructions) written by the programmer.

RAM (Random Access Memory) – Memory in RAM is ‘volatile’. Unlike FLASH memory, when power is removed from the microcontroller, data stored in RAM is lost. This type of memory is used to store variables that are generated during program runtime. 

EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) – This type of memory is ‘non-volatile’. However, reading and writing to the EEPROM is much slower compared to FLASH memory. Things that are more permanent, like sensor data, and device parameters are stored in EEPROM where they can be accessed later. 

General Purpose Input / Output (GPIO) pins

The main premise of a microcontroller is to be able to interface with inputs and outputs external to it while having the ability to control them. 

There are a huge range of input/outputs that are available which include things like, motors, buttons, Light Emitting Diodes, Sensors to name a few.

The AVR microcontroller has a set of GPIO pins that allow you to connect these input/outputs and control them.

The number of input/output pins largely depends on the physical size of the microcontroller.

The great thing is that any single pin has the ability to be either an input, or an output which can be changed during runtime by the user. 

Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)

The GPIO pins control outputs or receive digital input values that are either HIGH (+5V) or LOW (0V). 

Some inputs like sensors, provide an analog value at the input which range in value from 0 – 5V. 

For example, a temperature sensor might output a voltage at 2.42 volts.

But, a microcontroller is a digital device that deals with digital values.So, how does it interpret these analog values?

Lucky for us, an AVR microcontroller has something known as the Analog to Digital converter. 

As the name suggests, it takes these analog voltage values from the sensor and converts it to a digital value which the microcontroller can then interpret. 

Timers

Another important aspect of an AVR microcontroller are its Timers. 

It is a clock that has the main purpose of measuring time intervals. However, it can either be used as a Timer or a Counter. 

When it functions as a Timer, you can think of it as a stopwatch which is used to measure time intervals between two specific events. 

When used as a Counter, the Timer can store how many times a certain event occurs (mostly events external to the microcontroller).

The Timer can also be used to generate delays and PWM signals.

Pulse Width Modulation 

Imagine driving a car that only had one speed without the ability to slow down or speed up. 

This would be quite frustrating and pointless!

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), is a way that lets you control the speed of a motor by varying the power that the motor receives using PWM.

Your next project might be something like a remote control car, or fan which requires speed control.

AVR microcontrollers have PWM channels on designated pins which you can connect a motor to (in conjunction with a motor controller) and vary its speed. 

PWM can also be used to control the brightness of Lights such as Light Emitting Diodes by again varying the power that the light receives. 

Interrupts

AVR microcontrollers are fast devices that are capable of fast execution speeds. 

But, even they get overwhelmed with tasks! (this is all relative of course).

Due to this, AVR microcontrollers have a feature known as Interrupts. 

An interrupt allows the microcontroller to carry on with its normal program tasks, but alerts the microcontroller when certain events/statements occur.

These events can be generated internally (via software) or externally (through special designated External Interrupt pins). 

An example of an internal interrupt could be a Timer reaching its maximum value which would trigger a routine specific to that event. 

External interrupts routines are generated externally at the microcontroller’s pin when it goes High, Low, or has any change in logic state. 

For example, a button could be connected to one of these designated pins and when pressed (either causing state levels to go High or Low) trigger an external interrupt service routine. 

Sleep Modes

Many embedded microcontroller applications are remote/mobile and require the use of battery power. 

This causes many problems, with the main one being battery power is limited. So, the main issue is to be able to design a system that can last as long as possible avoiding always having to replace batteries.

AVR microcontrollers have Sleep Modes, which give them the ability to enter a state where they consume less power, but can still perform their main operations.

It can have up to five sleep modes!

Idle mode – In this mode, the CPU is halted and stops functioning. However, peripherals such as Serial Interface, Timer/Counter, Watchdog and Interrupts, continue to operate as normal.

ADC Noise reduction Mode – Stops the function of the CPU, but ADC, external interrupts, Timers and watchdog continue to operate.

Power Down mode – External Interrupts, watchdog and two-wire interface are the only things that function power down mode. 

Power Save mode – This mode is used when the Timers are set up to run asynchronously. 

Stand by mode – The oscillator is allowed to run while all other operations are stopped.

Serial Interface

The last major feature of AVR micrcontrollers is the Serial interface.

Humans communicate with each for many different reasons. Whether it be about new ideas we have, how we are feeling, instructions that need to be taught, passing on knowledge and so on.

Animals, from all areas of life communicate as well. 

We can communicate a number of different ways which include verbal or non-verbal. 

But, communication is not just limited to just humans and animals. AVR microcontrollers have the ability to communicate with other microcontrollers, and peripheral devices too. 

Data can be sent or received.

There are three common communication protocols used by AVR protocols; Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Two wire interface (TWI) and Universal Synchronous and Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART).

Choosing the best AVR microcontroller depends on your needs

You might be wondering why I listed all the different features of an AVR microcontroller. 

The thing is that AVR microcontrollers come in a range of sizes, and specifications. So, choosing the best AVR microcontroller comes down to your needs/ wants, as well the needs of the application you will be using if for. 

Types of AVR microcontrollers

Let’s take a closer look at the AVR family of microcontrollers.

The  three most common sets of the AVR family include the tinyAVR, and megaAVR.

Below is a table highlighting things like program memory, peripherals, and number of pins for the three families. 

Within each of these three sets of AVR microcontrollers exist even more variations. 

 For a list of tinyAVR microcontrollers click here.

For a list of megaAVR microcontrollers click here.

7 Factors that determine which is the best AVR microcontroller 00 

Now that we know the two main types of AVR families, as well as the different types of features that they can have, let’s take a look at factors that determine which is the best (remembering to take into account the application the AVR microcontroller will be used in).

Factor #1: Memory

The first factor we will take a look at when considering which is the best AVR microcontroller is Memory. 

The main thing we are concerned with is how much memory the microcontroller has. 

If you are writing a program that just blinks an LED every 2 seconds you are not going to require much memory. However, if you are writing a program that collects and stores temperature data, you will no doubt require more memory.

So, before buying a microcontroller always consider how much memory you will require. 

Factor # 2: Price

The next factor that should be considered is the Price.

We shop for things everyday, whether it be new clothes, airline tickets for travel, food, etc. 

When paying for something we look for the ‘best’ option that will not drain our bank account. So, there is a sweet spot where what you buy is good quality while still being affordable.

This applies for AVR microcontrollers as well.

It should be affordable enough while still having all the features and functionalities you require. 

Factor #3: Ease of use

You might be a beginner who just wants to start your first project, or you might be an experienced engineer who is doing some prototyping on a new product and needs to meet his/her deadline. 

Either way, you do not want to spend all your time setting up, or learning how to use the AVR microcontroller. 

So, you want a microcontroller that is easy to use and understand while still being functional. 

Factor #4: Community

In life, we rarely do things by ourselves. 

People assume many  breakthroughs in science, engineering, medicine, were found by one single person. 

The truth is, that the person who eventually found the breakthrough relied on past studies, experiments, and knowledge of other great people. 

I have learned so much about microcontrollers from the community of engineers, makers, DIYers that exist online and offline.  

The great thing about the age we live in is, the Internet and all the resources available at our fingertips. 

There are many communities whose knowledge and past experiences you can learn from and help inspire you for your next great AVR microcontroller project. 

So, having resources and a community for the microcontroller you are using is really helpful.

Factor #5: Peripherals

This factor really depends on what your project/application requires. 

If you are controlling the speed of a motor you will require PWM channels.

Do you need to interface with the real world via sensors? Then you are going to need ADC inputs. 

Have to measure time between events? Then you will require Timers. 

You get the point.

How many PWM channels, ADC inputs, Timers, GPIO pins etc will determine whether you get a bigger or smaller AVR microcontroller. 

Factor #6: Clock Speed

The speed of the internal clock determines how fast the AVR microcontroller executes instructions.

Again, this comes down to the needs of your project. 

Clock speed aspect should never be overlooked when trying to find a suitable AVR microcontroller for your application.

Factor #7: Availability 

Finally on the list of factors that determine the best AVR microcontroller is Availability. 

The AVR microcontroller should be readily available in the place where you are living, or be able to be ordered online and shipped to your residence without you having to sell your left arm.

What’s the use of knowing the best AVR microcontroller if you cannot get your hands on it. 

3 best AVR microcontrollers 

There isn’t a one size fits all kind of AVR microcontroller for every application, however, there are a handful of AVR microcontrollers that stand out amongst the rest. 

The AVR microcontrollers that I have chosen below are due to the fact that they meet many (if not all) of the 7 factors that determine which is the best. 

This list of the best AVR micrcontrollers is compiled based on my experiences with them, as well as research I have done online which is again based on the 7 factors. 

Let’s take a look at the 3 best AVR microcontrollers.

AT TINY 25

First on the list is the AT Tiny 25 which comes from the tinyAVR family set of AVR micrcontrollers.

Of the three microcontrollers, this is the smallest coming in a 8 DIP (Dual inline package, 8 pins in total).

But, do not be fooled by its size!

This little microcontroller is very powerful and capable of meeting many of your needs. 

Below is a table summarizing some of its features

The AT TINY 25 is great if you do not require a big microcontroller, but still need it to have the ability to perform many of the functions of larger microcontrollers. 

AT MEGA 8

Next on the list is the AT Mega 8, which comes from the megaAVR family of AVR micrcontrollers. 

This microcontroller is bigger than the AT Tiny 25 microcontroller, and comes in a 28 DIP package. 

The AT Mega 8 is a popular microcontroller in the Arduino world being used a lot with many of their boards. 

Below is a table highlighting many of its features.  

AT MEGA 32

Finally, to top off the list is the AT Mega 32 which comes from the megaAVR family as well.

The AT Mega 32 is a slightly bigger board compared to the AT Mega 8 coming with 40 pins.

It is like the AT Mega 8’s bigger brother that has more memory, PWM outputs, ADC channels etc.

Below is the table summarizing the AT Mega 32’s features. 

There you have it, the top 3 AVR microcontrollers! 

However, I should note again, that these AVR microcontrollers have been selected from my personal experience using them, as well as research done online as they meet many if not all the factors that contribute to a microcontroller being the best. 

The AT Tiny 25, AT Mega 8, and AT Mega 32 are AVR microcontrollers that are reasonably priced, easy to use, have a great community/resources, packed with many features and memory.

The post 3 best AVR microcontrollers appeared first on Electronic Guidebook.