Microchip ATTINY10-TS8R: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the 8-Pin Microcontroller

In the realm of compact, low-power embedded control, Microchip's ATTiny series has long been a cornerstone. The ATTINY10-TS8R stands out as a testament to the incredible functionality that can be packed into a minimal footprint. This 8-pin microcontroller (MCU), housed in a tiny SOT-23-6 package, is engineered for applications where space, power, and cost are at an absolute premium, yet performance cannot be compromised.

Architectural Core and Performance

At the heart of the ATTINY10-TS8R lies a high-performance AVR® RISC architecture. Despite its size, this MCU operates at speeds up to 12 MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second) at a 12MHz clock frequency, ensuring responsive control for time-sensitive tasks. The core is built around a rich instruction set with 32 general-purpose working registers, all directly connected to the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), enabling single-clock instruction execution for enhanced efficiency.

Memory Configuration

The memory structure is meticulously designed for its target applications:

Flash Memory: It features 1KB of self-programmable In-System Programmable (ISP) Flash memory for storing application code.

SRAM: 32 bytes of internal Static RAM for data handling during program execution.

EEPROM: 32 bytes of Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) for storing critical data that must be retained even when power is removed, such as calibration constants or device parameters.

Peripheral Set: Maximizing Functionality in Minimal Space

The ingenuity of the ATTINY10-TS8R is most evident in its peripheral integration. It successfully incorporates a suite of powerful peripherals within its 6-pin usable interface (after accounting for power and ground):

High-Speed Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): A 10-bit ADC with a sample-and-hold circuit is a standout feature. It can perform conversions at a rate of up to 177k samples per second (ksps), making it suitable for basic analog sensor reading and data acquisition.

Analog Comparator: This peripheral allows for comparing voltages from two inputs without needing to engage the ADC, useful for wake-up events or simple threshold detection with minimal power consumption.

8-bit and 16-bit Timers/Counters: It includes one 8-bit timer/counter and one 16-bit timer/counter with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) capabilities. These are essential for generating precise timing intervals, capturing external events, and producing PWM signals for controlling LEDs, motors, or creating analog voltages.

Programmable Watchdog Timer (WDT): A crucial feature for robust system design, the WDT helps recover the MCU from unexpected code execution errors, ensuring higher application reliability.

Power Efficiency and Operating Conditions

Designed for ultra-low power consumption, the ATTINY10-TS8R is ideal for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications. It operates over a wide voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V, providing flexibility in power source selection. Its advanced power management technology enables it to run in multiple sleep modes, drastically reducing current draw to sub-microamp levels when idle, thereby extending battery life significantly.

Development and Programming

Despite its small size, the ATTINY10-TS8R is supported by a full ecosystem. It can be programmed via its tinyAVR® programming interface using Microchip's development tools like Atmel-ICE or the simpler Serial Programming Interface (SPI). This accessibility simplifies the development, debugging, and prototyping process for engineers.

Target Applications

The combination of its tiny form factor, robust peripheral set, and low power consumption makes the ATTINY10-TS8R perfect for a vast array of applications, including:

Consumer electronics (remote controls, toys, wearables)

Sensor nodes and Internet of Things (IoT) endpoints

System management (fan control, power sequencing, LED control)

Portable medical devices and accessories

Automotive sensors and control modules

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip ATTINY10-TS8R is a marvel of miniaturization and efficiency. It proves that immense processing capability and a rich set of peripherals are not confined to larger packages. For designers battling space constraints and power budgets, this MCU offers a powerful, cost-effective, and highly reliable solution, embodying the principle of "more than meets the eye" in the world of embedded systems.

Keywords: ATTINY10-TS8R, Ultra-Low Power, AVR Microcontroller, 8-Pin MCU, High-Performance Analog