ATtiny13A AVR 8-Bit Microcontroller IC SOP-8

ATtiny13A AVR 8-Bit Microcontroller IC SOP-8 is a compact yet powerful 8-bit AVR microcontroller from Microchip, specifically engineered for cost-sensitive and low-power applications where space is a premium. Despite its small SOP-8 package, this IC boasts 1KB of Flash memory, a robust set of peripherals, and an extremely efficient architecture that allows it to execute instructions with exceptional speed. Designers favor the ATtiny13A because it offers a significant amount of computing power in a tiny footprint, making it the perfect “brain” for simple, battery-operated projects and custom hardware designs. If your project demands ultra-low power consumption and minimal physical size without sacrificing performance, the ATtiny13A provides an excellent solution.

Key Features:

• Low-Power Consumption: Designed for battery-powered devices, the chip features power-down and standby modes to conserve energy effectively.
• 8-bit AVR RISC Architecture: This powerful architecture allows for high-speed execution, with most instructions completing in a single clock cycle.
• Small Footprint: Housed in a compact SOP-8 (Small Outline Package) or DIP-8 package, it fits easily into miniature PCBs and designs.
• On-chip Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): Provides 4-channel, 10-bit ADC for reading analog sensor data directly, simplifying external component requirements.
• Internal Clock Source: Features a calibrated internal oscillator, eliminating the need for an external crystal in many non-critical applications.
• Flexible Timers: Includes one 8-bit timer/counter with two PWM channels, enabling precise control over motors, LEDs, and timing-critical tasks.

Technical Specifications:

• Microcontroller Family: AVR 8-bit
• Program Memory (Flash): 1 KB
• SRAM: 64 Bytes
• EEPROM: 64 Bytes
• Operating Voltage: 1.8 V to 5.5 V
• Maximum Clock Frequency: 20 MHz
• I/O Pins: 6 General Purpose I/O Pins
• ADC: 4-channel, 10-bit
• Timer/Counter: 1 x 8-bit
• Package: SOP-8 (Surface Mount) or PDIP-8 (Through-Hole)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Mounting: Surface Mount Device (SMD) for the SOP-8 variant.
• Pin Material: Lead-frame terminals for soldering.
• Material: Molded plastic body.

Dimensions (SOP-8):

• Body Length: ~4.9 mm
• Body Width: ~3.9 mm
• Pitch (Pin Spacing): 1.27 mm (0.05 in)

Pinout and Wiring (SOP-8/DIP-8):

• Pin 1 (PB5 / ADC0 / PCINT5 / !RESET): Multi-function pin, often used as a digital I/O or the programming/reset pin.
• Pin 2 (PB3 / ADC3 / PCINT3): General Purpose I/O pin.
• Pin 3 (PB4 / ADC2 / PCINT4): General Purpose I/O pin.
• Pin 4 (GND): Connect to the circuit ground.
• Pin 5 (PB0 / MOSI / DI / SDA / PCINT0): General Purpose I/O pin, also used for communication protocols (SPI/TWI).
• Pin 6 (PB1 / MISO / DO / AIN1 / PCINT1): General Purpose I/O pin, also used for communication and analog comparison.
• Pin 7 (PB2 / SCK / USCK / SCL / T0 / INT0 / PCINT2): General Purpose I/O pin, often used for clock or external interrupt.
• Pin 8 (VCC): Connect to the positive power supply (1.8V to 5.5V).
• Wiring Note: Program the ATtiny13A using an ISP (In-System Programming) method, typically requiring connections to VCC, GND, RESET, MOSI, MISO, and SCK from an external programmer (like an Arduino UNO acting as an ISP).

Datasheet Reference:

• Download Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Wearable Electronics: Its small size and low power make it ideal for simple trackers, jewelry, or illuminated clothing.
• Simple Controllers: Used as a slave controller for managing minor functions like LED patterns or basic timing in a larger system.
• Miniature Robotics: The core control unit for tiny walker bots or simple line-following robots.

Applications:

• LED Driving & Fading: Create complex and efficient PWM-based LED effects and dimmer circuits.
• Battery Monitoring: Use the built-in ADC to monitor battery voltage and manage power saving modes.
• Simple Alarm/Security: Implement basic motion detection and alert functions with minimal components.
• Time-Delayed Switches: Build custom, highly reliable timing circuits for appliances or toys.

Equivalent Models:

• ATtiny85: Offers more Flash memory (8 KB) and a similar feature set in an 8-pin package, popular for slightly more complex projects.
• PIC12F675: A comparable 8-pin microcontroller from Microchip’s PIC family, offering an alternative architecture.

Package Includes:

• 1 x ATtiny13A AVR 8-Bit Microcontroller IC SOP-8