Microchip AT90CAN64-16AUR: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

The Microchip AT90CAN64-16AUR represents a powerful and highly integrated 8-bit microcontroller from the AVR family, specifically engineered for applications demanding robust network connectivity and real-time control. Its core feature is an integrated Controller Area Network (CAN) controller, making it a premier choice for automotive, industrial, and aerospace systems where reliable serial communication is paramount.

At the heart of this device lies the high-performance AVR RISC architecture. The CPU can execute most instructions in a single clock cycle, achieving a throughput of up to 16 MIPS at 16 MHz, which ensures efficient and deterministic handling of complex control algorithms. The microcontroller operates at a voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V, with the ‘-16AU’ suffix denoting a maximum operating frequency of 16 MHz and an industrial temperature range.

A key differentiator of the AT90CAN64 is its on-chip CAN controller, which is fully compliant with the CAN 2.0 A and B (active) specifications. It supports bit rates of up to 1 Mbit/s and features 15 independent message objects with programmable masks and priorities. This hardware implementation offloads the CPU from the intensive task of message filtering and processing, significantly enhancing system performance in network-heavy environments.

The device is equipped with a substantial amount of non-volatile and volatile memory. It features 64 KB of In-System Self-Programmable Flash for application code, 4 KB of SRAM for data storage, and 2 KB of EEPROM for critical parameters that must be retained after power loss. This ample memory space supports complex program structures and data handling.

Its peripheral set is extensive and tailored for embedded control. It includes:

Two 8-bit and one 16-bit timer/counter with PWM capabilities.

An 8-channel, 10-bit ADC for precision analog sensor interfacing.

Dual programmable USARTs, an SPI, and a TWI (I2C) interface for versatile serial communication.

A JTAG interface for on-chip debugging, accelerating development and system integration.

Housed in a 64-pin TQFP package, the AT90CAN64-16AUR offers a high number of general-purpose I/O lines, providing the flexibility to interface with a wide array of sensors, actuators, and other external components.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip AT90CAN64-16AUR is a robust, all-in-one solution for designers building networked control systems. Its combination of a high-performance AVR core, integrated CAN controller, and rich peripheral set makes it exceptionally well-suited for demanding applications in automotive diagnostics, industrial automation, and avionics, where reliability and real-time performance are non-negotiable.

Keywords: CAN Controller, AVR Microcontroller, Embedded Systems, Real-time Control, Industrial Automation