Microchip Technology Inc. (MCHP) recently introduced two new additions to its family of tinyAVR microcontrollers (MCUs) that boast larger memory capacity and more sophisticated analog functions than their predecessors. With two analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and enhanced safety features, the ATtiny3216 and the ATtiny3217 enable engineers to design reliable sensor node applications capable of functioning in extreme conditions.

The two newest members of the tinyAVR MCU series both operate at up to 5 V and feature 32 KB of flash memory, more than enough space for a developer’s application code without creating a cumbersome physical footprint on the PCB. They also include safety features designed to detect and correct drops or variations in voltage such as the power-on-reset (POR), voltage level monitor (VLM), and the windowed watchdog timer (WWDT).

The pair of ADCs can either be used independently or in harmony to sample voltage and current signals, improving real-time accuracy and performance. While one ADC is working with the peripheral touch controller to acquire touch signals, the other can be monitoring additional inputs from heat and pressure sensors. Additionally, both devices are available in 125°C variants for reliable performance in harsh environments.