Microchip AT90CAN128-16MUR: A Comprehensive Guide to the 16MHz AVR Microcontroller with CAN Interface
The Microchip AT90CAN128-16MUR stands as a powerful and highly integrated 8-bit microcontroller, purpose-built for sophisticated applications requiring robust network communication. As a member of the venerable AVR family, it combines high performance with the industry-standard Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol, making it an ideal solution for automotive systems, industrial automation, and other demanding embedded environments.
Architectural Overview and Core Features
At its heart, the AT90CAN128-16MUR is driven by the advanced AVR RISC architecture. The core executes powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, allowing it to achieve throughputs approaching 1 MIPS per MHz. This efficiency ensures that the microcontroller can handle complex tasks even at its maximum operating frequency of 16MHz, balancing processing power with low power consumption.
Its most defining feature is the integrated CAN controller (CAN 2.0A and 2.0B compliant). This on-chip module includes 15 dedicated message objects with identifier masks, significantly offloading the CPU from the intensive overhead of message handling and filtering. This allows for the design of reliable multi-node networks without requiring external CAN controller chips.
The device is equipped with a substantial 128KB of in-system self-programmable Flash memory for code storage, 4KB of SRAM for data handling, and 4KB of EEPROM for retaining critical data without power. This extensive memory space is crucial for managing the communication stacks and application code required in complex systems.
Key Peripherals and Capabilities
Beyond its communication strengths, the AT90CAN128 is a peripheral-rich microcontroller. It features:
A JTAG interface for advanced debugging and boundary-scan capabilities.
53 programmable I/O lines for interfacing with sensors, actuators, and other external components.
An 8-channel, 10-bit ADC for precise analog signal acquisition.
Multiple timers/counters with PWM support, ideal for motor control and waveform generation.
Dual USARTs, SPI, and a Two-wire Serial Interface (I2C) for a variety of serial communication needs.
The part number suffix ‘16MUR’ specifies a 16MHz operating frequency and a 44-pin VQFP package, which is lead-free and suitable for surface-mount assembly.
Target Applications
The unique blend of processing power, extensive memory, and the integrated CAN bus makes this microcontroller exceptionally suited for:
Automotive Control Units: Body control modules, sensor gateways, and lighting systems.
Industrial Networking: Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) I/O modules, sensor nodes, and factory automation systems.
Medical Equipment: Where reliable and deterministic communication between subsystems is paramount.
Marine and Aeronautical Electronics: For robust data exchange in harsh environments.
Development Ecosystem
Designing with the AT90CAN128 is supported by a mature ecosystem. Microchip’s Atmel Studio (now transitioning to MPLAB X IDE) provides a comprehensive coding, compiling, and debugging environment. A wide range of evaluation boards and the extensive AVR-GCC compiler support further accelerate development, allowing engineers to leverage a vast repository of open-source code and libraries.
The Microchip AT90CAN128-16MUR is a high-integration, high-performance 8-bit microcontroller that remains a compelling choice for developers building robust networked systems. Its powerful combination of AVR RISC core performance, extensive memory, and a dedicated on-chip CAN controller provides a single-chip solution that reduces system complexity and cost. For applications demanding reliable communication in electrically noisy environments, the AT90CAN128 continues to offer a proven and capable platform.
Keywords: CAN Controller, AVR Microcontroller, 16MHz, Embedded Networking, Industrial Automation
