Microchip AT90CAN32-16AU: A Comprehensive Technical Overview

The Microchip AT90CAN32-16AU stands as a robust and highly integrated 8-bit microcontroller, purpose-built for applications demanding reliable and sophisticated network connectivity, particularly within industrial automation, automotive systems, and other embedded control environments. Its core strength lies in the seamless integration of a Controller Area Network (CAN) controller, a communication protocol renowned for its exceptional noise immunity and peer-to-peer networking capabilities.

At the heart of this device is the high-performance AVR RISC architecture. The core executes powerful instructions in a single clock cycle, achieving a throughput of up to 16 MIPS at the maximum operating frequency of 16 MHz. This ensures a potent balance between processing speed and power consumption, making it suitable for complex real-time control tasks.

The integrated CAN module is a cornerstone feature. It is a full-functional CAN controller compliant with the CAN 2.0 A and B specifications, supporting data rates up to 1 Mbit/s. This module handles all message framing, arbitration, error detection, and signaling, significantly offloading the CPU and simplifying the development of robust networked nodes. With 15 dedicated message objects with individual identifiers masks, it provides ample flexibility for filtering and managing network traffic.

Memory resources are substantial for an 8-bit MCU. It is equipped with 32KB of In-System Self-Programmable Flash memory for application code, 2KB of internal SRAM for data handling, and 1KB of EEPROM for non-volatile storage of critical parameters. This memory configuration supports fairly complex programs and data processing requirements.

The peripheral set is rich and diverse, featuring:

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

An 8-channel, 10-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) for sensor interfacing.

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

A programmable watchdog timer and an on-chip analog comparator.

Housed in a 64-pin TQFP package, the AT90CAN32-16AU offers an extensive number of I/O lines, allowing it to interface directly with a wide array of sensors, actuators, and other components. It supports a wide operating voltage range from 2.7V to 5.5V and features advanced power-saving modes, including idle, power-down, and power-save, which are essential for battery-powered or energy-sensitive applications.

ICGOOODFIND

The Microchip AT90CAN32-16AU is an exceptional and self-contained solution for developers building nodes for CAN-based networks. Its combination of a powerful AVR core, a mature and robust CAN controller, extensive memory, and a comprehensive peripheral set makes it a compelling choice for designing reliable and efficient embedded control systems in demanding electrical environments.

Keywords:

1. CAN Controller

2. AVR RISC Architecture

3. Embedded Systems

4. 10-bit ADC

5. In-System Programmable Flash