When consumer electronics devices spring up in recent decades, the demand for Atmega32u4 dramatically increases. This text will explore what it is, how it features, and where it is applied.
What Is Atmega32u4?
The ATmega32U4 is a powerful, user-friendly, and highly integrated micro-controller, which is widely applied in embedded systems requiring USB connectivity and complex communications. The ATMega32U4 is a low-power 8-bit AVR RISC-based micro-controller distinguished by 2.5KB SRAM, 1KB EEPROM, 32KB self-programming flash program memory, 12-channel 10-bit A/D-converter, USB 2.0 full-speed/low-speed device, and JTAG interface for on-chip-debug.
ATmega32U4 Datasheet
| Category | 8-bit AVR Micro-controller | Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 32KB | CPU Speed (MIPS/DMIPS) | 16 |
| SRAM | 2560B | Data EEPROM/HEF | 1024bytes |
| Digital Communication Peripherals | 1-UART, 2-SPI, 1-I2C | Capture/Compare/PWM Peripherals | 2 Input Capture, 2 CCP, 12PWM |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 2 x 16-bit | Number of Comparators | 1 |
| Number of USB Modules | 1, Full Speed | Temperature Range | -40 to 85°C |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.7 to 5.5V | Pin Count | 44 |
Features of Atmega32u4
Versatile Pinout
| Pin No. | Pin Name | Pin No. | Pin Name |
| 1 | (INT6/AINO)PE6 | 23 | GND1 |
| 2 | UVcc | 24 | AVCC |
| 3 | D- | 25 | (ICP1/ADC8)PD4 |
| 4 | D+ | 26 | (T1/#OC4D/ADC9)PD6 |
| 5 | UGnd | 27 | (T0/OC4D/ADC10)PD7 |
| 6 | UCap | 28 | (ADC11/PCINT4)PB4 |
| 7 | VBus | 29 | (PCINT5/OC1A/#OC4B/ADC12)PB5 |
| 8 | (SS/PCINT0)PB0 | 30 | (PCINT6/OC1B/OC4B/ADC13)PB6 |
| 9 | (PCINT1/SCLK)PB1 | 31 | (OC3A/OC4A)PC6 |
| 10 | (PDI/PCINT2/MOSI)PB2 | 32 | (ICP3/CLK0/OC4A)PC7 |
| 11 | (PDO/PCINT3/MISO)PB3 | 33 | (#HWB)PE2 |
| 12 | (PCINT7/OC0A/OC1C/#RTS)PB7 | 34 | Vcc1 |
| 13 | RESET | 35 | GND2 |
| 14 | Vcc | 36 | (ADC7/TDI)PF7 |
| 15 | GND | 37 | (ADC6/TDO)PF6 |
| 16 | XTAL2 | 38 | (ADC5/TMS)PF5 |
| 17 | XTAL1 | 39 | (ADC4/TCK)PF4 |
| 18 | (OCOB/SCL/INT0)PD0 | 40 | (ADC1)PF1 |
| 19 | (SDA/INT1)PD1 | 41 | (ADC0)PF0 |
| 20 | (RX D1/AIN1/INT2)PD2 | 42 | AREF |
| 21 | (TXD1/INT3)PD3 | 43 | GND3 |
| 22 | (XCK1/#CTS)PD5 | 44 | AVCC1 |
To sum up, there are total 44 versatile pins equipped on it. Two of them can be used as VCC and four of them can be used as GND. Fourteen pins can serve as digital function, including seven pins for PWM. More and more, ATmega32U4 comes with one MOSI pins, one MISO pins and one HWB pins. They allow user’s access and loading program. Further, it can be even used as common GPIO. Last, it has one UART output, four SPI and one I2C pin.
What Is the Current Consumption of ATmega32u4?
ATmega32u4 is an 8-bit micro-controller, which is mainly applied in low power consumption. It has a 16MHz crystal. Measuring by a multi-meter, the power consumption is at 40mA, which is very suitable for tiny device such as electronics toys and USB controller. What’ more, it is equipped with a USB interface for direct connection to PC.
Does ATmega32u4 Come With Bootloader?
There is no Bootloader in ATmega32u4, but it has excellent compatibility of bootloader programming. Meanwhile, the programming steps is not so complicated.
- Prepare USBASP downloader.
- Install USBASP driver.
- Connect USBASP to ATmega32u4. Leave three NC pins alone.
- Plug USBASP into computer and open progisp software. In the operating interface, select chip first. Then click RD Button. Don’t forget to click the … button to set up fuse position, since this button is at a unimpressive corner. After click import flash for loading firmware, you can click the automatic programming button. There will be a reminder of successful programming after a while.
Two Packages Available
It comes with two types of packages, ATMEGA321A-MU for QFN and ATMEGA32U4-AU for TQFP. The biggest difference between them is pin distance and shape. QFN is flat and comes with pins that are soldering on the bottom, while TQFP is a rectangle package with 0.5mm-interval pins. Though they are various in packages and pins, their functions are the same.
Excellent Flash Memory
It has 32KB flash memory, 2.5KB SRAM and 1KB EEPROM. When data store in flash memory, device performs quickly. Additionally, large flash memory not only greatly reduces I/O bottleneck which waste the life cycle of CPU, but also results in bad performance of specific function.
Application in Circuit Board Field
- Development board: Arduino Micro, based on ATmega32U4, is co-developed with Adafruit. It has 20 digital input/output pins (7 of which can be used as PWM outputs and 12 as analog inputs), 16 MHz crystal oscillator, micro USB connection, ICSP head, and reset button. Moreover, its size is properly match to breadboard. Just connect it to your computer by micro USB cable, it is completely ready for starting using. The ATmega32U4 has built-in USB communication, eliminating the need for an auxiliary processor. This allows the Micro to appear as a mouse and keyboard on connected computers, in addition to the function of analog (CDC) serial and COM ports.
- Consumer Electronics PCB: Its good performance and abundant resource contributes to smart and efficient function. Arduino ATmega32u4 can be used in Set-top box, smart loudspeaker, digital camera and game pad board.
- Telecom PCB: Thanks to its USB interface and communication interface, the speed and stability of data delivery and process are greatly improved. Thus, it enjoys great popularity in wifi router and wireless base station board.
- Automatic industrial PCB: Quick calculation of the device fits it into PLC controllers, industrial metering device and smart electric machine controller PCB.
Takeaway
Undoubtedly, Atmega32u4 is an useful device and gain huge popularity in integrated circuits, with its satisfying features. And still, we believe that this trend will not fade away in the future as long as smart consumer electronics keep strong in the market. If you would like to engage in this hopeful field, please feel free to contact us.
