Introduction to Attiny85 Microcontroller 2023

The ATtiny85 microcontroller is a powerful yet compact electronic component that has gained popularity in various electronics projects. Developed by Microchip Technology, the ATtiny85 is part of the AVR family of microcontrollers and offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Despite its small size, the ATtiny85 microcontroller packs a punch with its 8-bit RISC architecture, multiple I/O pins, and versatile functionality.

In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and applications of the ATtiny85 microcontroller, providing valuable insights for electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals. Understanding the capabilities and advantages of the ATtiny85 microcontroller will empower you to design and develop innovative electronic projects with enhanced functionality and performance.

Attiny85 Microcontroller Desciption

The ATtiny85 microcontroller is a small, low-power chip developed by Atmel, which is now part of Microchip Technology. It belongs to the AVR family of microcontrollers and is known for its compact size, low cost, and versatility. The "AT" in the name stands for Atmel, while "tiny" indicates its small form factor.

Features of Attiny85 microcontroller:

• Compact Size: The ATtiny85 is available in a small form factor, with only 8 pins, making it suitable for space-constrained designs and compact electronic devices.
• Low Power Consumption: It is designed to operate efficiently with low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-powered or energy-efficient applications. It offers power-saving sleep modes and other features to minimize power usage.
• Flash Memory: The ATtiny85 has 8 kilobytes (KB) of in-system programmable Flash memory, allowing for storing program code directly on the microcontroller.
• SRAM and EEPROM: It includes 512 bytes of SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) for variable and temporary data storage and 512 bytes of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) for non-volatile data storage.
• I/O Pins: The ATtiny85 has 6 general-purpose I/O pins, which can be configured as inputs or outputs, allowing for connectivity and interfacing with external devices, sensors, and peripherals.
• Timers/Counters: It features two 8-bit timers/counters with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) support. These timers can be used for accurate timing operations, generating waveforms, and controlling external devices.
• Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): The microcontroller has an integrated ADC, allowing it to convert analog signals into digital values. This feature enables measurement and processing of analog signals from sensors and other sources.
• Communication Interfaces: The ATtiny85 supports Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication, enabling interaction with other devices such as sensors, displays, and other microcontrollers.
• Clock Speed: It can operate at a maximum clock speed of 20 MHz, allowing for efficient and fast execution of instructions.
• Development Ecosystem: The ATtiny85 is well-supported by development tools and software environments, including the Arduino IDE, making it accessible and easy to use for developers and hobbyists.

Attiny85 microcontroller Pinout

Here's the pin configuration of the ATtiny85 microcontroller along with their functionalities:

• Pin 1 (PB5): PCINT5, ADC0, dW, RESET
• Pin 2 (PB3): XTAL1, CLKI, ADC3, OC1B, PCINT3
• Pin 3 (PB4): XTAL2, CLKO, ADC2, OC1B, PCINT4
• Pin 4 (GND): Ground (Negative Supply)
• Pin 5 (PB0): AIN0, MOSI, OC1A, OC0A, DI, AREF, SDA, PCINT0
• Pin 6 (PB1): MISO, AIN1, OC0B, OC1A, DO, PCINT1
• Pin 7 (PB2): SCK, ADC1, T0, SCL, PCINT2
• Pin 8 (VCC): Voltage Supply

Attiny85 Microcontroller Price

The price of the ATtiny85 microcontroller can vary depending on various factors such as the supplier, quantity purchased, and any additional components or development boards included in the package. The ATtiny85 was generally available in the range of $1 to $3 per unit when purchased individually. However, prices may vary, and it's advisable to check with suppliers or Embedic for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information. 

ATtiny85 Microcontroller Architecture

The ATtiny85 microcontroller is based on the AVR architecture, specifically the AVR 8-bit RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture. Here are some key features of the ATtiny85 architecture:

8-bit Data Path: The ATtiny85 processes data in 8-bit chunks, allowing it to perform operations on 8-bit binary values.

Harvard Architecture: It follows the Harvard architecture, which means it has separate instruction and data memory spaces. This separation allows simultaneous access to program instructions and data, improving performance.

RISC Design: The ATtiny85 employs a RISC design philosophy, focusing on simplicity and efficiency. It uses a small set of instructions, each taking one clock cycle for execution, resulting in fast and predictable operation.

Flash Memory: The ATtiny85 has built-in Flash memory for program storage. It can be programmed and reprogrammed in-system, enabling flexibility in application development.

SRAM and EEPROM: It features on-chip SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) for temporary data storage and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) for non-volatile data storage.

Register File: The ATtiny85 has a register file that contains 32 general-purpose 8-bit registers. These registers are used for data manipulation and temporary storage during program execution.

Interrupts: The microcontroller supports interrupts, allowing it to respond to external events and handle them with minimal latency. It has multiple interrupt sources and provides mechanisms for interrupt handling and prioritization.

Peripherals: The ATtiny85 includes various peripherals, such as timers/counters, analog-to-digital converters (ADC), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) units, and communication interfaces like SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

Power Management: The microcontroller incorporates power-saving features to minimize energy consumption. It supports sleep modes, allowing the device to enter low-power states when idle or not actively processing instructions.

ATtiny85 Microcontroller Circuit Diagram

Attiny85 Microcontroller Application

Advantages and Disadvantages of Attiny85 Microcontroller

Advantages of ATtiny85 Microcontroller:

• Compact Size: The small form factor of the ATtiny85 makes it ideal for applications with limited space or where miniaturization is a priority.
• Low Power Consumption: The microcontroller is designed for low power operation, making it suitable for battery-powered or energy-efficient devices, extending battery life.
• Cost-Effective: The ATtiny85 is an affordable microcontroller, making it a budget-friendly choice for projects and applications.
• Integrated Peripherals: It includes built-in peripherals such as timers/counters, PWM, ADC, and communication interfaces, reducing the need for external components and simplifying the overall system design.
• Programming Flexibility: The ATtiny85 can be programmed using various development tools and software environments, including the popular Arduino IDE, offering a wide range of programming options for developers.
• Compatibility: It is compatible with the extensive AVR ecosystem, providing access to a wealth of resources, libraries, and community support.

Disadvantages of ATtiny85 Microcontroller:

• Limited Resources: The ATtiny85 has a smaller amount of Flash memory (8KB) and limited RAM (512 bytes) compared to more advanced microcontrollers. This limitation can restrict the complexity and size of programs and the amount of data that can be processed.
• Fewer I/O Pins: With only 6 general-purpose I/O pins, the ATtiny85 may have limitations when it comes to interfacing with multiple external devices or sensors in complex projects.
• Reduced Processing Power: The ATtiny85 operates at a lower clock speed compared to more powerful microcontrollers. This can limit its ability to handle computationally intensive tasks or real-time applications.
• Lack of Advanced Features: The microcontroller lacks certain advanced features, such as hardware multiply-accumulate (MAC) instructions or floating-point arithmetic support, which may be required for specific applications.
• Limited Community Support: While the ATtiny85 has a strong community following, it may not have the same level of extensive resources, libraries, and documentation available as some other microcontroller platforms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ATtiny85 microcontroller is a powerful and versatile component that opens up a world of possibilities in electronics projects. With its compact size, low power consumption, and rich feature set, the ATtiny85 offers a cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications. Whether you are a hobbyist, a student, or a professional engineer, exploring the capabilities of the ATtiny85 microcontroller will enable you to create innovative and efficient electronic designs.

Stay updated with the latest advancements in microcontroller technology, explore datasheets and technical documentation, and unleash the potential of the ATtiny85 microcontroller in your projects. Embrace the power and versatility of the ATtiny85 microcontroller, and unlock new levels of creativity and functionality in your electronic designs.