Introduction to ATTINY45
The ATTINY45 is an 8-bit microcontroller that belongs to Atmel’s AVR series. It comes in a compact 8-pin package, making it ideal for space-constrained applications. With its low power consumption and rich set of peripherals, the ATTINY45 is a popular choice for hobbyists, engineers, and embedded systems enthusiasts.
Key Features of ATTINY45
- 8-bit AVR architecture
- 4KB flash memory
- 256 bytes EEPROM
- 256 bytes SRAM
- 8-pin DIP or SOIC package
- Operating voltage range: 1.8V to 5.5V
- Operating frequency up to 20MHz
- Low power consumption
- Programmable via ISP (In-System Programming)
ATTINY45 Pinout
To effectively utilize the ATTINY45, it’s essential to understand its pinout and the functions of each pin. Let’s take a closer look at the ATTINY45 pinout diagram and pin descriptions.
ATTINY45 Pinout Diagram
ATTINY45 Pin Descriptions
| Pin | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PB5 | Port B, Pin 5 (PCINT5/RESET/ADC0/dW) |
| 2 | PB3 | Port B, Pin 3 (PCINT3/XTAL1/CLKI/OC1B/ADC3) |
| 3 | PB4 | Port B, Pin 4 (PCINT4/XTAL2/CLKO/OC1B/ADC2) |
| 4 | GND | Ground |
| 5 | PB0 | Port B, Pin 0 (MOSI/DI/SDA/AIN0/OC0A/PCINT0) |
| 6 | PB1 | Port B, Pin 1 (MISO/DO/AIN1/OC0B/INT0/PCINT1) |
| 7 | PB2 | Port B, Pin 2 (SCK/USCK/SCL/ADC1/T0/INT0/PCINT2) |
| 8 | VCC | Supply Voltage |
Each pin of the ATTINY45 serves multiple functions, providing flexibility in pin usage based on your project requirements.
ATTINY45 Peripherals
The ATTINY45 offers a range of built-in peripherals that enhance its functionality and enable various applications. Let’s explore some of the key peripherals available on this microcontroller.
GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output)
The ATTINY45 provides 6 programmable GPIO pins (PB0 to PB5) that can be configured as inputs or outputs. These pins allow you to interface with external devices, sensors, and actuators.
ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter)
The ATTINY45 features a 10-bit ADC that enables analog-to-digital conversion on pins PB5, PB2, PB4, and PB3. This allows you to measure analog signals and convert them into digital values for further processing.
Timer/Counter
The ATTINY45 includes an 8-bit Timer/Counter (Timer0) and a 16-bit Timer/Counter (Timer1). These timers can be used for generating precise time delays, PWM signals, and capturing external events.
USART (Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter)
Although the ATTINY45 doesn’t have a dedicated USART module, it can emulate USART functionality using software libraries. This enables serial communication with other devices or a host computer.
SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface)
The ATTINY45 supports SPI communication through its USI (Universal Serial Interface) module. This allows you to interface with SPI-compatible devices such as sensors, displays, and memory modules.
I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)
Similar to SPI, the ATTINY45 can emulate I2C communication using software libraries and the USI module. This enables communication with I2C-compatible devices like EEPROMs, sensors, and real-time clocks.
Programming the ATTINY45
To develop applications for the ATTINY45, you’ll need to set up a programming environment and choose a suitable programming method. Here are a few popular options:
Arduino IDE
The Arduino IDE is a beginner-friendly option for programming the ATTINY45. You can use the “ATtiny Core” extension to add ATTINY45 support to the Arduino IDE. This allows you to write code in the familiar Arduino language and upload it to the ATTINY45 using an ISP programmer.
Atmel Studio
Atmel Studio is a professional-grade IDE provided by Atmel (now part of Microchip). It offers a comprehensive development environment for AVR microcontrollers, including the ATTINY45. With Atmel Studio, you can write code in C/C++, debug your programs, and program the ATTINY45 using various programming methods.
ISP (In-System Programming)
ISP is a common programming method for the ATTINY45. It allows you to program the microcontroller while it’s mounted on the target board. You’ll need an ISP programmer, such as the AVR ISP or USBasp, to connect your computer to the ATTINY45’s ISP pins (MOSI, MISO, SCK, and RESET).
Example Projects
To showcase the capabilities of the ATTINY45, let’s explore a few example projects that demonstrate its various features.
LED Blinky
A classic project to get started with the ATTINY45 is the LED Blinky. This project involves connecting an LED to one of the GPIO pins and creating a program to blink the LED at a specified interval.
Temperature Sensor
By connecting a temperature sensor, such as the LM35 or DS18B20, to the ATTINY45’s ADC pin, you can create a temperature monitoring system. The ATTINY45 can read the analog voltage from the sensor, convert it to a digital value, and display the temperature on an LCD or send it over serial communication.
Servo Motor Control
The ATTINY45 can generate PWM signals to control servo motors. By connecting a servo motor to one of the PWM-capable pins and writing the appropriate code, you can control the position and movement of the servo motor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
What is the difference between ATTINY45 and ATTINY85?
The ATTINY45 and ATTINY85 are similar microcontrollers, but the ATTINY85 has twice the amount of flash memory (8KB) compared to the ATTINY45 (4KB). Other than that, they have the same pinout and peripheral features. -
Can I program the ATTINY45 using the Arduino IDE?
Yes, you can program the ATTINY45 using the Arduino IDE by installing the “ATtiny Core” extension. This allows you to write code in the Arduino language and upload it to the ATTINY45 using an ISP programmer. -
What is the maximum operating frequency of the ATTINY45?
The maximum operating frequency of the ATTINY45 is 20MHz when powered with a supply voltage of 4.5V to 5.5V. At lower voltages, the maximum frequency is reduced. -
How many PWM channels does the ATTINY45 have?
The ATTINY45 has two PWM channels available on pins PB0 (OC0A) and PB1 (OC0B). These pins can generate PWM signals with a resolution of up to 8 bits. -
Can I use the ATTINY45 for battery-powered applications?
Yes, the ATTINY45 is well-suited for battery-powered applications due to its low power consumption. It has various sleep modes and power-saving features that can help extend battery life.
Conclusion
The ATTINY45 is a versatile and powerful microcontroller that offers a wide range of features in a compact package. With its rich set of peripherals, including GPIO, ADC, timers, and communication interfaces, the ATTINY45 is capable of handling a variety of embedded applications.
By understanding the ATTINY45 pinout, its functionalities, and programming options, you can unleash its potential and create innovative projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced embedded systems developer, the ATTINY45 provides a solid foundation for building smart and efficient solutions.
So, grab an ATTINY45, start experimenting, and let your creativity shine through your projects!
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