Microchip Technology ATAVRBFLY

Overview

ATAVRBFLY from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is an AVR Butterfly evaluation kit built around the ATmega169V microcontroller in MLF-64 package. It integrates an LCD-on-glass display (120 segments), 4-direction joystick with center push, piezo sound element, NTC thermistor, LDR light sensor, 32 kHz crystal for RTC, 4 Mbit AT45DB041B DataFlash, and RS-232 level converter - enabling rapid prototyping of low-power embedded applications including environmental monitoring and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the ATAVRBFLY datasheet, ATAVRBFLY pinout, ATAVRBFLY application, or ATAVRBFLY equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, key specifications, supply support, and manufacturer background - all grounded in the official AVR Butterfly User Guide (4271C–AVR–04/05) and schematic documentation.

Technical Context

The ATAVRBFLY implements a self-contained, battery-powered evaluation platform centered on the ATmega169V MCU - featuring integrated LCD controller driving 120-segment glass display, 10-bit ADC with six channels (including dedicated inputs for temperature and light sensing), and multiple programming interfaces: UART bootloader, ISP (6-pin), JTAG ICE, and USI. Its hardware supports real-time clock operation via external 32.768 kHz crystal and voltage measurement (0–5 V, ±0.1 V accuracy).

It provides dual communication paths: RS-232 (via on-board MAX232-level converter) for PC connectivity and USI (USCK/SCL, DI/SDA, DO) for peripheral expansion. The preloaded firmware includes name-tag, clock/calendar, temperature/light/voltage readings, melody playback, auto power-save, and LCD contrast adjustment - all executable without external hardware.

Key Specifications

Availability

ATAVRBFLY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded education, low-power sensor node development, and AVR architecture training requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain compatibility.

Supply support for ATAVRBFLY includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full support for legacy AVR development tools and documentation. The company specializes in microcontrollers, analog, and Flash-IP solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The ATAVRBFLY belongs to Atmel's AVR Butterfly product line - designed explicitly to demonstrate low-power design, peripheral integration (LCD, sensors, DataFlash), and multiple programming methods (bootloader, ISP, JTAG) for the ATmega169 family.

FAQ

What is the primary microcontroller used on the ATAVRBFLY evaluation kit?

The ATAVRBFLY evaluation kit uses the ATmega169V-1MC microcontroller in MLF-64 package. This device features 16 KB Flash, 512 B EEPROM, 1 KB SRAM, integrated LCD controller, 10-bit ADC, USART, SPI, USI, JTAG interface, and real-time clock support - all confirmed in the official AVR Butterfly User Guide (4271C–AVR–04/05) and schematics.

Does the ATAVRBFLY include on-board sensors, and what are their specifications?

Yes, the ATAVRBFLY includes two calibrated on-board sensors: an NTC thermistor (measuring –10°C to +60°C with ±1°C accuracy) and an LDR light-dependent resistor. Both connect directly to ADC channels PF0 and PF1 of the ATmega169V, enabling immediate environmental sensing without external signal conditioning - as documented in Section 3.6 of the user guide.

Can the ATAVRBFLY be reprogrammed without external hardware, and how?

Yes, the ATAVRBFLY can be reprogrammed without external hardware using its built-in UART bootloader and RS-232 level converter. Firmware updates are performed via serial connection to a PC using AVR Studio 4 and AVR Prog - no ISP programmer or JTAG ICE required. This capability is enabled by the ATmega169V's self-programming feature and confirmed in Sections 2.4 and 3.7 of the user guide.

What type of display does the ATAVRBFLY use, and how is it driven?

The ATAVRBFLY uses a 120-segment LCD-on-glass display driven directly by the ATmega169V's integrated LCD controller. No external driver IC is needed - segment and common lines are hardwired to MCU pins PF[7..4], PB[7..0], and PE[7..0]. The display is identical to that used on the STK502 development board, and bit-mapping details are provided in AVR Application Notes AVR064 and AVR065.

Is external power supported on the ATAVRBFLY, and what are the voltage requirements?

Yes, external power is supported via pins 9 and 10 on PORTB and PORTD headers. The ATAVRBFLY accepts 3.1 V to 4.5 V DC input - recommended when using JTAG debugging to preserve the CR2450 battery. A Schottky diode prevents back-feeding and accidental battery charging, as specified in Section 3.11 and Figure 3-10 of the user guide.